Indication that serving network supports multiple registrations

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus comprising at least one of the following: means for receiving, by a user equipment supporting a plurality of registrations with one or more networks, a configuration comprising information for a network function node managing access to a first network to support the plurality of registrations; or means for obtaining, by the user equipment, an indication from a plurality of second networks registered to be supported by the network function node for managing access to the second network; and means for determining, by the user equipment, whether to provide a registration request to a network function node for managing access to the second network based on the obtained indication or the received configuration.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from UK Patent Application No. 2307052.7 filed on 12 May 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if reproduced in full. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to methods, apparatus, systems and computer programs, and in particular, but not exclusively, to multiple registrations. BACKGROUND

[0003] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers which are connected to the entities involved in a communication session. A communication system can be provided for example by communication networks and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions can comprise, for example, data communication sessions for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), messaging, multimedia, and / or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

[0004] In a wireless communication system at least a part of the communication sessions between at least two stations is carried out over the air. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0005] A user can access the communication system through a suitable communication device or terminal. The user's communication device can be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user equipment. The communication device is provided with appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communication, for example for enabling access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication device can access the carriers provided by a base station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive communication on the carriers.

[0006] Communication systems and their associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that defines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for connectivity are also usually defined. An example of a communication system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems include the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Other examples of communication systems include Advanced 5G (NR Rel-18 and later) and 6G. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one of the following: a component for receiving configuration by a user equipment supporting multiple registrations with one or more networks, the configuration including: information that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; or a component for the user equipment to obtain an instruction from multiple registrations of a second network supported by a network function node for managing access to a second network; and a component for the user equipment to determine whether to provide a registration request to the network function node for managing access to the second network based on at least one of the obtained instruction or the received configuration.

[0008] This indication may include: the number of registrations supported by the second network.

[0009] The device may be pre-configured with information that a network access node can support multiple registrations for managing access to a first network, or may include components for receiving the configuration from a home public land mobile network, a visited public land mobile network, or an independent non-public network.

[0010] The device may include a component for receiving instructions in broadcast messages in a cell of a second network.

[0011] The apparatus may include: a component for determining, based on received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; and a component for, based on the determination, providing at least one registration request to a network function node for managing access to a second network based on an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations.

[0012] The apparatus may include a component for providing at least one registration request to a second network when a user device is registered to the same network or a different network.

[0013] The apparatus may include: components for determining, based on received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and components for determining, based on the determination, to select or reselect a serving cell belonging to a second network based on an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations.

[0014] This configuration can include multiple registrations for the list of networks it supports.

[0015] The registration request may include a registration identifier associated with the request.

[0016] The first network and the second network can be the same network or different networks.

[0017] The first network may include the home network. The second network may include the service network.

[0018] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for providing instructions from a second network to user equipment capable of making multiple registrations with one or more networks, the instructions being supported by a network function node for managing access to the second network; and components for receiving and accepting multiple registration requests from the user equipment at the second network.

[0019] The device may include a component for providing the indication in a broadcast message via a radio access network. In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for providing configuration to a user equipment capable of multiple registrations, the configuration including: information for managing network function nodes supporting multiple registrations for access to a first network.

[0020] The apparatus may include components for providing the configuration to the user equipment from the home public land mobile network via the visited public land mobile network.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, comprising at least one of the following: receiving configuration by a user equipment supporting multiple registrations with one or more networks, the configuration including: information that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; or receiving an instruction from the user equipment from multiple registrations of a second network supported by a network function node for managing access to a second network; and determining whether to provide a registration request to the network function node for managing access to the second network based on at least one of the received instruction or the received configuration.

[0022] This indication may include: the number of registrations supported by the second network.

[0023] The user equipment may be pre-configured with information that the network access node for managing access to the first network can support multiple registrations, or the method may include receiving the configuration from the home public land mobile network, the visited public land mobile network, or the independent non-public network.

[0024] The method may include receiving an instruction in a broadcast message in a cell of a second network.

[0025] The method may include: determining, based on received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and, based on the determination and an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations, providing at least one registration request to a network function node for managing access to a second network.

[0026] The method may include providing at least one registration request to a second network when the user device is registered to the same network or a different network.

[0027] The method may include: determining, based on the received configuration, that a network function node used to manage access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and, based on the determination and an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations, determining to select or reselect a serving cell belonging to the second network.

[0028] This configuration can include multiple registrations for the list of networks it supports.

[0029] The registration request may include a registration identifier associated with the request.

[0030] The first network and the second network can be the same network or different networks.

[0031] The first network may include the home network. The second network may include the service network.

[0032] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: providing from a second network to user equipment capable of making multiple registrations with one or more networks, with multiple registration instructions supported by a network function node for managing access to the second network; and receiving and accepting multiple registration requests from the user equipment at the second network.

[0033] The method may include providing the indication in a broadcast message via a radio access network.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: providing configuration to a user device capable of multiple registrations, the configuration including: information for managing network function nodes supporting multiple registrations for access to a first network.

[0035] The method may include providing the configuration to the user equipment from the home public land mobile network via the visited public land mobile network.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving configuration by a user equipment supporting multiple registrations with one or more networks, the configuration including: information that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; or receiving an instruction from the user equipment from multiple registrations of a second network supported by a network function node for managing access to a second network; and determining whether to provide a registration request to the network function node for managing access to the second network based on at least one of the received instruction or the received configuration.

[0037] This indication may include: the number of registrations supported by the second network.

[0038] The user equipment may be pre-configured with information that a network access node for managing access to a first network can support multiple registrations, or the device may be configured to receive the configuration from a home public land mobile network, a visited public land mobile network, or an independent non-public network.

[0039] The device can be made to perform: receiving instructions in a broadcast message in a cell of a second network.

[0040] The device can be configured to determine, based on a received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and based on that determination, and based on an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations, to provide at least one registration request to a network function node for managing access to a second network.

[0041] The device can be made to perform: when a user device is registered to the same network or a different network, provide at least one registration request to a second network.

[0042] The device can be made to perform: based on the received configuration, determine that the network function node used to manage access to the first network supports multiple registrations, and based on the determination, and based on an indication that the second network supports multiple registrations, determine to select or reselect a serving cell belonging to the second network.

[0043] This configuration can include multiple registrations for the list of networks it supports.

[0044] The registration request may include a registration identifier associated with the request.

[0045] The first network and the second network can be the same network or different networks.

[0046] The first network may include the home network. The second network may include the service network.

[0047] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: providing instructions from a second network to user equipment capable of making multiple registrations with one or more networks, indicating that multiple registrations are supported by network function nodes for managing access to the second network; and receiving and accepting multiple registration requests from user equipment at the second network.

[0048] The device can be made to perform: provide the configuration to the user equipment from the home public land mobile network via the visited public land mobile network.

[0049] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: providing configuration to a user equipment capable of multiple registrations, the configuration including information for managing network function nodes supporting multiple registrations for access to a first network.

[0050] The device can be made to perform: provide the configuration to the user equipment from the home public land mobile network via the visited public land mobile network.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: 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 at least the following: receiving configuration by a user equipment supporting multiple registrations with one or more networks, the configuration including: information that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; or receiving an instruction from the user equipment from multiple registrations of a second network supported by a network function node for managing access to a second network; and determining whether to provide a registration request to the network function node for managing access to the second network based on at least one of the received instruction or the received configuration.

[0052] This indication may include: the number of registrations supported by the second network.

[0053] The device may be pre-configured with information that a network access node for managing access to the first network can support multiple registrations, or the device may be configured to receive the configuration from a home public land mobile network, a visited public land mobile network, or an independent non-public network.

[0054] The device can be configured to receive instructions in broadcast messages in a cell of a second network.

[0055] The apparatus can be configured to: determine, based on received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and based on this determination, and based on an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations, provide at least one registration request to a network function node for managing access to a second network.

[0056] The device can be configured to provide at least one registration request to a second network when a user device is registered to the same network or a different network.

[0057] The device can be configured to: determine, based on the received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and, based on the determination and an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations, determine to select or reselect a serving cell belonging to the second network.

[0058] This configuration can include multiple registrations for the list of networks it supports.

[0059] The registration request may include a registration identifier associated with the request.

[0060] The first network and the second network can be the same network or different networks.

[0061] The first network may include the home network. The second network may include the service network.

[0062] In an eleventh aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: provide instructions from a second network to user equipment capable of making multiple registrations with one or more networks, indicating that multiple registrations are supported by network function nodes for managing access to the second network; and receive and accept multiple registration requests from user equipment at the second network.

[0063] The device can be configured to provide the instruction in a broadcast message via a radio access network.

[0064] In a twelfth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: provide configuration to user equipment capable of multiple registrations, the configuration including: information for managing network function nodes supporting multiple registrations for access to a first network.

[0065] The device can enable the provision of the configuration to the user equipment from the home public land mobile network via the visited public land mobile network.

[0066] In a thirteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform the method described at least according to a third or fourth aspect.

[0067] In the foregoing, many different embodiments have been described. It should be understood that further embodiments may be provided by any two or more of the embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example 5GS communication system is shown;

[0070] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown;

[0071] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown;

[0072] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0073] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0074] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0075] Figure 7 The signaling flow according to an example embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Before explaining the examples in detail, some general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The explanations are brief to help understand the technology upon which the examples are based.

[0077] A suitable example of a communication system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR may resemble advanced LTE. Base stations in an NR system could be referred to as next-generation NodeBs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need for various radio technologies and more granular Quality of Service (QoS) support, as well as some on-demand requirements, such as QoS levels supporting Quality of Experience (QoE) for users. Additionally, network-aware services and applications, and service- and application-aware networks, may also bring changes to the architecture. Those changes are related to Information Center Network (ICN) and User Center Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, far more base stations or nodes than LTE (i.e., the so-called small cell concept), including macro base stations cooperating with smaller base stations, and may also employ multiple radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0078] Future networks may leverage Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). NFV is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can include one or more virtual machines that run computer program code using standard or general-purpose servers, rather than custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications, this could mean that node operations are performed, at least partially, on servers, hosts, or nodes coupled to remote radio heads. Node operations may also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the division of labor between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even not exist, in LTE.

[0079] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100 is shown. The 5GS may include a user equipment (UE) 102 (also referred to as a communication device or terminal), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GCN) 106, one or more internal or external application functions (AF) 108, and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0080] An example 5G core network (CN) includes functional entities. 5GCN 106 may include one or more Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, one or more Session Management Functions (SMF) 114, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 116, Unified Data Management (UDM) 118, one or more User Plane Functions (UPF) 120, Unified Data Repository (UDR) 122, and / or Network Openness Function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function), which receives policies from the PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0081] The CN is connected to the UE via the Radio Access Network (RAN). The 5G RAN may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) Distributed Unit (DU) functions, which are connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) Centralized Unit (CU) functions. The RAN may include one or more access nodes.

[0082] The User Plane Function (UPF) (also known as the PDU Session Anchor (PSA)) is responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN and the tunnel established over 5G to (multiple) UEs exchanging traffic with the DN.

[0083] A possible mobile communication device will now refer to Figure 2 To be described in more detail Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of communication device 200 is shown. Such communication devices are generally referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminals. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices, such as mobile phones or so-called "smartphones"; computers provided with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., USB dongles); personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablets provided with wireless communication capabilities; VoIP phones; portable computers; desktop computers; image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras); gaming terminal devices; music storage and playback devices; in-vehicle wireless terminal devices; wireless endpoints; mobile stations; laptop embedded devices (LEEs); laptop-mounted devices (LMEs); smart devices; wireless client devices (CPEs); or any combination thereof. Mobile communication devices can provide data communication for, for example, carrying voice, email, text messages, multimedia, etc. Therefore, users can be provided with and served a variety of services via their communication devices. Examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calling, data communications or multimedia services, or simply access to data communications network systems such as the Internet. Users may also be provided with broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms, and other information.

[0084] Mobile devices are typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202, and other possible components 203 for software and hardware assistance in performing the tasks they are designed to perform, including access to and control of communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage, and other related control devices can be provided on suitable circuit boards and / or chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 204. Users can control the operation of the mobile device through suitable user access (such as a keyboard 205, voice commands, a touchscreen or touchpad, combinations thereof, etc.). A display 208, a speaker, and a microphone can also be provided. Furthermore, mobile communication devices may include suitable connectors (wired or wireless) for connecting other devices and / or external accessories (e.g., hands-free devices).

[0085] Mobile device 200 can receive signals via air or radio interface 207 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In this diagram, the transceiver device is schematically designated by box 206. The transceiver device 206 may be provided, for example, by a radio component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0086] Figure 3 An example of a control device 300 for a communication system is shown, which may be coupled to a station accessing the system (such as a RAN node, eNB or gNB, relay node, or core network node, such as MME or Serving Gateway (S-GW) or Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW), or core network function, such as AMF / SMF, or server or host) and / or used to control it. This method can be implemented in a single control device or across more than one control device. The control device may be integrated into a node or module of the core network or RAN or external to it. In some embodiments, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device can be another network element, such as a radio network controller or spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control device, as well as control devices provided in the radio network controller. The control device 300 can be arranged to provide control of communications within the service area of ​​the system. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303, and an input / output interface 304. The control device can be coupled to the receiver and transmitter of the base station via this interface. The receiver and / or transmitter can be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

[0087] Access Traffic Directioning, Switching, and Segmentation (ATSSS) is a data switching function that determines how to direct, switch, and segment uplink traffic between 3GPP and non-3GPP access points based on configured rules. These rules are sent from the network to the UE. The UE then adjusts its uplink traffic accordingly.

[0088] In ATSSS, "control" refers to the possibility of selecting the best link to use for user plane traffic based on the service (QoS type for the data flow); "switching" describes the possibility of performing a service-free switch to another link when necessary; and "split" refers to using (binding) two links simultaneously.

[0089] Access Traffic Setup, Handover, and Split (ATSSS) allows 5G systems to set up, hand over, and split traffic between 3GPP and non-3GPP access points. 3GPP Rel.18 recently enabled temporary coexistence of a 3GPP access point with two non-3GPP access points. Performance measurements between the UE and UPF (Round-Trip Time (RTT), Packet Loss Rate (PLR), and Access Availability / Unavailability) can be considered for ATSSS decisions.

[0090] The ATSSS between multiple 3GPP access tributaries is also considered by 3GPP for Rel-19.

[0091] The concept of dual bootstrapping has been introduced in Rel-19. In this case, the UE registers multiple times in the 5G system simultaneously via 3GPP access and / or non-3GPP access.

[0092] Additional use cases and potential service requirements are being investigated that could benefit from 5GS-based upper-layer routing, segmentation, and handover of UE traffic (e.g., related to the same data session) between two 3GPP access links, assuming only a single subscription to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

[0093] Potential scenarios include: a single PLMN, a PLMN plus a (standalone) non-public network (NPN), two PLMNs, and the same or different 3GPP RATs (NR or non-terrestrial network (NTN), plus one of NR, NTN or LTE).

[0094] NTN refers to NR-based satellite access, including different orbits (e.g., GEO / MEO / LEO).

[0095] In a PLMN plus PLMN / NPN scenario, the two networks can be managed by the same operator or by different operators (assuming there is a business agreement between them).

[0096] For a UE that needs to be registered multiple times in a 5G system, the network (both the home PLMN (HPLMN) and the visited PLMN (VPLMN) for the roaming UE) must support certain features to ensure that when the UE moves to the target NF, the source NF (e.g., AMF) serving the UE for the specific registration is properly cancelled.

[0097] A UE capable of registering for multiple purposes provides a registration ID in each registration request message. This registration ID is used as an identifier for the registration request and subsequent registration.

[0098] The AMF, which supports this capability for multiple registrations, accepts registration requests including the registration ID used for the registration, forwards the registration ID to the UDM to facilitate the cancellation of the registration associated with the registration ID, and assigns different 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifiers (GUTIs) to different registrations of the same UE.

[0099] Problems may occur if the UE attempts to camp on a network that does not support this capability, because the network will ignore the registration ID and treat the UE as having registered at most once for 3GPP access and once for non-3GPP access. This will cause abnormal network behavior, such as canceling the wrong UE registration at the wrong AMF (i.e., the AMF serving the UE that was wrongly registered).

[0100] In the first scenario, the UE camps on both the gNB and AMF1 / PLMN1, and the UE provides registration ID-1. AMF1 accepts the registration but ignores registration ID-1 (R1) because AMF1 does not support dual / multiple registrations. AMF1 has already been registered in the UDM for this UE.

[0101] The UE resides in both gNB and AMF2 / PLMN1, providing Registration ID-2. AMF2 accepts this registration but ignores Registration ID-2 because AMF2 does not support dual / multiple registrations. Since the UDM considers the UE to have moved and has cancelled its registration in AMF1, for UEs in the UDM, AMF2 registration is replaced by AMF1 registration, even though the UDM itself supports dual registration.

[0102] Assume that AMF1 and AMF2 have been registered in the UDM for the UE. The UE moves from AMF1 to AMF3. AMF1 should be cancelled, not AMF2.

[0103] Therefore, problems will arise if a UE attempts to camp in a network that does not support multiple registration capabilities for a given UE in both AMF and UDM.

[0104] In the second scenario, the UE camps on both gNB and AMF1 / PLMN1, and the UE provides registration ID-1. AMF1 accepts the registration but ignores registration ID-1. AMF1 is already registered in the UDM for this UE. The UE camps on both gNB and AMF2 / PLMN2, and the UE provides registration ID-2. AMF2 accepts the registration but ignores registration ID-2. Similar issues to those described for the first scenario may arise.

[0105] In the third scenario, the UE camps on both gNB and AMF1 / PLMN1, and the UE provides registration ID-1. AMF1 accepts registration and supports processing registration ID-1. AMF1 is already registered in the UDM for this UE. However, the UDM does not support multiple registrations. The UDM ignores registration ID-1. The UE camps on both gNB and AMF2 / PLMN1, and the UE provides registration ID-2. AMF2 accepts registration and supports processing registration ID-2. AMF2 is registered in the UDM for UE registration, but the UDM does not support multiple registrations. The UDM ignores registration ID-2 and cancels the UE's registration in AMF1.

[0106] One proposal is that the AMF can confirm the "Registration ID" in the REGISTRATON ACCEPT message destined for the UE to indicate to the UE that the AMF supports multiple registrations. The main drawback of this approach is that it occurs too late for the UE; that is, assuming multiple registrations are supported, the UE has already started registering, and the UE may have other, better PLMN options. Additionally, the UE may not need to wait for a REGISTRATON ACCEPT message from the first AMF to trigger a continuous REGISTRATON REQUEST to another AMF.

[0107] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. This method can be performed at a user equipment (UE). The UE may include, for example, a reference... Figure 2 The aforementioned UE.

[0108] In 401, the method includes at least one of the following: receiving configuration by a user equipment that supports multiple registrations with one or more networks, the configuration including: information that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; or receiving instructions from multiple registrations of a second network supported by a network function node for managing access to a second network.

[0109] In 403, the method includes: the user equipment determining whether to provide a registration request to a network function node for managing access to a second network based on at least one of an instruction received or a configuration received.

[0110] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method can be executed at a second network functional node (e.g., an AMF). The second network functional node may include, for example, a reference... Figure 3 The aforementioned control device.

[0111] In 501, the method includes: providing from a second network to user equipment capable of making multiple registrations with one or more networks, with indications of multiple registrations supported by network function nodes for managing access to the second network.

[0112] In 502, the method includes receiving and accepting multiple registration requests from user equipment at a second network.

[0113] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. This method can be executed at a network functional node (e.g., the AMF of a PLMN or SNPN). The network functional node may include, for example, a reference... Figure 3 The aforementioned control device.

[0114] In 601, the method includes providing configuration to a user equipment capable of multiple registrations, the configuration including information for managing network function nodes supporting multiple registrations for access to a first network.

[0115] The device may be pre-configured with information that a network access node can support multiple registrations for managing access to the first network, or may include components for receiving the configuration from a home public land mobile network, a visited public land mobile network, or an independent non-public network.

[0116] The first network and the second network can be the same network or different networks. The first network can be an HPLMN, VPLMN, or SNPN. The second network can be the serving network or the network in which the UE is camped.

[0117] In the example embodiment, the UE is configured (or pre-configured by HPLMN / VPLMN / SNPN) with respect to support for multiple registrations (e.g., supported / unsupported or allowed / disallowed).

[0118] Unless otherwise specified, “permitted / not permitted” and “supported / not supported” can be used interchangeably.

[0119] HPLMN / SNPN can be configured or pre-configured for the UE to indicate whether multiple registrations to the HPLMN / SNPN are allowed / disallowed, for example, {PLMN ID, multiple registrations allowed or disallowed}.

[0120] Methods for a UE to obtain its required parameters (e.g., configuration) include: obtaining those parameters from the network (e.g., from the PCF) using DL (downlink) signaling messages, storing those parameters and using them for future operations, or pre-configuring those parameters in the UE. Pre-configuration of certain parameters by the UE refers to configuring the UE to use certain specific parameters during its execution without interacting with the network after power-on. Methods for pre-configuring parameters in the UE include pre-configuring the parameters into the USIM, or pre-configuring the parameters as MOs into some kind of memory (e.g., non-volatile memory).

[0121] Here, multiple registration configurations (supported / unsupported, allowed / disallowed, number of allowed registrations) can be received from the network / PCF or pre-configured in the UE.

[0122] One way to configure a UE is to use a policy configuration process.

[0123] One approach may include providing configuration from the home public land mobile network to the user equipment via the visited public land mobile network.

[0124] This configuration can include multiple registrations for a list of supported networks (e.g., a preferred VPLMN list). An Equivalent Home PLMN (EHPLNM) is a PLMN considered equivalent to an HPLMN. One or more EHPLNMs can be included in the Equivalent HPLMN list. PLMN codes in this list can substitute for HPLMN codes derived from the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) for PLMN selection purposes. This list is stored on the SIM card (e.g., a USIM card) and is referred to as the EHPLMN list. The EHPLMN list may also contain HPLMN codes derived from the IMSI. If an HPLMN code derived from the IMSI is not present in the EHPLMN list, it should be considered the visited PLMN for PLMN selection purposes.

[0125] The registration request may include a registration identifier associated with the request.

[0126] For roaming UEs, the HPLMN can indicate to the VPLMN whether multiple registrations are allowed by the HPLMN (e.g., a new indication from the H-PCF to the V-PCF, or a new feature / indication in the UDM profile registered at the NRF and discovered by the AMF). If the HPLMN allows multiple registrations, and the serving PLMN also supports and allows multiple registrations, the serving PLMN configures the information about the allowed / supported registrations to the UE. Therefore, this method is applicable when the serving network is a VPLMN rather than an HPLMN.

[0127] Alternatively, the HPLMN can be pre-configured to allow the UE to use multiple registrations in a supported serving PLMN (and TAIs within the serving PLMN) that broadcasts multiple registrations (where the serving PLMN can be either an HPLMN or a VPLMN). In this case, no indication is required between the H-PCF and V-PCF (or between the UDM and AMF).

[0128] In the example implementation, if the UE is enabled to do so by the HPLMN (the UE is (pre-)configured by the HPLMN), and the serving PLMN broadcasts support for multiple registrations to the UE (in the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) in which the UE is currently located), or pre-configures support for multiple registrations to the UE (in the TAI in which the UE is currently located), then the UE is allowed to make multiple registrations in the serving PLMN.

[0129] Therefore, the UE knows that multiple registrations are allowed / not allowed by the operator / network.

[0130] This indication may include the number of registrations supported by the service network function. This indication may be provided via a radio access network (e.g., NG-RAN) in a broadcast message (e.g., a System Information Block (SIB)).

[0131] In an example embodiment, the serving network (PLMN or SNPN) provides the UE with an indication that it can support more than one registration, such as multiple registration capability flags (and the number of simultaneous registrations that may be allowed).

[0132] The service network may broadcast that it can support / allow multiple registrations. In this case, the UE will only trigger multiple registrations if it receives this broadcast information and the UE is (pre-)configured to use multiple registrations.

[0133] Therefore, the serving network broadcasts support for multiple registrations to the UE. The UE is aware that the serving network supports multiple registrations before the registration process begins.

[0134] The method may include: determining, based on received configuration, that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and, based on the determination and an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations, providing at least one registration request to a network function node for managing access to a second network.

[0135] When a user device has been registered to the same network or a different network, the at least one registration request can be provided to the second network.

[0136] The registration request may include a registration identifier associated with the request.

[0137] In other words, once a UE begins registration, it does not need to wait until it obtains the capability for multiple registrations from the AMF / network. Instead, the UE learns of this capability, for example, before network (PLMN) selection, during the cell camping phase, or when acquiring the cell's SIB. Therefore, the UE can decide whether it can trigger multiple registrations on that cell, and if available, the UE can decide to select another network (PLMN or SNPN) or cell that supports multiple registrations.

[0138] For example, the method at the user equipment may include: determining, based on the received configuration, that a network function node used to manage access to a first network supports multiple registrations, and, based on the determination, determining, or reselecting a serving cell belonging to the second network based on an indication that a second network supports multiple registrations.

[0139] AMF can provide this information to the gNB as part of the NG setup. This can be applied to a given TA / PLMN, meaning network capability information can be configured in the gNB based on the TA / PLMN. Alternatively, the gNB can be configured locally with multiple pieces of information regarding whether or not it is supported by the service PLMN.

[0140] This approach can be useful when support for multiple registrations is inconsistent across the PLMN, for example, not all AMFs within the PLMN support them. In such cases, broadcasting / indicating to the UE regardless of its configuration may be helpful. For instance, a UE could be configured with "Multiple registrations allowed," but multiple registrations would only be possible if served by an AMF that supports them.

[0141] If a cell broadcasts that it does not support multiple registrations, the UE can further search for and select another cell that broadcasts that supports multiple registrations.

[0142] Both cell reselection (idle mode) and handover (connected mode) can be affected by this proposal, for example, when a UE is already camped on a cell that supports multiple registrations, in order to find a target cell that also supports / broadcasts multiple registrations.

[0143] In the example embodiment, if the UE has been configured / pre-configured to allow multiple registrations, the UE selects a network that broadcasts multiple registration capabilities, resides in that network, and is provided with a registration ID as part of each registration.

[0144] If the UE cannot find a network that broadcasts multiple registration capabilities, the UE will only camp on that network and perform a single registration. The UE will not perform registration multiple times.

[0145] Figure 7 It shows the use of references, etc. Figures 4 to 6The signaling diagram of the described embodiment. In this embodiment, the first network is an HPLMN, and the second network is a serving network.

[0146] In step 1, the UE is configured / pre-configured by the HPLMN, and multiple registrations are allowed for the EHPLMN and the preferred roaming partner (VPLMN). This can be a pre-configuration existing in the UE's USIM card or non-volatile memory (e.g., as a Mobility Object (MO)), or it can be a configuration received from the HPLMN network (e.g., UDM, PCF) by the UE.

[0147] In step 2, the AMF indicates to the NG-RAN that multiple registrations are supported.

[0148] In step 3, NG-RAN broadcasts its support for dual or multiple registrations (and optionally the number of registrations allowed).

[0149] In step 4, the UE determines whether multiple service registrations are allowed and supported in the PLMN.

[0150] In step 5, the UE can reselect a service PLMN that supports multiple registrations.

[0151] In step 6, the UE triggers multiple registrations to the AMF.

[0152] Various use cases may require multiple registration capabilities for the UE and the network, such as: camping in two 5G networks to obtain services from different network slices; camping in two 5G networks (PLMN and SNPN) to obtain different services (such as voice and data connectivity); camping in 5G networks via NTN and TN to obtain different services. Otherwise, network behavior can become unpredictable (and may cause failures due to incorrect network cancellation of registrations), as described in the problem statement. Additionally, the UE may not know whether it is allowed to trigger multiple registrations; nor will it know whether multiple registrations will work in a given network.

[0153] refer to Figures 4 to 7 The above-described method can provide multiple registration supports in advanced 5G and 6G systems, and since 6G is expected to support the above deployment scenarios, it may become crucial as part of the initial version.

[0154] An apparatus may include at least one of the following: a component for receiving configuration by a user equipment supporting multiple registrations with one or more networks, the configuration including: information that a network function node for managing access to a first network supports multiple registrations; or a component for obtaining indication from the user equipment of a second network supported by multiple registrations of a network function node for managing access to a second network; and a component for providing multiple registration identifiers from the user equipment to a serving network function.

[0155] The device may include, as referenced Figure 2 The aforementioned user equipment. The device may include user equipment (such as a mobile phone), which may be user equipment or included in user equipment or a chipset for performing / at least some actions of the user equipment.

[0156] An apparatus may include: components for providing instructions from a second network to user equipment capable of registering with multiple networks, the instructions being supported by a network function node for managing access to the second network; and components for receiving and accepting multiple registration requests from user equipment at the second network.

[0157] The device may include, as referenced Figure 3 The aforementioned control device. This device may include a control unit, may be a control unit, or may be included in a control unit or a chipset for performing / at least some actions of the control unit.

[0158] The apparatus may include components for providing configuration to user equipment capable of multiple registrations, the configuration including: information for managing network function nodes supporting multiple registrations for access to a first network.

[0159] The device may include, as referenced Figure 3 The aforementioned control device. This device may include a control unit, may be a control unit, or may be included in a control unit or a chipset for performing / at least some actions of the control unit.

[0160] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as radio components or radio heads used for transmission and / or reception. Although the device has been described as a single unit, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0161] It should be noted that while some embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems, such as 6G networks or advanced 5G networks. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described above by reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies, and standards, these embodiments can also be applied to any other suitable forms besides the communication systems shown and described herein.

[0162] It should also be noted in this article that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several variations and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0163] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, indicating at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0164] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry systems, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of this disclosure may be shown or described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or other graphical representations, it should be well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0165] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (c) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (d) Any part of the hardware processor(s) having software (including the digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(s), which work together to enable a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and

[0166] (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, whose operation requires software (e.g. firmware), but which may not be present when operation is not required.

[0167] This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only the implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0168] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (such as a processor entity), by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products), including software routines, applets, and / or macros, can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that are configured to perform the embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0169] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block of the logic flow shown in the figure can represent a program step, interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. Software can be stored on physical media, such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media (such as hard disks or floppy disks), and physical media (such as, for example, DVDs and their data variants, CDs). Physical media are non-transitory media. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" refers to a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0170] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technological environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technological environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0171] Embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Currently, sophisticated and powerful software tools are available to convert logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and shaped on semiconductor substrates.

[0172] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Any embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples that help to understand the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0173] The foregoing description has provided a comprehensive and detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In fact, other embodiments exist, including combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A user equipment, comprising: A component for receiving an instruction indicating multiple registrations of the user equipment supported by a network serving the user equipment; as well as Components for determining, based on the indication and configuration for the user equipment, whether multiple registrations of the user equipment are supported and permitted in the network serving the user equipment, wherein the configuration includes: information indicating that the home network of the user equipment allows the user equipment to make multiple registrations to multiple networks.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the component for receiving the instruction comprises: A component for receiving a number of registrations of the user equipment supported by the network serving the user equipment.

3. The user equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user equipment is pre-configured with the configuration information.

4. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component for receiving comprises: A component for receiving a broadcast message including the indication in a cell of the serving network.

5. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A component for providing at least one registration request to register the user equipment with the service network based on determining that the plurality of registrations are supported and permitted in the network serving the user equipment.

6. The user equipment of claim 5, wherein the component for providing comprises: A component for providing the at least one registration request to the network serving the user equipment when the user equipment is registered to the service network or a network different from the service network.

7. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A component for selecting a serving cell belonging to another network among the plurality of networks based on the determination that the networks serving the user equipment are not supported or permitted by the plurality of registrations.

8. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the configuration includes: The service network has a list of multiple registered networks for the user equipment it allows, wherein the list of networks includes identifiers for the multiple networks, wherein the multiple networks include: at least two networks equivalent to the user equipment's home network, at least two preferred roaming networks for the user equipment, or at least one network equivalent to the user equipment's home network and at least one associated roaming network for the user equipment.

9. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the registration request includes a registration identifier associated with the registration request.

10. An apparatus for serving a network, the apparatus comprising: Components for providing instructions to user equipment, the instructions indicating multiple registrations of the user equipment supported by the service network; Components for receiving from the user equipment a plurality of registration requests for registering the user equipment with the service network; as well as A component for accepting the multiple registration requests.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, comprising: Components for providing radio access network nodes with instructions for broadcasting to the user equipment.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: Components for providing the user equipment with configuration for the user equipment, the configuration including: information indicating that the user equipment's home network allows the user equipment to register with multiple networks.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising: Components for receiving the configuration of the user equipment from the home network of the user equipment.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the configuration comprises: The service network has a list of multiple registered networks for the user equipment it allows, wherein the list of networks includes identifiers for the multiple networks, wherein the multiple networks include: at least two networks equivalent to the user equipment's home network, at least two preferred roaming networks for the user equipment, or at least one network equivalent to the user equipment's home network and at least one associated roaming network for the user equipment.

15. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: Receive an instruction indicating multiple registrations of the user equipment supported by a network serving the user equipment; as well as Based on the indication and the configuration for the user equipment, it is determined whether multiple registrations of the user equipment are supported and permitted in the network serving the user equipment, wherein the configuration includes information indicating that the home network of the user equipment allows the user equipment to make multiple registrations to multiple networks.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the component for receiving the instruction comprises: A component for receiving a number of registrations of the user equipment supported by the network serving the user equipment.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the user equipment is pre-configured with the configuration information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the component for receiving comprises: A component for receiving a broadcast message including the indication in a cell of the serving network.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising: A component for providing at least one registration request to register the user equipment with the service network based on determining that the plurality of registrations are supported and permitted in the network serving the user equipment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the component for providing comprises: A component for providing the at least one registration request to the network serving the user equipment when the user equipment is registered to the service network or a network different from the service network.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising: Based on the determination that the multiple registrations are not supported or permitted for the network serving the user equipment, a serving cell belonging to another network among the multiple networks is selected.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the configuration comprises: The service network has a list of multiple registered networks for the user equipment it allows, wherein the list of networks includes identifiers for the multiple networks, wherein the multiple networks include: at least two networks equivalent to the user equipment's home network, at least two preferred roaming networks for the user equipment, or at least one network equivalent to the user equipment's home network and at least one associated roaming network for the user equipment.

23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the registration request includes a registration identifier associated with the registration request.

24. A method performed by a network serving a user equipment, the method comprising: Provide the user equipment with an instruction indicating multiple registrations supported by the network serving the user equipment; Receive multiple registration requests for registering with the network serving the user equipment; as well as The service network accepts the multiple registration requests.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the provision comprises: Provide the radio access network node with the instruction for broadcasting to the user equipment.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising: Provide the user equipment with configuration for the user equipment, wherein the configuration includes: information indicating that the home network of the user equipment allows the user equipment to register with multiple networks.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: The configuration for the user equipment is received from the home network of the user equipment.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the configuration comprises: The service network has a list of multiple registered networks for the user equipment it allows, wherein the list of networks includes identifiers for the multiple networks, wherein the multiple networks include: at least two networks equivalent to the user equipment's home network, at least two preferred roaming networks for the user equipment, or at least one network equivalent to the user equipment's home network and at least one associated roaming network for the user equipment.

29. A user equipment, 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 user equipment to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 23.

30. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 23.

31. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 23.

32. 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 apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28.

33. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28.

34. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28.

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