System and method for triggering data channel setup in user equipment using operation, management and maintenance device management

Abstract

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for triggering and performing data channel setup in a user equipment are provided. In the context of a method, the method includes obtaining a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information regarding whether a User Equipment (UE) is allowed to establish an IMS data channel. The method further includes generating an IMS DC setup decision based at least in part on the data object. The method also includes performing an action based at least in part on the IMS DC establishment decision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments generally relate to techniques for triggering and performing data channel establishment in a user equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional communication systems, the initiation of data channel (DC) establishment is left to the individual user equipment (UE) specific implementation. Since all UEs using Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) on Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) always establish the bootstrapping data channel in parallel with their associated MMTel audio / video sessions, this approach can lead to undesirable consequences such as resource waste. Furthermore, this situation can result in unpredictable use of (multiple) DCs without operator control. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to example embodiments, a method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided to trigger data channel (DC) establishment in a user equipment (UE) using Operation, Management and Maintenance Device Management (OAM DM). In various embodiments, this method, apparatus, and computer program product provide an improved solution for triggering DC channel establishment in a UE, overcoming the challenges of conventional DC methods where DC establishment is degraded to a UE-specific implementation. For example, in roaming situations or in specific devices or device types, operators may wish to disable or enable DC usage. As another example, an operator may wish to guide the UE to use only one bootstrap DC during its Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) registration lifetime, or only once during its IMS MMTel session lifetime. In various embodiments, the DC channel establishment triggering solution of this disclosure implements functionality that is unavailable or impossible in prior methods. For example, this method, apparatus, and computer program product can allow Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) operators to configure the UE regarding when it establishes a DC for bootstrap purposes. As another example, this method, apparatus, and computer program product can allow HPLMN operators to control whether and how a UE performs (DC) setup during an IMS session. This can allow operators to disable DC for certain UEs or in roaming use cases and force the UE to use only one boot DC to download applications during the IMS registration timeline.

[0004] In various embodiments, the described DC establishment triggering solution allows the HPLMN to control UE behavior regarding whether and when the UE establishes a data channel (DC). For example, the method, apparatus, and computer program product can trigger the establishment of a bootstrap DC for downloading a user-specific list of applications and individual applications (e.g., HTML pages). In one or more embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product provide a mechanism for triggering DC channel establishment, which may be referred to as an IMS data channel processing strategy. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product use OMA Device Management (OMA DM) to configure parameters and / or behaviors in the UE, including (i) the UE should not establish an IMS DC, (ii) the UE establishes an IMS DC when an MMTel session associated with the UE is established, (iii) the UE establishes an IMS DC only when it is in the HPLMN, and (iv) the UE establishes an IMS DC only once during the IMS registration lifetime or during the MMTel session lifetime. In some embodiments, OMA DM is a set of protocols running on the user plane. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product configure one or more of the previously listed parameters and / or behaviors in a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). In some embodiments, as an alternative to or supplement to using OMA DM, the method, apparatus, and computer program product use other protocols or means to configure parameters and / or behaviors in the UE or UICC (e.g., and potentially other DC-related information, such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL), where available DC applications and a list of associated parameters are downloaded). For example, other protocols or means may include Non-Access Stratum (NAS) control plane signaling, Short Message Service (SMS) services, and / or User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rules.

[0005] In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to perform one or more conditional operations when (i) the UE establishes an IMS MMTel session, (ii) the UE supports DC, and (iii) the UE is configured with an IMS data channel for processing configuration policies (e.g., via OMA DM). In some embodiments, in a first conditional instance, the method, apparatus, or computer program product determines whether the IMS DC processing policy indicates that IMS DC should not be turned on. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the IMS DC processing policy indicates that IMS DC should not be turned on, the method, apparatus, or computer program product prevents the UE from turning on DC (e.g., or otherwise configures the UE to not turn on IMS DC).

[0006] In some embodiments, in a second conditional instance, the method, apparatus, or computer program product determines whether the IMSDC processing policy instructs that the IMS DC be opened when an MMTel session associated with the UE is established (e.g., and if the network has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process). In some embodiments, in response to determining that the IMS DC processing policy instructs that the IMS DC be opened when an IMS MMTel session is established (e.g., and the network has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process), the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to open the IMS DC in parallel with the IMS MMTel session.

[0007] In some embodiments, in a third conditional instance, the method, apparatus, or computer program product determines whether the IMSDC processing policy instructs that the IMSDC be enabled when in an HPLMN. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the IMSDC processing policy instructs that the IMSDC be enabled when in an HPLMN, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to enable the IMSDC only when registered in the home network.

[0008] In some embodiments, in a fourth conditional instance, the method, apparatus, or computer program product determines whether an IMSDC processing policy instructs the IMS DC to be opened only once during the IMS registration lifetime or the MMTel session lifetime. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the IMS DC processing policy instructs the IMS DC to be opened only once during the IMS registration lifetime or the MMTel session lifetime, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to open the IMS DC only once after initial IMS registration or after the establishment of an MMTel session associated with the UE. In some embodiments, in a fifth conditional instance, in response to determining that the UE is not configured with an IMS data channel processing policy, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to perform IMS data channel establishment based on the UE implementation. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to enter an IMS DC session only during or after multimedia session establishment. In some embodiments, the apparatus, method, or computer program product provides an IMS DC establishment solution where the UE can be configured by the HPLMN via the DM or in the UICC to control when the UE can initiate a DC establishment request. In various embodiments, the solution allows the HPLMN to (i) control whether and when a UE establishes a DC connection, and (ii) make this behavior consistent across multiple UEs.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product triggers the UE to establish an IMS data channel simultaneously with the establishment of an IMS audio / video session, or upgrades an ongoing IMS audio / video session to an IMS data channel session via re-INVITE. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product determines that a UE that has not yet subscribed to an IMS DC is attempting to establish an IMS DC simultaneously with an IMS MMTel session. In some embodiments, in response to this determination, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the IMS Application Server (IMS AS) to discard the UE's DC request and continue with the IMS MMTel session establishment. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the Data Channel Signaling Function (DCSF) to provide a URL via the IMS AS to the Data Channel Media Function (DCMF) or Multimedia Resource Function (MRF) during the data channel media resource reservation period for bootstrapping the data channel, enabling the download of a subscriber-specific graphical user interface to the UE via the bootstrapping data channel. In some embodiments, after the DCMF or MRF acting as an HTTP proxy receives an HTTP GET request containing a root (" / ") URL via a bootstrap data channel, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the DCMF or MRF to replace the root ("-") URL in the HTTP GET request with a subscriber-specific URL and forward the request to the DCSF to download the subscriber-specific graphical user interface to the UE. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product causes the UE to maintain an HTTP session state while interacting with the DCMF.

[0010] In some embodiments, information is required for binding a DC application to an associated DC to support multiple simultaneous DC applications in the UE. In some embodiments, binding information is allocated by the HPLMN or retrieved from the DC application provider when a DC application is uploaded to the DCSF. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, or computer program product configures a DC application profile associated with the binding information for the DCSF, which indicates a DC control policy (e.g., whether application DC establishment follows a P2P or P2A / A2P process). In some embodiments, the UE receives the binding information of the DC application via a bootstrap DC (e.g., when the DC application is downloaded to the UE). In some embodiments, the binding information is provided by the UE in an SDP offer when the UE is establishing an IMS application DC. In some embodiments, the IMS AS provides the binding information to the DCSF. In some embodiments, the DCSF can use the binding information to control application DC establishment. In various embodiments, this method, apparatus, or computer program product embodies or includes a DCSF.

[0011] In some embodiments, OMA DM is based on a client / server architecture, where the DM client is implemented on the UE. In some embodiments, the OMA DM server resides in the operator's core network. In some embodiments, an XML structure called a Management Object (MO) is used for data exchange. In some embodiments, OMA DM supports one or more data transmission protocols, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). In some embodiments, the communication protocol is a request / response protocol that provides authentication of the relevant parties. In some embodiments, communication is initiated by the OMA DM server via SMS. In some embodiments, the initial message from the DM server to the DM client (e.g., user equipment) is a notification message. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the DM client queries the DM server itself. In some embodiments, the first step of the provisioning phase is called "bootstrapping". In some embodiments, bootstrapping is required between the DM client and the DM server to establish a secure path between the two entities, thereby initiating a management session. In some embodiments, after successful execution of the bootstrapping process, a secure path is established between the DM client and the DM server, and other steps of the provisioning process are initiated. In some embodiments, during the management session, all relevant data is configured to the DM client. In some embodiments, the DM client and the DM server exchange message sequences to complete one or more DM tasks.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a method is provided, comprising (i) acquiring a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information regarding whether a User Equipment (UE) is permitted to establish an IMS Data Channel; (ii) generating an IMS DC establishment decision at least in part based on the data object; and (iii) performing an action at least in part based on the IMS DC establishment decision. In some embodiments, acquiring the data object includes receiving the data object from an operation, management, and maintenance management device. In some embodiments, acquiring the data object includes generating the data object at least in part based on Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) configuration data. In various embodiments, as used herein, the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) configuration data includes configuration data of the UICC.

[0013] In some embodiments, acquiring a data object includes acquiring the data object via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) control plane signaling. In some embodiments, acquiring a data object includes acquiring the data object via Short Message Service (SMS) service. In some embodiments, acquiring a data object includes generating the data object based at least in part on one or more User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rules. In various embodiments, as used herein, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data includes configuration data regarding the IMS DC. In one or more embodiments, as used herein, the IMS DC establishment decision includes a decision on whether to establish an IMS DC (e.g., whether the UE should establish an IMS DC).

[0014] In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should not be opened, and (ii) the action includes preventing the UE from establishing the IMS DC. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should not be opened when the UE determines that the UE is roaming, and (ii) the method further includes determining that the UE is roaming, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes preventing the UE from establishing the IMS DC if the UE is roaming. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the UE is authorized to open the IMS DC when a Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established, and (ii) the method further includes determining that an MMTel session associated with the UE is established, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes enabling the UE to establish the IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the UE is authorized to open IMS DC when a Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established and the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process, and (ii) the method further includes determining that the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process associated with the UE, wherein, in response to determining that the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process, the action includes causing the UE to establish IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that IMS DC is opened when the UE is registered in a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), and (ii) the method further includes determining that the UE is registered in an HPLMMN, wherein, in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish IMS DC if the UE is registered in an HPLMMN.

[0015] In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision instructs that the IMS DC be opened only once during the IMS registration lifetime or the MMTel session lifetime, and (ii) the method further includes determining that the UE has not yet established an IMS DC during the IMS registration lifetime or the MMTel session lifetime associated with the UE, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish an IMS DC. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision instructs that the IMS DC be opened when the UE is registered in one of a plurality of permitted Public Land Mobile Networks (VPLMNs), and (ii) the method further includes determining that the UE is registered in one of a plurality of permitted VPLMNs, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address from which one or more available DC applications for the UE are downloaded, wherein performing the action includes providing the URL address to the UE.

[0016] In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the UE to activate the IMS DC when the UE determines that the UE is located within at least one predetermined location, and (ii) the method further includes determining the location of the UE, and determining that the UE is located within at least one predetermined location based at least in part on the location of the UE, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the UE to activate the IMS DC in association with a predetermined time interval, and (ii) the method further includes determining that a time variable for the UE corresponds to the predetermined time interval, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC. In some embodiments, (i) the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the UE to activate the IMS DC in response to the presence of or association with one or more states or conditions in or with the UE, and (ii) the method further includes determining that one or more states or conditions exist in or are associated with the UE, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC. In some embodiments, one or more states or conditions include the UE's battery state.

[0017] As further described below, in some embodiments, one or more operations of the above methods are performed by an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to (i) acquire a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information about whether a User Equipment (UE) is permitted to establish an IMS Data Channel, (ii) generate an IMSDC establishment decision at least in part based on the data object, and (iii) perform an action at least in part based on the IMS DC establishment decision. In the same example, the apparatus may also perform other operations of the above methods and / or embody additional aspects of the above methods. In some embodiments, an apparatus configured to generate an IMS DC establishment decision and / or perform an action includes a device management server, wherein the device management server communicates with a memory or computing device configured to store the data object indicating the IMS DC configuration data. In some embodiments, a device configured to generate an IMS DC establishment decision and / or perform an action obtains a data object indicating IMS DC configuration data from a device management server, wherein the device management server communicates with a memory or computing device configured to store the data object indicating the IMS DC configuration data. In some embodiments, the device management server is configured to maintain multiple data objects, wherein (i) each data object indicates IMS DC configuration data for one of a plurality of UEs, and (ii) the IMS DC configuration data for each of the plurality of UEs may be the same or different IMS DC configuration data.

[0018] In various embodiments, as further described below, a computer program product is provided herein comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable program code instructions, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to perform one or more operations of the methods described above and / or embody additional aspects of the methods described above. For example, a computer program product may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable program code instructions, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to perform: (i) acquiring a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information regarding whether a User Equipment (UE) is permitted to establish an IMS Data Channel; (ii) generating an IMS DC establishment decision at least in part based on the data object; and (iii) performing an action at least in part based on the IMS DC establishment decision. In the same example, the program code instructions may also be configured to perform additional operations of the methods described above and / or embody additional aspects of the methods described above.

[0019] In various embodiments, as further described below, one or more operations of the above method are performed by an apparatus having components for performing one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include (i) components for acquiring a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information about whether a User Equipment (UE) is permitted to establish an IMS Data Channel, (ii) components for generating an IMS DC establishment decision at least in part based on the data object, and (iii) components for performing actions at least in part based on the IMS DC establishment decision. In the above example, the apparatus may embody additional aspects of the above method and / or include additional components for performing additional operations of the above method. Attached Figure Description

[0020] After a general description of certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of a communication system in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0022] Figure 2 The illustration shows a block diagram of an apparatus that can be configured according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3The illustration shows a signal diagram of a user equipment (UE) configuration using data channel (DC) related parameters of Operation, Management and Maintenance Device Management (OAMDM) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) data channel architecture with Data Channel Signaling Function (DCSF) and Data Channel Signaling Media Function (DCMF) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 5 This is an example flowchart of a data channel (DC) establishment process according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Some embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of the embodiments. In fact, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will meet applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals consistently refer to the same elements. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms are used interchangeably to refer to data that can be transmitted, received, and / or stored according to the described embodiments. Therefore, the use of any such terms should not be considered as limiting the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

[0027] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "circuit system" means (a) a purely hardware circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation in an analog circuit system and / or a digital circuit system); (b) a combination of circuitry and (multiple) computer program products, including software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media, which cooperate to cause a device to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) a circuitry, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which requires the software or firmware to function even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and / or portions thereof, along with accompanying software and / or firmware. As yet another example, for instance, the term "circuit system" as used herein also includes baseband integrated circuits or application processor integrated circuits for mobile phones, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network equipment, other network equipment (such as core network equipment), field-programmable gate arrays, and / or other computing devices.

[0028] The term "comprising" refers to, but is not limited to, the manner commonly used in the context of a patent, and should be interpreted accordingly. The use of broader terms such as "comprises," "includes," and "having" should be understood to support narrower terms such as "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," and "comprised substantially of." Furthermore, where the terms "includes" and "including" and their variations are used in the detailed description or claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to that of the term "comprising."

[0029] The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” etc., generally refer to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, but not necessarily in all embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, a specific feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure, such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., are used to mean “served as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation, aspect, or design described herein as an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to other implementations, aspects, or designs. Rather, the use of the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0031] If the specification specifies that a component or feature "may," "can," "may," "should," "will," "preferably," "possibly," "usually," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "will" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, then that particular component or feature does not need to be included or does not need to have that characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments or excluded.

[0032] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" refers to signals, non-transitory computer-readable media, etc. The term "non-transitory computer-readable medium" refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage devices, or non-transitory computer system memory that can be accessed by a controller, microcontroller, computing system, or module of a computing system to encode computer-executable instructions or software programs thereon. A computing system or module of a computing system can access a non-transitory "computer-readable medium" to retrieve and / or execute computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (e.g., one or more magnetic disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash drives), computer system memory, or random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, etc.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, a communication network 100 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication network 100 communicates with a plurality of user equipment (UE) 110 (e.g., also referred to as device management (DM) clients). For example, the network 100 may be deployed within a radio access architecture based on Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE Advanced, i.e., LTE-A) and / or New Radio (NR, 5G). However, the system may be deployed in other network architectures, including within other communication networks, including, for example, other communication networks to be developed in the future (e.g., sixth-generation (6G) networks), and any of many existing networks, including Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access networks (UTRAN, e-UTRAN, or NG-RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN or WiFi), Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, Personal Communication Services (PCS), ZigBee®, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems via Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or any combination thereof.

[0034] UE 110 can be any type of user terminal, terminal equipment, etc., to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned. For example, UE can be a portable computing device, such as a wireless mobile communication device, including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, device via wireless modem (alarm or measuring device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet computer, game console, laptop computer, and multimedia device. User equipment can also be referred to as subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE), to name just a few.

[0035] Network 100 may include multiple network devices. In some embodiments, communication network 100 communicates with one or more device management (DM) servers 120. In some embodiments, DM server 120 communicates with UE 110 to perform all or part of one or more functions, operations, or techniques of this method, apparatus, or computer program product. In various embodiments, DM server 120 maintains data objects indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data regarding whether UE 110 is permitted to establish an IMS data channel. In some embodiments, DM server 120 maintains multiple data objects indicating different IMS DC configuration data associated with different UEs 110. For example, for at least one UE 110, DM server 120 maintains a first data object indicating a first IMS DC configuration data regarding whether at least one UE 110 is permitted to establish an IMS data channel. As another example, for one or more secondary UEs 110, DM server 120 maintains a second data object indicating a second IMS DC configuration data regarding whether (multiple) secondary UEs 110 are permitted to establish an IMS data channel. In some embodiments, DM server 120 sends a data object to one or more UEs 110 indicating whether the UE(s) 110 is permitted to establish an IMS data channel, which may enable the UE(s) 110 to perform one or more operations, functions and / or aspects of the methods, computer program products and / or apparatuses described herein.

[0036] Figure 2 An example apparatus 200 according to one embodiment is shown. Apparatus 200 may be an embodiment of a network device, or may be embodied in or otherwise associated with a network device such as DM server 120. For example, the apparatus may be embodied in or otherwise associated with an application function (AF), multicast and broadcast session management function (MB-SMF), and / or multicast and broadcast user plane function (MB-UPF). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, apparatus 200 is an embodiment of user equipment 110.

[0037] Regardless of the device embodying apparatus 200, the apparatus may include processor 202, memory 204, and network interface 206. Apparatus 200 may be configured to perform the operations described herein. While these components are described in relation to the performance of various functions, it should be understood that a particular implementation necessarily involves the use of particular hardware. It should also be understood that some of these components may include similar or general-purpose hardware. For example, two sets of circuit systems may utilize the same processor, network interface, storage medium, etc., to perform their related functions, thus eliminating the need to provide duplicate hardware for each set of circuit systems.

[0038] In some embodiments, processor 202 (and / or coprocessor, or auxiliary processor, or any other processing circuitry system otherwise associated with the processor) may communicate with memory 204 via a bus to transfer information between components of the device. Memory 204 is non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, memory 204 may be, for example, an electronic storage device (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Memory 204 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc., enabling the device to perform various functions according to the example embodiments disclosed herein.

[0039] Processor 202 can be embodied in a variety of different ways and may include, for example, one or more processing devices configured to execute independently. In some non-limiting embodiments, processor 202 may include one or more processors configured in series via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelines, and / or multithreading. The term "processor" can be understood to include a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors within the device, and / or a remote or "cloud" processor.

[0040] In some embodiments, processor 202 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 204 and / or in a circuit system otherwise accessible to processor 202. In some embodiments, processor 202 may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. Thus, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, processor 202 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in a circuit system) capable of performing operations according to embodiments disclosed herein when configured accordingly. Alternatively, as another example, when processor 202 embodies an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0041] In some embodiments, device 200 may optionally include an input / output circuitry system that can communicate with processor 202 to provide output to a user and / or other entities, and in some implementations, receive input indications. The input / output circuitry system may include a user interface and may include a display, and may include a network user interface, mobile application, query-initiating computing device, kiosk, etc. In some embodiments, the input / output circuitry system may also include a keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchscreen, touch area, softkeys, microphone, speaker, or other input / output mechanisms. The processor and / or the user interface circuitry system including the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements via computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored in processor-accessible memory (e.g., memory 204, etc.).

[0042] Network interface 206 can be any component configured to receive and / or transmit data to / from a network and / or to any other device, circuitry, or module communicating with device 200, such as a device or circuitry embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. In this regard, network interface 206 may include, for example, network interfaces for enabling communication with wired or wireless communication networks, such as Application Functions (AF), Multicast and Broadcast Service Functions (MBSF), Multicast and Broadcast User Plane Functions (MB-UPF), and / or Multicast and Broadcast Session Management Functions (MB-SMF). For example, network interface 206 may include one or more network interface cards, antennas, buses, switches, routers, modems, and supporting hardware and / or software, or any other devices suitable for communication via a network. Additionally or alternatively, network interface 206 may include circuitry for interacting with one or more antennas to induce signal transmission via one or more antennas or to process reception of signals received via one or more antennas.

[0043] In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for making various determinations related to UE 110, such as processor 202, memory 204, network interface 206, etc. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components, such as a counter, for determining how many (if any) DC channels UE 110 has established during its IMS registration lifetime or during its IMS MMTel session lifetime. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether the UE is registered in an HPLMN. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process associated with the UE. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether an MMTel session associated with the UE has been, is being, or will be established. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether the UE is roaming. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining the location of the UE. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether the UE is located within at least one predetermined location, at least in part based on the UE's location (e.g., or the UE's predicted or scheduled location). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes components for determining time variables for the UE, such as the current time, the time elapsed since the UE registered or deregistered with a network (e.g., VPLMN, HPLMN, etc.), and other potential time variables. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether the time variables for the UE correspond to a predetermined time interval or other time thresholds. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether one or more states or conditions exist in or are associated with the UE. Non-limiting examples of such states or conditions include the UE's battery state (e.g., current battery level, maximum battery level, battery consumption rate, battery classification (e.g., high, medium, or low), and other potential battery parameters), one or more UE settings, one or more UE configurations, and UE activity time. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes components for determining whether the states or conditions associated with the UE satisfy one or more predetermined thresholds or other criteria.

[0044] In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes components for determining one or more indications present in or otherwise indicated by IMSDC configuration data associated with the UE, such as whether the IMSDC configuration data indicates (i) IMSDC not to be enabled, (ii) IMSDC not to be enabled when the UE determines that the UE is roaming, (iii) the UE is authorized to enable IMSDC when an MMTel session associated with the UE is established, (iv) the UE is authorized to enable IMSDC when network 100 has indicated IMSDC support during an IMS registration process for the UE, (v) the UE is authorized to enable IMSDC during registration in an HPLMN, (vi) the UE is authorized to enable IMSDC only once per IMS registration, or only once during an MMTel session, (vii) the UE is authorized to enable IMSDC for a specific list of Visited Public Land Mobile Networks (VPLMNs) (e.g., when the UE determines that the UE is roaming), and (viii) the UE is authorized to enable IMSDC when the UE determines that the UE is located in at least one predetermined location. DC, (ix) the UE is authorized to turn on IMS DC in association with a predetermined time interval; and (x) in response to one or more states or conditions existing in or associated with the UE, the UE is authorized to turn on IMS DC.

[0045] Figure 3The illustration depicts a signal diagram 300 of a user equipment (UE) configuration using data channel (DC) related parameters of Operation, Management and Maintenance Device Management (OAM DM) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the foregoing description of the signal diagram 300, one or more reference blocks may correspond to signals transmitted from UE 110 to DM server 120 (or vice versa). In some embodiments, in an optional initial block (0), DM server 120 initiates communication with UE 110 (e.g., a DM client), which may be triggered by an SMS. In some implementations, in a first block (1), UE 110 provides an initialization encapsulation request to DM server 120, including a general alarm request. In some embodiments, in a second block (2), DM server 120 provides a second initialization to UE 110 including one or more initial commands. In some embodiments, in a third block (3), UE 110 provides one or more client responses to DM server 120, which may be responses to the initial commands(s). In some embodiments, in block 4 (4), DM server 120 provides UE 110 with one or more additional commands, which may be based on responses to (multiple) initial commands. In some embodiments, in block 5 (5), UE 110 provides DM server 120 with one or more additional responses, which may be responses to (multiple) additional commands. In some embodiments, in block 6 (6), DM server 120 provides UE 120 with one or more additional commands, which may be based on responses to (multiple) additional commands in block 4. In some embodiments, the mutual communication of commands and responses between DM server 120 and UE 110 continues at one or more subsequent blocks (not shown).

[0046] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) data channel architecture 400 having Data Channel Signaling Function (DCSF) and Data Channel Signaling Media Function (DCMF) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] IMS is widely deployed to provide voice communication services. In various embodiments, to enable IMS to handle interactive calls beyond voice communication, 3GPP TS 26.114 and GSMA define the IMS Data Channel (DC) solution. In one or more embodiments, the Data Channel (DC) is a network channel over the Flow Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) used for bidirectional peer-to-peer (P2P) or peer-to-application / application-to-peer (P2A / A2P) data transmission. In some embodiments, the IMS DC solution uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) / Session Description Protocol (SDP) to perform IMS DC SDP negotiation between the UE and the Data Channel Server (DCS). In some embodiments, as shown in IMS DC Architecture 400, the DCS is decomposed into DC Signaling Function (DCSF) and DC Media Function (DCMF). Alternatively, in some embodiments, Enhanced Multimedia Resource Function (MRF) is used instead of DCMF.

[0048] In some embodiments, based on the SDP negotiation result, the UE establishes a bootstrap data channel with the DCS (DCSF) and retrieves a menu (e.g., an entry page) containing available applications and the applications themselves using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), SCTP, Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS), and / or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) protocols. In some embodiments, the application includes a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) page with embedded JavaScript and potentially other objects such as stylesheets or images. In some embodiments, the user can select any application from the list. In some embodiments, the application data channel is established via SDP negotiation when the user wants to launch an application. In some embodiments, after the SDP negotiation of the application data channel is completed, the UE exchanges application data within the application data channel (e.g., with a peer UE or with an application server).

[0049] In various embodiments, the IMS DC solution described herein and illustrated in the figures significantly improves upon previous IMS methods by enriching IMS with data channel applications. For example, by using this IMS data channel solution (e.g., embodied in the disclosed methods, apparatus, or computer program products), a large number of different data applications can be implemented and provided to the user without the need for pre-installation of data applications at the UE. This can also advantageously save memory at the UE.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 5 This shows an example flowchart of a data channel (DC) establishment process 500, which can be performed by, for example... Figure 2 The device 200 (for example, it may include) Figures 1-4This is performed by devices such as the DCS 120 shown and described herein. In various embodiments, the device performs process 500 to trigger user equipment (e.g., such as...). Figures 1-4 The control performance of DC establishment at the user equipment 110 (shown and described herein). In some embodiments, UE 110 executes process 500. For example, UE 110 may execute process 500 in response to receiving IMS DC configuration data from DM server 120 regarding whether UE 110 is allowed to establish an IMS data channel.

[0051] In some embodiments, at block 503, the apparatus performing process 500 includes components such as processor 202, memory 204, network interface 206, etc., for acquiring a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information about whether a User Equipment (UE) is permitted to establish an IMS Data Channel. In some embodiments, the apparatus receives the data object from an operation, management, and maintenance management device. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates the data object at least in part based on Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) configuration data (e.g., associated with the UE). In some embodiments, the apparatus acquires the data object via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) control plane signaling. In some embodiments, the apparatus acquires the data object via Short Message Service (SMS) service. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates the data object at least in part based on one or more User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rules.

[0052] In some embodiments, at block 506, the apparatus for performing process 500 includes components for generating an IMS DC establishment decision, such as processor 202, memory 204, network interface 206, etc. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates the IMS DC establishment decision at least in part based on data objects. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should not be enabled. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should not be enabled when the UE determines that it is roaming. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the UE is authorized to enable the IMS DC when a Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the UE is authorized to enable the IMS DC when a Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established and the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should be enabled when the UE is registered in a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN). In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should be enabled only once during the IMS registration lifetime or during the MMTel session lifetime. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the activation of IMS DC when the UE is registered in one of a plurality of permitted Visited Public Land Mobile Networks (VPLMNs). In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the activation of IMS DC when the UE determines that the UE is located in at least one predetermined location. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the activation of IMS DC in association with a predetermined time interval. In some embodiments, the IMS DC establishment decision instructs the activation of IMS DC in response to one or more states or conditions existing in or associated with the UE.

[0053] In some embodiments, at block 509, the means for performing process 500 includes components for performing actions, such as processor 202, memory 204, network interface 206, etc. In some embodiments, the means determines the action based at least in part on an IMS DC establishment decision. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing that the IMS DC not be opened, the means determines that it includes an action to prevent the UE from establishing the IMS DC. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing that the IMS DC not be opened when the UE determines that the UE is roaming, the means determines that it includes actions including: (i) determining that the UE is roaming, and (ii) in response to the determination, preventing the UE from establishing the IMS DC. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing that the UE is authorized to open the IMS DC when a Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established, the means determines that it includes actions including: (i) determining that an MMTel session associated with the UE is established, and (ii) in response to the determination, enabling the UE to establish the IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session. In addition, in some embodiments, the device determines actions including: (i) determining a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address from which one or more available DC applications for the UE are downloaded, and (ii) providing the URL address to the UE.

[0054] In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate IMS DC when a Multimedia Telephony Service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established and the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process, the device determines actions including: (i) determining that the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process associated with the UE, and (ii) further, in response to determining that the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process, causing the UE to establish IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate IMS DC when the UE is registered in a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the device determines actions including: (i) determining that the UE is registered in an HPLMN, and (ii) in response to the determination, causing the UE to establish IMS DC. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate the IMS DC only once during the IMS registration lifetime or the MMTel session lifetime, the device determines an action including: (i) determining that the UE has not yet established the IMS DC during the IMS registration lifetime or the MMTel session lifetime associated with the UE (e.g., potentially, by means of a counter mechanism), and (ii) in response to the determination, causing the UE to establish the IMS DC. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate the IMS DC when the UE is registered in one of a plurality of permitted Public Land Mobile Networks (VPLMNs), the device determines a response including: (i) determining that the UE is registered in one of a plurality of permitted VPLMNs, and (ii) in response to the determination, causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

[0055] In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate the IMS DC when the UE determines that the UE is located within at least one predetermined location, the device determines the response decision, including (i) determining the location of the UE, (ii) determining, at least partially based on the location of the UE, that the UE is located within at least one predetermined location, and (iii) in response to the determination, causing the UE to establish the IMS DC. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate the IMS DC in association with a predetermined time interval, the device determines the response decision, including (i) determining that a time variable for the UE corresponds to the predetermined time interval, and (ii) in response to the determination, causing the UE to establish the IMS DC. In some embodiments, in response to an IMS DC establishment decision instructing the UE to activate the IMS DC in response to the presence or association of one or more states or conditions in or with the UE (e.g., a specific battery state of the UE), the device determines the response decision, including (i) determining that one or more states or conditions are present in or associated with the UE, and (ii) in response to the determination, causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

[0056] In some embodiments, at block 512, the means for performing process 500 includes components for performing one or more actions, such as processor 202, memory 204, network interface 206, etc. In some embodiments, the means prevents the UE from establishing an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the means (i) determines that the UE is roaming, and (ii) in response to the determination, prevents the UE from establishing an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the means (i) determines that an MMTel session associated with the UE has been established, and (ii) in response to the determination, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session. In some embodiments, the means (i) determines that the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process associated with the UE, and (ii) further in response to determining that the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session. In some embodiments, the means determines that the UE is registered in an HPLMN, and in response to the determination, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the device (i) determines that the UE has not established an IMS DC during its IMS registration lifetime or during the lifetime of an MMTel session associated with the UE, and (ii) in response to the determination, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the device (i) determines that the UE is registered in one of a plurality of allowed VPLMNs, and (ii) in response to the determination, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the device (i) determines a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address from which one or more available DC applications for the UE are downloadable, and (ii) provides the URL address to the UE.

[0057] In some embodiments, the device (i) determines the location of the UE, (ii) determines that the UE is located within at least one predetermined location, and (iii) in response to the determination, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the device (i) determines that a time variable for the UE corresponds to a predetermined time interval, and (ii) in response to the determination, causes the UE to establish an IMS DC. In some embodiments, the device determines (i) that one or more states or conditions exist in or are associated with the UE, and (ii) causes the UE to establish an IMS DC.

[0058] In various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products of this disclosure are provided for triggering and performing or preventing data channel establishment in a user equipment. These methods, apparatuses, and computer program products provide an improved solution for triggering data channel establishment in a UE by using operation, management, and maintenance equipment management techniques. In various embodiments, these methods, apparatuses, and computer program products improve telecommunications services by providing components for configuring and managing the UE regarding when to establish a data channel (DC), overcoming the technical challenges and / or consequences of previous methods where DC establishment was entirely left to the UE. For example, these methods, apparatuses, and computer program products can optimize and reduce resource usage by reducing the repetition and unpredictable establishment and use of DC.

[0059] It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts shown in the figures and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts described herein can be implemented in various ways, such as hardware, firmware, processors, circuit systems, and / or communication devices associated with the execution of software including one or more program instructions. For example, one or more of the processes or operations described above can be implemented by computer program instructions. In this regard, computer program instructions embodying the processes or operations described above can be stored in memory 204 of an apparatus employing the disclosed embodiments (e.g., user equipment (UE)) and executed by processor 202. As will be understood, any such computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine that causes the resulting computer or other programmable device to perform the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer programmable storage medium produce an article of writing whose execution performs the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable device, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable device, provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0060] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and related drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although the foregoing description and related drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, combinations of elements and functions different from those explicitly described above may also be contemplated, for example, as described in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Obtain a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information about whether the User Equipment (UE) is allowed to establish an IMS data channel; An IMS DC establishment decision is generated based at least in part on the data object; as well as Actions are performed based at least in part on the decisions made by the IMS DC.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the data object includes: The data object is received from the operation, management, and maintenance equipment.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the data object includes: The data object is generated based at least in part on the configuration data of the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the data object includes: The data object is obtained via non-access stratum (NAS) control plane signaling.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the data object includes: The data object is obtained via Short Message Service (SMS).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the data object comprises: The data object is generated based at least in part on one or more User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rules.

7. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should not be opened; and The action includes preventing the UE from establishing the IMS DC.

8. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC should not be activated when the UE determines that the UE is roaming; and The method further includes: It is determined that the UE is roaming, and in response to the determination, the action includes preventing the UE from establishing the IMSDC.

9. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates that when a multimedia telephony service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established, the UE is authorized to open the IMS DC; and The method further includes: It is determined that an MMTel session associated with the UE has been established, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes: establishing the IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the MMTel session between the UE and the MMTel session.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the UE is authorized to open the IMS DC when a multimedia telephony service (MMTel) session associated with the UE is established and the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process. and The method further includes: Determining that the network associated with the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process associated with the UE, wherein, in further response to determining that the UE has indicated IMS DC support during the IMS registration process, the action includes: establishing the IMS DC in parallel with the establishment of the UE and the MMTel session.

11. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision instruction is as follows: when the UE is registered in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the IMS DC is activated; and The method further includes: It is determined that the UE is registered in the HPLMN, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

12. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates that the IMS DC will be opened only once during the IMS registration lifetime or the IMS MMTel session lifetime. and The method further includes: It is determined that the UE has not established an IMS DC during the IMS registration lifetime or during the IMS MMTel session lifetime associated with the UE, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

13. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision instruction is: when the UE is registered in one of the multiple permitted public land mobile networks (VPLMNs), the IMS DC is activated; and The method further includes: The UE is determined to be registered in one of the plurality of allowed VPLMNs, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

14. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision instruction is as follows: when the UE determines that the UE is located in at least one predetermined location, the IMS DC is activated; and The method further includes: Determine the location of the UE; as well as Based at least in part on the location of the UE, it is determined that the UE is located within the at least one predetermined location, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

15. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates: the IMS DC is activated in association with a predetermined time interval; and The method further includes: Determine that the time variable used for the UE corresponds to the predetermined time interval, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

16. The method according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The IMS DC establishment decision indicates that, in response to one or more states or conditions existing in or associated with the UE, the IMS DC is activated. and The method further includes: Determine that one or more states or conditions exist in or are associated with the UE, wherein in response to the determination, the action includes causing the UE to establish the IMS DC.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more states or conditions include the battery state of the UE.

18. The method according to claims 1 to 17, further comprising: Determine a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address from which one or more available DC applications and associated DC application parameters for the UE are downloadable, wherein performing the action includes providing the URL address to the UE.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the data object comprises: The data object is obtained from a device management server, wherein the device management server is configured to communicate with a memory or computing device, and the memory or computing device is configured to store the data object.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the device management server is configured to maintain a plurality of data objects, the plurality of data objects including the data object, and wherein each of the plurality of data objects indicates IMS DC configuration data for a corresponding UE among a plurality of UEs, the plurality of UEs including the UE.

21. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform a plurality of operations, the operations including: Obtain a data object indicating Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Channel (DC) configuration data, the IMS DC configuration data including information about whether the User Equipment (UE) is allowed to establish an IMS data channel; At least in part based on the data object, an IMS DC establishment decision is generated; and Actions are performed based at least in part on the decisions made by the IMS DC.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 20.

23. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable program code instructions, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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