Energy efficient traffic steering in a wireless communication system

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method in a user equipment, comprising: transmitting, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; receiving, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmitting, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

Description

ENERGY EFFICIENT TRAFFIC STEERING IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of implementing energy-efficient traffic steering in a wireless communication system. This document defines a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, a processor for a UE, a user-plane function (UPF) for wireless communication, and a policy control function (PCF) for wireless communication, and methods of wireless communication.BACKGROUND

[0002] A wireless communications system may include one or multiple network communication devices, such as base stations, which may support wireless communications for one or multiple user communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE), or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or multiple user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like). Additionally, the wireless communications system may support wireless communications across various radio access technologies including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)).

[0003] The Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting (ATSSS) feature, as defined in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) Rel-18 specifications, provides enhanced data communication capabilities by allowing a User Equipment (UE) to utilize multiple access paths simultaneously. This is achieved by establishing a multiaccess data connection (referred to in the 3 GPP specifications as Multiaccess Packet Data Unit (MA PDU) Session) that supports two access paths, one 3 GPP access path, using an access network defined by 3 GPP, such a NG-RAN, and one non-3GPP access path, using anaccess network not defined by 3 GPP, such as WiFi. Every data packet that should be transmitted via the multiaccess data connection is transmitted either over the 3GPP access path or over the non-3GPP access path, according to multiaccess rules, which are provided to the UE and to a User Plane Function (UPF) during the establishment of the multiaccess data connection.

[0004] The ATSSS feature is designed to take advantage of the varied range of communication technologies available, by seamlessly combining multiple access networks (3 GPP and non-3GPP) to provide a more robust and reliable communication experience.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems, that support energy-efficient traffic steering in a wireless communication system.

[0006] There is provided an user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: transmit, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; receive, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determine, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmit, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0007] There is further provided, a method in a UE, comprising: transmitting, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic overa plurality of access paths; receiving, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmitting, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0008] There is further provided, a processor for a UE for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: output a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; retrieve a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; obtain, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; forward the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0009] There is further provided, a method in a processor for a UE, comprising outputting a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; retrieving a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; obtaining, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules;forward the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0010] There is further provided, a UPF for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UPF to: receive, from a third network entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more second steering rules indicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determine, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more second steering rules; and transmit the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0011] There is further provided, a method in a UPF, comprising: receiving, from a third network entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more second steering rules indicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more second steering rules; and transmitting the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0012] There is further provided, a PCF for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the PCF to: receive, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of accesspaths; determine whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; generate one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; and transmit the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity.

[0013] There is further provided, a method in a PCF, comprising: receiving, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths; determining whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; generating one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; and transmitting the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity.

[0014] By providing energy-efficient traffic steering, a UE and UPF can route data traffic over the access path / s that offer the highest energy efficiency at a given time. This tends to optimize the power consumption of the UE and the network resources of the wireless communication system, which can be particularly beneficial for battery powered devices and for achieving sustainability goals in network operation.

[0015] As used in the disclosure herein, an article “a” before an element is unrestricted and understood to refer to “at least one” of those elements or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ or “one or both of’) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set ofconditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on. Further, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a general architecture diagram 200 for ATSSS that is useful for understanding aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates an example of an MA PDU session establishment procedure 300 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a PCC rule 400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figures 5A-5B illustrate examples of ATSSS rules 510, 520, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figures 6A-6B illustrate examples of transmitting PMFP messages in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a user equipment (UE) 700 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a processor 800 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a network equipment (NE) 900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a processor in a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a NE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 13 illustrates a further flowchart of a method performed by a NE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] When a multiaccess data connection (i.e., MA PDU Session) is established between the UE and a UPF in the 5G core (5GC) network, multiaccess rules are provided to the UE and to UPF, which indicate how the uplink and the downlink traffic, respectively, should be preferably routed across the available access paths of the multiaccess data connection. Each rule includes a traffic descriptor, which identifies a specific type of data traffic, such as all traffic generated by a certain application. In addition, each rule comes with an access selection descriptor that includes a “steering mode”. The steering mode determines the way in which the specified data traffic should be routed. Different steering modes are defined such as “active- standby”, “smallest delay”, “load balancing”, and “redundant”, among others. These modes provide different strategies for data routing to optimize the performance and reliability of the multiaccess data connection.

[0030] A problem associated with existing steering modes, and addressed in this disclosure, is that none of the existing steering modes support a data routing strategy that can minimize the energy consumption of the data transmission. This is a problem specifically for network operators aiming to reduce their environmental impact and operational costs. For these operators, an "energy efficient" data routing strategy is needed that can minimize the overall energy consumption. By directing uplink and downlink traffic in the most energy-efficient manner, the overall power requirements of the network could be reduced.

[0031] To address this problem, the present disclosure and the invention described herein proposes the introduction of a new steering mode, referred to herein as an “energy efficient” steering mode. The "energy efficient" steering mode can be a beneficial additionto the ATSSS feature as this mode tends to enable the UE and UPF to route data traffic over the access path that offers the highest energy efficiency at a given time.

[0032] Like other steering modes, such as "active- standby", "smallest delay", "load balancing", and "redundant", the "energy efficient" mode tends to dictate the strategy used for routing data traffic based on multiaccess rules. However, a goal of this steering mode and the invention described herein tends to be to optimize the power consumption of the UE and the network resources, which can be particularly beneficial for battery-powered devices and for achieving sustainability goals in network operation.

[0033] The energy efficiency of an access path may be defined as the ratio of data transmitted to the energy consumed for the transmission of this data. This can fluctuate in time because it is impacted by several factors.

[0034] A first factor affecting energy efficiency is signal strength. A stronger signal usually allows for more efficient data transmission, reducing the energy required per bit of data.

[0035] A further factor affecting energy efficiency is load. The number of active users and the volume of data traffic in an access network can affect its energy efficiency.

[0036] The signal strength and load are examples of factors affecting energy efficiency, but are not intended to be limiting. Other factors may affect energy efficiency for a given wireless communication system.

[0037] The factors affecting energy efficiency can also change over time and with location. The most energy efficient path is also likely to vary. The introduction of an "energy efficient" steering mode may also include dynamic and continuous evaluation of these factors, to identify the most energy efficient path at any given time.

[0038] Furthermore, introducing an energy efficient steering mode may also involve deployment of more complex decision-making algorithms, more frequent measurement or estimation of the energy efficiency of different paths, and additional signaling to communicate these measurements from the UE to the UPF. These additional requirements may be achieved with appropriate design and the use of Artificial Intelligence(AI) / Machine Learning (ML) techniques, for instance, to optimize the decision-making process. The benefits of a more energy efficient network, both in terms of device battery life and environmental impact, can greatly outweigh these additional requirements.

[0039] Given the above anticipated benefits of an “energy efficient” steering mode, this disclosure and the invention described herein specifies extensions to the ATSSS feature that enable energy efficient traffic steering between the UE and UPF.

[0040] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communications system.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more network entities (also referred to as network equipment) (NE) 102, one or more UE 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. The wireless communications system 100 may comprises a mobile communications network. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE- Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G- Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultrawideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20. The wireless communications system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Additionally, the wireless communications system 100 may support technologies, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA), etc.

[0042] The one or more NE 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NE 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN), a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terminology. An NE 102and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

[0043] An NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area for which the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 may be moveable, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102.

[0044] The one or more UE 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (loT) device, an Internet-of-Everything (loE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

[0045] A UE 104 may be able to support wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 over a communication link. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehi cl e-to- vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link 114 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a PC5 interface.

[0046] An NE 102 may support communications with the CN 106, or with another NE 102, or both. For example, an NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or the CN 106 through one or more backhaul links (e.g., SI, N2, N2, or network interface). In someimplementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106. In some implementations, one or more NE 102 may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). An ANC may communicate with the one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission-reception points (TRPs).

[0047] The CN 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), or a 5G core (5GC), which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.) for the one or more UEs 104 served by the one or more NE 102 associated with the CN 106.

[0048] The CN 106 may communicate with a packet data network over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an SI, N2, N2, or another network interface). The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or the like) with the CN 106 via an NE 102. The CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session). The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the CN 106).

[0049] In the wireless communications system 100, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may use resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications). In someimplementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[0050] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communications system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., / t=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., / t=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., / / =1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., g=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., / t=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., / t=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0051] A time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some implementations, each frame may include multiple subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, a 1 ms duration. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on the one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communications system 100. For instance, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., / t=0,jtz=l, =2, / z=3, / z=4) associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a slot may include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on a numerology. It should be understood that reference to a first numerology (e.g., / t=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0053] In the wireless communications system 100, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the wireless communications system 100 may support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communications over one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for cellular communications traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0054] FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerol ogies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., / t=0), which includes 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second numerology (e.g., / / =1), which includes 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third numerology (e.g., / / =2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least 2 numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., / t=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth numerology (e.g., / t=3), which includes 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a general architecture diagram 200 for ATSSS that is useful for understanding aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] A remote unit 205 (i.e., a UE) is shown that has established a multiaccess data connection with a 5G core (5GC) network 240 using two types of access networks: (a) a 3GPP access network 220 and (b) a non-3GPP access network 230. The first type of access network 220 uses a 3GPP-defined type of wireless communication (e.g., a NG- AN 215 which may be a NG-RAN comprising the cellular base unit 221), while the second type of access network 230 uses a non-3 GPP-defined type of wireless communication (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)AViFi, indicated by the access point 231). The non- 3GPP Access Network 230 also comprises an interworking function 235. The multiaccess data connection may support additional access network types (such as non-terrestrial accesses), which are not shown. The 5G-AN 215 refers to any type of 5G access network that can provide access to 5GC 240, including the 3GPP access network 220 and the non- 3GPP access network 230. The 5GC 240 itself, comprises a UPF 241, an AMF 243, an SMF 245, a PCF 247 and a UDM 249.

[0057] The multiaccess data connection 248 is established between the remote unit 205 (UE) and a UPF 241 in the 5GC 240, which can support data communication using multiple access types simultaneously, such as the first access type 220 (e.g., NG- AN 215) and the second access type 230 (e.g., WiFi access). The multiaccess data connection 248 is also known as multiaccess PDU Session and supports two user-plane connections: one userplane connection using communication over 3 GPP access 225 and another user-plane connection using communication over non-3 GPP access 235. In general, a MA PDU Session may have two or more user-plane connections, each one using communication over a different type of access network. Each user-plane connection creates an access path between the remote unit 205 and the UPF 241.

[0058] During the establishment of the MA PDU Session 248, the PCF 247 creates steering rules 208 for the Uplink (UL) traffic and steering rules 209 for the Downlink (DL) traffic, which are forwarded to the remote unit 205 and to UPF 241, respectively. Thesteering rules 208 for the Uplink (UL) traffic are also called ATSSS rules, and the steering rules 209 for the Downlink (DL) traffic are also called Multiaccess Access Rules (MAR). The steering rules 208, 209 specify how the UL traffic and how the DL traffic of the MA PDU Session 248 is to be routed across the two user-plane connections or across the two access paths.

[0059] The remote unit 205 may use the MA PDU Session 248 to communicate with a Remote Host 255, connectable via a Data Network 250.

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates an example of an MA PDU session establishment procedure 300 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a UE 320, a 5G- AN 330, an AMF 340, a SMF 350, a PCF 360 and a UPF 370. Also shown in Figure 3 are message flows 301-312 which will now be described in more detail.

[0061] In a first step 301a, the UE 320 requests a MA PDU Session by transmitting a UL NAS Transport message to the AMF 340. This message contains an MA PDU Session indication and a PDU Session Establishment Request, to be forwarded to an SMF 350. The UL NAS Transport message is transmitted by the UE 320 via any of the available accesses, i.e., via any access the UE 320 has registered with the 5GC on. As illustrated, the UL NAS Transport message is transmitted via 5G-AN 330. The UL NAS Transport message comprises a PDU Session ID, S-NSSAI, DNN, MA PDU Request, and the PDU Session Establishment Request. The PDU Session Establishment Request comprises a PDU Session ID, PDU type, SSC Mode and a 5GSM capability element. The 5GSM capability element comprises a first capability indicating that the UE 320 supports energy-efficient traffic steering.

[0062] In a further step, The 5G-AN 330 (e.g., 3GPP access network or non-3GPP access network) forwards the UL NAS Transport to AMF 340 within a NGAP Uplink NAS Transport message.

[0063] In a further step 302a, in response to receiving the UL NAS Transport message from the UE 320, which indicates that an MA PDU Session is requested, the AMF 340 selects an SMF 350 and sends a Create SM Context Request message to the SMF 350. This procedure may be according to the existing art (see, e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification23.502). The Create SM Context Request message encapsulates the PDU Session Establishment Request provided by the UE 320. More specifically, the Create SM Context Request message comprises a SUPI, the PDU Session ID, S-NSSAI, DNN, MA PDU Request, Access type, RAT type, UE location, and the PDU Session Establishment Request.

[0064] In a further step 302b, the SMF 350 sends a Create SM Context Response to AMF 340.

[0065] In a further step 303a, the SMF 350 selects a PCF 360 and sends an SM Policy Control Create Request message to PCF 360 for providing session management control information. This message contains a MA PDU Request indication and the ATSSS capabilities of the UE 320, which were received by SMF 350 within the “5GSM capability” element. The ATSSS Capability element may indicate to PCF 360 that the UE 320 supports energy-efficient traffic steering. More specifically, the SM Policy Control Create Request message comprises a SUPI, PDU Session ID, S-NSSAI, DNN, Access type, RAT type, UE location, MA PDU Request and the ATSSS capability of the UE 320.

[0066] In a further step 303b, in response to determining that the UE 320 supports energy-efficient traffic steering, the PCF 360 creates one or more PCC rules with “MA PDU Session Control” information indicating that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied. An example of such a PCC rule is shown in Figure 4. A PCC rule contains a Service Data Flow (SDF) Detection element that identifies the traffic matching this rule and additional elements indicating how the matching traffic should be handled. One of these additional elements is the “MA PDU Session Control” element, which identifies how the matching traffic should be routed across the various access paths of the MA PDU Session. This element can be used to indicate that the matching traffic should be routed using an energy-efficient steering strategy. The PCF 360 determines that the UE 320 supports energy-efficient traffic steering either implicitly (e.g., when all ATSSS-capable UEs support energy-efficient traffic steering) or explicitly via the contents of the ATSSS Capability element received from SMF 350.

[0067] In a further step 303b, the PCF 360 returns a SM Policy Control Create Response message to SMF 350 including the created PCC rules with MA PDU SessionControl indicating that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied to selected or all traffic sent via the MA PDU Session.

[0068] In a further step 304, based on the PCC rules received from PCF 360, the SMF 350 creates corresponding ATSSS rules for the UE 320 and MAR rules for the UPF 370. Both rules indicate that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied in the UL and DL direction, respectively.

[0069] The SMF 350 selects a UPF 370 for the MA PDU Session, e.g., a UPF 370 that supports energy-efficient traffic steering. This selection is typically performed by interacting with a Network Repository Function (NRF). For example, when an UPF 370 registers with a NRF, it may indicate whether it supports energy-efficient traffic steering or not.

[0070] In a further step 305a, the SMF 350 creates a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session (also known as N4 session) with the selected UPF 370 by sending a PFCP Session Establishment Request message that contains the created MAR rules indicating that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied. More specifically, the PFCP Session Establishment Request comprises a SMF-ID, SMF-session-ID, and the MAR rules.

[0071] In a further step 305b, the UPF 370 accepts the request and responds with a PFCP Session Establishment Response message. The PFCP Session Establishment Response message comprises at least the UPF-ID and a UPF-Session-ID.

[0072] In a further step 306, The SMF 350 creates a PDU Session Establishment Accept message for the UE 320 and encapsulates this message within an N1N2 Message Transfer Request, that is sent to the AMF 340. The PDU Session Establishment Accept message includes an ATSSS Container element that contains the created ATSSS rules indicating that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied.

[0073] It should be noted that, if the UE 320 is registered with a 5GC over several access paths, the SMF 350 sends additional N1N2 Message Transfer Request messages to the AMF 340, each one triggering the establish of user-plane resources in one of theseaccess paths. In the example flow shown in Figure 3, only one N1N2 Message Transfer Request is shown.

[0074] In a further step 307, the AMF 340 requests from the 5G-AN 330 to create the necessary resources for the MA PDU Session by transmitting to 5G-AN 330 a NGAP PDU Session Resource Setup Request message. This message encapsulates a DL NAS Transport message to be sent to UE, which contains the PDU Session Establishment Accept message.

[0075] In a further step 308, the MA PDU Session establishment procedure is completed by the UE 320 receiving the DL NAS Transport message from the AMF 340. This message contains the PDU Session Establishment Accept created by SMF 350 which includes the ATSSS rules indicating the energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied. More specifically, the DL NAS Transport message comprises a PDU Session ID, the PDU Session Accept message (itself comprising the PDU Session ID, PDU type, SSC Mode, and the ATSSS rules). The ATSSS rules may be encoded as shown in Figures 5a-5b. At this point in the procedure, the MA PDU Session is established.

[0076] In further steps 309a-309b, after the MA PDU Session is established, the UE 320 and the UPF 370 apply the received ATSSS rules and MAR rules respectively and route the UL and DL traffic of the MA PDU Session according to these rules. Since the UPF 370 does not know which access path offers the highest energy efficiency in the DL direction, the UE 320 transmits a message to UPF 370 providing the necessary information. This message can be sent using the existing Performance Measurement Function (PMF) protocol (PMFP). More specifically, in step 309a, a PMF message containing the energyefficiency information for the access paths of the MA PDU session is transmitted to the UPF 370. In step 309b, the UPF 370 responds to the UE 320 with a PMF complete message. Examples approaches for sending the PMF messages are shown in Figures 6a-6b.

[0077] In further steps 310a-310b, the UE 320 and UPF 370 route the UL data and the DL data, respectively, of the MA PDU Session by applying the ATSSS rules and the MAR rules in a way that maximizes the energy efficiency in the UL direction and in the DL direction. More specifically, in step 310a, the UE 320 transmits UL data traffic to the access path supporting the highest energy efficiency at a given time. In step 310b, the UPF370 transmits DL data traffic to the access path supporting the highest energy efficiency at a given time.

[0078] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a PCC rule 400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The PCC rule 400 comprises a Rule Identifier element 410, a Service Data Flow (SDF) Detection element 420, a Charging element 430, a Policy Control element 440, an Access Network Information Reporting element 450, a first one or more additional elements 460, an MA PDU Session Control element 470, and a second one or more additional elements 480.

[0079] The SDF Detection element 420 comprises a Precedence value that is equal to 1. The SDF Detection element 420 also comprises an SDF Template and IP filters or App identifiers. Generally, the SDF Detection element 420 identifies the traffic matching the PCC rule 400, with the remaining elements of the PCC rule 400 indicating how the matched traffic should be handled. Specifically, the MA PDU Session Control element 470 identifies how the matched traffic should be routed across the various access paths of the MA PDU Session. In the context of the present invention, the MA PDU Session Control element 470 indicates that matched traffic should be routed using an energy efficient steering strategy.

[0080] Figures 5A-5B illustrate examples of ATSSS rules 510, 520, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0081] In a first example illustrated in Figure 5A, the ATSSS rule 510 specifies that the matched traffic should be routed using load balancing traffic steering and indicates that the traffic should load balanced in a way that maximizes the energy efficiency. The latter indication can be encoded in the existing “steering mode additional indicator” element (as defined in 3GPP Technical Specification 23.193).

[0082] In a second example illustrated in Figure 5B, the ATSSS rule 520 uses an alternative encoding wherein a new steering mode is defined, called “Energy Efficiency” or “Highest Energy Efficiency”. This steering mode indicates to UE to route the matched traffic across the available access paths in a way that maximizes the energy efficiency.

[0083] Figures 6A-6B illustrate examples of transmitting PMFP messages in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0084] In the example of Figure 6A, a UE 620 and a UPF 670 are illustrated. In a first step 601, the UE 620 sends the existing PMFP UE Assistance Data (UAD) provisioning message to the UPF 670. The PMFP UAD provisioning message contains a new information element called “Energy Efficiency Data”. The “Energy Efficiency Data” information element contains information about the energy efficiency for receiving DL data in the UE 620 via the available access paths. For example, it may contain the access path offering the highest energy efficiency for DL data reception. In a further step 602, the UPF 670 responds with a PMFP UAD provisioning complete message.

[0085] In the example of Figure 6B, a UE 620’ and a UPF 670’ are illustrated. In a first step 601’, the UE 620’ sends a new PMFP message called PMFP Energy Efficiency Data (EED) provisioning message. This message contains an “Energy Efficiency Data” information element which contains information about the energy efficiency for receiving DL data in the UE 620’ via the available access paths. For example, it may contain the access path offering the highest energy efficiency for DL data reception. In a further step 602’, the UPF 670’ responds with a PMFP EED provisioning complete message.

[0086] Accordingly, there is provided an (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: transmit, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; receive, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determine, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmit, the matched uplink data to asecond network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0087] In some embodiments, the one or more first steering rules comprise a first steering mode component, and either: the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is a load-balancing steering mode, and the one or more first steering rules further comprise a steering mode additional indicator element set to a value indicating that the load-balancing is to be performed to maximize an energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission; or the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is an energy-efficient steering mode wherein the steering of the uplink traffic over the plurality of access paths is performed to maximize the energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission. The value may be, “energy efficiency”, “highest energy efficiency” , or “autonomous load balance operation for energy efficiency” , for instance.

[0088] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a multiaccess (MA) packet data unit (PDU) session, the first request comprises a PDU session establishment request message, the first response comprises a PDU session establishment accept message, and / or the one or more first steering rules comprise Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting (ATSSS) rules.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first network entity is an access and mobility management function (AMF) and / or the second network entity is a user plane function (UPF).

[0090] In some embodiments, the first request indicates that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0091] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to: determine, after receiving the first response, an energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths; and transmit, to the second network entity, the energy-efficiency information.

[0092] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to transmit the energy-efficiency information according to a performance measurement function protocol (PMFP), using either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning messagecontaining the energy-efficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energy -efficiency information.

[0093] Accordingly, there is provided a method in an UE, comprising: transmitting, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; receiving, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmitting, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0094] In some embodiments, the one or more first steering rules comprise a first steering mode component, and either: the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is a load-balancing steering mode, and the one or more first steering rules further comprise a steering mode additional indicator element set to a value indicating that the load-balancing is to be performed to maximize an energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission; or the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is an energy-efficient steering mode wherein the steering of the uplink traffic over the plurality of access paths is performed to maximize the energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission. The value may be, “energy efficiency”, “highest energy efficiency”, or “autonomous load balance operation for energy efficiency”, for instance.

[0095] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a multiaccess (MA) packet data unit (PDU) session, the first request comprises a PDU session establishment request message, the first response comprises a PDU session establishment accept message, and / or the one or more first steering rules comprise Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting (ATSSS) rules.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first network entity is an access and mobility management function (AMF) and / or the second network entity is a user plane function (UPF).

[0097] In some embodiments, the first request indicates that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method comprises: determining, after receiving the first response, an energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths; and transmitting, to the second network entity, the energy-efficiency information.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method comprises transmitting the energy-efficiency information according to a performance measurement function protocol (PMFP), using either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information.

[0100] There is further provided, a processor for a UE for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: output a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; retrieve a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; obtain, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; forward the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy -efficient data traffic transmission.

[0101] In some embodiments, the one or more first steering rules comprise a first steering mode component, and either: the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is a load-balancing steering mode, and the one or more first steering rules further comprise a steering mode additional indicator element set to a valueindicating that the load-balancing is to be performed to maximize an energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission; or the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is an energy-efficient steering mode wherein the steering of the uplink traffic over the plurality of access paths is to be performed to maximize the energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission.

[0102] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session, the first request comprises a PDU session establishment request message, the first response comprises a PDU session establishment accept message, and / or the one or more steering rules comprise ATSSS rules.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first request indicates the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0104] In some embodiments, the at least one controller is further configured to cause the processor to: obtain, after retrieving the first response, an energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths; and forward, the energy-efficiency information.

[0105] In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to forward the energy-efficiency information as either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information.

[0106] There is further provided, a method in a processor for a UE comprising: outputting a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; retrieving a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; obtaining, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; forward the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0107] In some embodiments, the one or more first steering rules comprise a first steering mode component, and either: the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is a load-balancing steering mode, and the one or more first steering rules further comprise a steering mode additional indicator element set to a value indicating that the load-balancing is to be performed to maximize an energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission; or the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is an energy-efficient steering mode wherein the steering of the uplink traffic over the plurality of access paths is to be performed to maximize the energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission.

[0108] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session, the first request comprises a PDU session establishment request message, the first response comprises a PDU session establishment accept message, and / or the one or more steering rules comprise ATSSS rules.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first request indicates the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0110] In some embodiments, the method comprises: obtaining, after retrieving the first response, an energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths; and forwarding, the energy-efficiency information.[OHl] In some embodiments, the forwarding the energy-efficiency information comprises, forwarding the energy-efficiency information as either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information.

[0112] There is further provided, a UPF for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UPF to: receive, from a third network entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more second steering rulesindicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determine, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more second steering rules; and transmit the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0113] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UPF to: receive, from the UE, energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths.

[0114] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UPF to receive the energy-efficiency information as either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information; or a PMFP UE energyefficiency data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information.

[0115] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session, the second request comprises a packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP) session establishment request message, and / or the one or more second steering rules comprise Multiaccess Rules (MARs).

[0116] In some embodiments, the third network entity is a SMF.

[0117] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UPF to: transmit, to a network repository function ‘NRF’, a registration information indicating that the UPF supports steering of downlink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0118] There is further provided, a method in a UPF, comprising: receiving, from a third network entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more second steering rules indicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matchesthe one or more second steering rules; and transmitting the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0119] In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving, from the UE, energyefficiency information for the plurality of access paths.

[0120] In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving the energy-efficiency information as either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energy-efficiency information.

[0121] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session, the second request comprises a packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP) session establishment request message, and / or the one or more second steering rules comprise Multiaccess Rules (MARs).

[0122] In some embodiments, the third network entity is a SMF.

[0123] In some embodiments, the method comprises transmitting, to a network repository function (NRF), a registration information indicating that the UPF supports steering of downlink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0124] There is further provided, a PCF for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the PCF to: receive, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths; determine whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; generate one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering modeproviding energy-efficient data traffic transmission; and transmit the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity.

[0125] In some embodiments, the fourth network entity is an SMF.

[0126] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session.

[0127] In some embodiments, the third request indicates that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0128] In some embodiments, the third request comprises an ATSSS capability element indicating that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0129] There is further provided, a method in a PCF, comprising: receiving, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths; determining whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; generating one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; and transmitting the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity.

[0130] In some embodiments, the fourth network entity is an SMF.

[0131] In some embodiments, the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session.

[0132] In some embodiments, the third request indicates that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0133] In some embodiments, the third request comprises an ATSSS capability element indicating that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0134] The invention provided in this disclosure proposes novel enhancements to the MA PDU Session establishment procedure, which enable a 5G network to indicate that selected (or all) traffic sent via the MA PDU Session should be steered across the available access paths in a way that maximizes the energy efficiency of the data transmission and reception. In response, the UE and the UPF associated with the MA PDU Session receive ATSSS rules and MAR rules, respectively, that specify the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) traffic which should be sent with energy-efficient traffic steering.

[0135] The "energy efficient" steering mode defined in the present disclosure can be a beneficial addition to the ATSSS feature as this mode would enable the UE and UPF to route data traffic over the access path that offers the highest energy efficiency at a given time. By directing uplink and downlink traffic in the most energy-efficient manner, the overall power requirements of the UE and of the network could be reduced.

[0136] The disclosure herein provides, from a UE perspective, a UE apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled with the processor, the processor configured to cause the UE apparatus to: send a first request to establish a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, the multiaccess data connection supporting data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths; receive a response to the first request, wherein the response contains one or more steering rules for steering uplink data traffic across the plurality of access paths of the multiaccess data connection, the one or more steering rules indicating that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied; determine the uplink data traffic that matches the one or more steering rules; and transmit the uplink data traffic that matches the one or more steering rules over the access path that provides the highest energy efficiency.

[0137] In some embodiments of the UE apparatus, establishing the multiaccess data connection comprises transmitting a PDU session establishment request containing a multiaccess request indication, wherein the multiaccess data connection is a MA-PDU session; wherein receiving a response to the first request comprises receiving a PDU session establishment accept message; and wherein the one or more steering rules are ATSSS rules.

[0138] In some embodiments of the UE apparatus, the one or more steering rules indicate that energy -efficient traffic steering should be applied by comprising a steering mode component set to “load balancing” and a steering mode additional indicator component set to a value indicating load balancing across the access paths should be done in a way that maximized the energy efficiency. In some embodiments the value could be one of “energy efficiency”, “highest energy efficiency”, or “autonomous load-balance operation for energy efficiency”.

[0139] In some embodiments of the UE apparatus, the one or more steering rules indicate that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied by comprising a steering mode component set to a value indicating uplink data traffic should be steered across the access paths in a way that maximized the energy efficiency. In some embodiments this value could be one of “energy efficient”, “energy efficiency” or “highest energy efficiency”.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first request to establish a multiaccess data connection is sent to a session management function (SMF) in the mobile communication network via an access and mobility management function (AMF); and wherein the first request indicates that the UE apparatus supports energy-efficient traffic steering.

[0141] In some embodiments, after receiving the response to the first request, the processor further determines energy efficiency information for the access paths of the multiaccess data connection and transmits a message containing the energy efficiency information. In some embodiments the message could be the existing PMFP UAD provisioning message including “Energy Efficiency Data”, or it could be a new PMFP EED provisioning message including the “Energy Efficiency Data”.

[0142] The disclosure herein further provides, from a UPF perspective, an apparatus (i.e., a UPF) in a mobile communication network, comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled with the processor, the processor configured to cause the apparatus to: receive a first request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a user equipment, the multiaccess data connection supporting data traffic transmission over a plurality of accesses; wherein the first request contains one or more steering rules for steering downlink data traffic across the plurality of accesses of the multiaccess dataconnection, the one or more steering rules indicating that energy-efficient traffic steering should be applied; determine the downlink data traffic that matches the one or more steering rules; and transmit the downlink data traffic that matches the one or more steering rules over the access path that provides the highest energy efficiency. In some embodiments the UPF determines the energy efficiency of each access using the “Energy Efficiency Data” received from the UE, as hereinbefore described.

[0143] The disclosure herein further provides, from a PCF perspective, a PCF that creates PCC rules with MA PDU Session Control indicating that energy -efficient traffic steering should be applied, in response to the PCF knowing that the UE supports energyefficient traffic steering. This knowledge is either implicit or explicit. For instance, this knowledge may be gained by the PCF by inspecting the “ATSSS Capability” element received at the PCF from an SMF, which indicates a UE’s traffic steering capabilities.

[0144] As described herein, the invention may provide an enhancement to the ATSSS feature already specified in 3GPP specifications.

[0145] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a UE 700 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a controller 706, and a transceiver 708. The processor 702, the memory 704, the controller 706, or the transceiver 708, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0146] The processor 702, the memory 704, the controller 706, or the transceiver 708, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0147] The processor 702 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general- purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). Insome implementations, the processor 702 may be configured to operate the memory 704. In some other implementations, the memory 704 may be integrated into the processor 702. The processor 702 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 704 to cause the UE 700 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0148] The memory 704 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 704 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 702 cause the UE 700 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 704 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non- transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0149] In some implementations, the processor 702 and the memory 704 coupled with the processor 702 may be configured to cause the UE 700 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 702, instructions stored in the memory 704). For example, the processor 702 may support wireless communication at the UE 700 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The UE 700 may be configured to support a means for providing a method in an UE, comprising: transmitting, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; receiving, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmitting, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobilecommunication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. .

[0150] The controller 706 may manage input and output signals for the UE 700. The controller 706 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE 700. In some implementations, the controller 706 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 706 may be implemented as part of the processor 702.

[0151] In some implementations, the UE 700 may include at least one transceiver 708. In some other implementations, the UE 700 may have more than one transceiver 708. The transceiver 708 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 708 may include one or more receiver chains 710, one or more transmitter chains 712, or a combination thereof.

[0152] A receiver chain 710 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 710 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LN A)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0153] A transmitter chain 712 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 712 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 712 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 712 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0154] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a processor 800 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 800 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 800 may include a controller 802 configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 800 may optionally include at least one memory 804, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 800 may optionally include one or more arithmetic-logic units (ALUs) 806. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0155] The processor 800 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 800) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), and others).

[0156] The controller 802 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) of the processor 800 to cause the processor 800 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. For example, the controller 802 may operate as a control unit of the processor 800, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 800. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating timing of operations.

[0157] The controller 802 may be configured to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 804 and determine subsequent instruction(s) to be executedto cause the processor 800 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The controller 802 may be configured to track memory address of instructions associated with the memory 804. The controller 802 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 802 may be configured to interpret the instruction and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 800 to cause the processor 800 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 802 may be configured to manage flow of data within the processor 800. The controller 802 may be configured to control transfer of data between registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other functional units of the processor 800.

[0158] The memory 804 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 800 or other memory, such RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, the memory 804 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 800). In some other implementations, the memory 804 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor 800).

[0159] The memory 804 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by the processor 800, cause the processor 800 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 802 and / or the processor 800 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 804 to cause the processor 800 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 800 and / or the controller 802 may be coupled with or to the memory 804, the processor 800, the controller 802, and the memory 804 may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 800 may include multiple processors and the memory 804 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein.

[0160] The one or more ALUs 806 may be configured to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, the one or more ALUs 806 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the processor 800). In some other implementations, the one or more ALUs 806 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 800). One or more ALUs 806 may perform one or more computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on data. For example, one or more ALUs 806 may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be executed. One or more ALUs 806 be configured with a variety of logical and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate the data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more ALUs 806 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive-OR (XOR), not-OR (NOR), and not- AND (NAND), enabling the one or more ALUs 806 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0161] The processor 800 may support wireless communication in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The processor 800 may be configured to or operable to support a means for providing a method in a processor for a UE comprising: outputting a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; retrieving a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; obtaining, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; forward the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

[0162] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a NE 900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The NE 900 may include a processor 902, a memory 904, a controller 906, and a transceiver 908. The processor 902, the memory 904, the controller 906, or the transceiver 908, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may beexamples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0163] The processor 902, the memory 904, the controller 906, or the transceiver 908, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0164] The processor 902 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general- purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 902 may be configured to operate the memory 904. In some other implementations, the memory 904 may be integrated into the processor 902. The processor 902 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 904 to cause the NE 900 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0165] The memory 904 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 904 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 902 cause the NE 900 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 904 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non- transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0166] In some implementations, the processor 902 and the memory 904 coupled with the processor 902 may be configured to cause the NE 900 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 902, instructions stored in the memory 904). For example, the processor 902 may support wireless communication at the NE 900 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The NE 900 may be configured to support a means for providing a method in a UPF, comprising: receiving, from a thirdnetwork entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more second steering rules indicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; determining, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more second steering rules; and transmitting the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. The NE 900 may be configured to support a means for providing a method in a PCF, comprising: receiving, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths; determining whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; generating one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; and transmitting the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity.

[0167] The controller 906 may manage input and output signals for the NE 900. The controller 906 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the NE 900. In some implementations, the controller 906 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 906 may be implemented as part of the processor 902.

[0168] In some implementations, the NE 900 may include at least one transceiver 908. In some other implementations, the NE 900 may have more than one transceiver 908. The transceiver 908 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 908 may include one or more receiver chains 910, one or more transmitter chains 912, or a combination thereof.

[0169] A receiver chain 910 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 910 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LN A)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0170] A transmitter chain 912 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 912 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 912 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 912 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0171] Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a UE as described herein. In some implementations, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the UE to perform the described functions.

[0172] At 1001, the method may include transmitting, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths. The operations of 1001 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1001 may be performed by a UE as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0173] At 1002, the method may include receiving, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1002 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1002 may be performed by a UE as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0174] At 1003, the method may include determining, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules. The operations of 1003 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1003 may be performed a UE as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0175] At 1004, the method may include transmitting, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1004 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1004 may be performed a UE as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0176] It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0177] Figure 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a processor in a UE as described herein.

[0178] At 1101, the method may include outputting a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths. The operations of 1101 may be performed in accordance withexamples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1101 may be performed by a processor as described with reference to Figure 8.

[0179] At 1102, the method may include retrieving a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energyefficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1102 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1102 may be performed by a processor as described with reference to Figure 8.

[0180] At 1103, the method may include obtaining, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules. The operations of 1103 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1103 may be performed by a processor as described with reference to Figure 8.

[0181] At 1104, the method may include forwarding the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energyefficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1104 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1104 may be performed by a processor as described with reference to Figure 8.

[0182] Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE (for instance, a UPF) as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions.

[0183] At 1201, the method may include receiving, from a third network entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more secondsteering rules indicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1201 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1201 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0184] At 1202, the method may include determining, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more second steering rules. The operations of 1202 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1202 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0185] At 1203, the method may include transmitting the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1203 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1203 may be performed a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0186] Figure 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE (for instance, a PCF) as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions.

[0187] At 1301, the method may include receiving, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths. The operations of 1301 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1301 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0188] At 1302, the method may include determining whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.The operations of 1302 may be performed in accordance with examples as describedherein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1302 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0189] At 1303, the method may include generating one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission. The operations of 1303 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1303 may be performed a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0190] At 1304, the method may include transmitting the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity. The operations of 1304 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1304 may be performed a NE as described with reference to Figure 9.

[0191] It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0192] The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0193] The following abbreviations are relevant in the field addressed by this document: ATSSS, Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting; 3GPP, Third Generation Partnership Project; UE, User Equipment; MA, Multiaccess; PDU, Packet Data Unit; UPF, User Plane Function; 5GC, 5G Core; Al, Artificial Intelligence; ML, Machine Learning; SMF, Session Management Function; AMF, Access and Mobility management Function; PCF, Policy Control Function; MAR, Multiaccess Access Rules; UL, Uplink;DL, Downlink; DN, Data network; SDF, Service Data Flow; PCC, Policy Control Create; NRF, Network Repository Function; PMF, Performance Measurement Function; PMFP, Performance Measurement Function Protocol; and EED, Energy Efficiency Data.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An user equipment ‘UE’ for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: transmit, a first request to a first network entity of a mobile communication network, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with the mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; receive, from the first network entity, a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energyefficient data traffic transmission; determine, as matched uplink data, the uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; transmit, the matched uplink data to a second network entity of the mobile communication network, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more first steering rules comprise a first steering mode component, and either: the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is a load-balancing steering mode, and the one or more first steering rules further comprise a steering mode additional indicator element set to a value indicating that the load-balancing is to be performed to maximize an energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission; orthe first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is an energy-efficient steering mode, wherein the steering of the uplink traffic over the plurality of access paths is performed to maximize the energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission.

3. The UE of any preceding claim, wherein the multiaccess data connection is a multiaccess ‘MA’ packet data unit ‘PDU’ session, the first request comprises a PDU session establishment request message, the first response comprises a PDU session establishment accept message, and / or the one or more first steering rules comprise Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting ‘ATSSS’ rules.

4. The UE of any preceding claim, wherein the first network entity is an access and mobility management function ‘ AMF’ and / or the second network entity is a user plane function ‘UPF’.

5. The UE of any preceding claim, wherein the first request indicates that the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

6. The UE of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to: determine, after receiving the first response, an energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths; and transmit, to the second network entity, the energy-efficiency information.

7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to transmit the energy -efficiency information according to a performance measurement function protocol (PMFP), using either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energyefficiency information; ora PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energyefficiency information.

8. A processor for a UE for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: output a first request, the first request requesting establishment of a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths; retrieve a first response to the first request, wherein the first response comprises one or more first steering rules for steering uplink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more first steering rules indicating that the steering of the uplink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; obtain, as matched uplink data, uplink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more first steering rules; forward the matched uplink data for transmission using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

9. The processor of claim 8, wherein the one or more first steering rules comprise a first steering mode component, and either: the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is a load-balancing steering mode, and the one or more first steering rules further comprise a steering mode additional indicator element set to a value indicating that the load-balancing is to be performed to maximize an energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission; or the first steering mode component indicates that the first steering mode is an energy-efficient steering mode wherein the steering of the uplink traffic over the pluralityof access paths is to be performed to maximize the energy-efficiency of the data traffic transmission.

10. The processor of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session, the first request comprises a PDU session establishment request message, the first response comprises a PDU session establishment accept message, and / or the one or more steering rules comprise ATSSS rules.

11. The processor of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the first request indicates the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

12. The processor of any one of claims 8-11, wherein the at least one controller is further configured to cause the processor to: obtain, after retrieving the first response, an energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths; and forward, the energy-efficiency information.

13. The processor of claim 12, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to forward the energy efficiency information as either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energyefficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energyefficiency information.

14. A UPF for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UPF to:receive, from a third network entity, a second request to establish user-plane resources for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports transmission of data traffic over a plurality of access paths, wherein the second request comprises one or more second steering rules for steering downlink data over the plurality of access paths, the one or more second steering rules indicating that the steering of the downlink data is to be performed using a steering mode providing energyefficient data traffic transmission; determine, as matched downlink data, the downlink data of the data traffic that matches the one or more second steering rules; and transmit the matched downlink data to the UE, using one or more of the access paths and the steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

15. The UPF of claim 14, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UPF to: receive, from the UE, energy-efficiency information for the plurality of access paths.

16. The UPF of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UPF to receive the energy-efficiency information as either: a PMFP UE assistance data provisioning message containing the energyefficiency information; or a PMFP UE energy-efficiency data provisioning message containing the energyefficiency information.

17. The UPF of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the multiaccess data connection is a MA PDU session, the second request comprises a packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP) session establishment request message, and / or the one or more second steering rules comprise Multiaccess Rules (MARs).

18. The UPF of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the third network entity is a SMF.

19. The UPF of any one of claims 14-18, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UPF to: transmit, to a network repository function ‘NRF’, a registration information indicating that the UPF supports steering of downlink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission.

20. A PCF for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the PCF to: receive, from a fourth network entity, a third request to establish policy control rules for a multiaccess data connection for a UE, wherein the multiaccess data connection supports data traffic transmission over a plurality of access paths; determine whether the UE supports steering of uplink data using steering modes providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; generate one or more policy control rules indicating how data traffic that matches the one or more policy control rules, is to be steered over the plurality of access paths, the one or more policy control rules further indicating that the steering of the data traffic is to be performed using a steering mode providing energy-efficient data traffic transmission; and transmit the one or more policy control rules to the fourth network entity.

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