Infrastructure equipment, core network apparatus, communications device and methods

Abstract

A communications device is configured to establish a communication links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each forming part of a different 3GPP radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network. The communications device is also configured to establish a communications link via each of one or more non-3GPP wireless access nodes providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network. The communications device is configured to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes. According to example embodiments the predetermined rules may be to Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rules and the communications device and an apparatus in the core network may be configured to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network using one or more communications links via the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment of 3GPP radio access networks and using one or more communications links to or from the core network established by the non-3GPP access nodes according to ATSSS rules adapted for example for triple steering and implemented for example by a User Plane Function (UPF). Example embodiments can therefore provide a technique for steering communication of packet data via three or more communications links, two or more being via 3GPP radio access networks and at least one being via a non-3GPP access network. Accordingly, embodiments can provide an increase in radio coverage for wireless applications which can utilise different radio access networks and technologies for communicating packet data via core network to or from a communications device.

Description

[0001] INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT, CORE NETWORK APPARATUS, COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE AND METHODS

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Field of Disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to infrastructure equipment, a core network apparatus, a communications device, and methods of operating infrastructure equipment, a core network apparatus, a communications device. The present disclosure claims the Paris convention priority to European patent application P23187333.2, filed on 24 July 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] Description of Related Art

[0006] The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

[0007] Wireless communications networks are now supporting communications to a wider range of communications devices and user equipment for a variety of applications and data traffic profiles and types. For example, communications are now supported with devices including reduced complexity devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, high resolution video displays, virtual reality headsets and so on. Some of these different types of devices may be deployed in very large numbers, for example low complexity devices for supporting the “The Internet of Things”, and may typically be associated with the transmissions of relatively small amounts of data with relatively high latency tolerance. Other types of device, for example supporting high-definition video streaming, may be associated with transmissions of relatively large amounts of data with relatively low latency tolerance.

[0008] In order to provide coverage for an increasing range of devices, such as loT, 5G radio access technologies (RAT), also referred to as new radio (NR) systems, includes aspects which are devised to support connectivity over a wide range of environments.

[0009] 5G NR has continuously evolved and the current work plan includes 5G-NR-advanced in which some further enhancements are expected, especially to support new use-cases / scenarios with higher requirements. The desire to support these new use-cases and scenarios gives rise to new challenges for handling communication device power usage in wireless communications systems that need to be addressed.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCEOSURE

[0011] The present disclosure can help address or mitigate at least some of the issues discussed above.

[0012] Embodiments can provide a communications device operating to communicate data using a wireless communications, the communications device comprising transceiver circuitry configured to transmit data to or receive data from wireless communications networks, and controller circuitry configure to control the transceiver circuitry. The controller circuitry is configured to control the transceiver circuitry to establish a communication links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard. The controller circuitry is configured to control the transceiver circuitry to establish a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard. The controller circuitry is configured to control the transceiver circuitry to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0013] According to example embodiments the predetermined rules may be to Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rules. The controller circuitry may include a processor and program code which when executed by the processor causes the processor to steer communication of packet data to or from a core network using one or more communications links via the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment of 3GPP radio access networks and using one or more communications links to or from the core network established by the non-3GPP access nodes according to ATSSS rules adapted for triple steering for example. The processor may perform the functions of a User Plane Function (UPF). Example embodiments can therefore provide a technique for steering communication of packet data via three or more communications links, two or more being via 3GPP radio access networks and at least one being via a non-3GPP access network. Accordingly, embodiments can provide an increase in radio coverage for wireless applications which can utilise different radio access networks and technologies for communicating packet data via core network to or from a communications device.

[0014] As will be appreciated from an understanding of the detailed description below, embodiments can provide reduced communications device power consumption.

[0015] Respective aspects and features of the present disclosure are defined in the appended claims and include a communications device (for example, a UE), and a core network apparatus and methods for operating the same.

[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the present technology. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 schematically represents some aspects of a 5G / new radio access technology (RAT) wireless communications system which may be configured to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a communications device communicating data to and / or from an infrastructure equipment (gNB) forming part of the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a mapping between radio bearers and QoS flows for a PDU session; Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of an MA-PDU session over a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network;

[0022] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of simplified protocol stacks for an MA-PDU session over a 3GPP and non-3GPP access network;

[0023] Figure 6 schematically representation illustrating an example of an MA-PDU session formed by a communications device using two 3GPP access networks and SNPN and a PUMN and a non-3GPP access network, which is a Wi-Fi network, according to an example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an example of simplified protocol stack of an MA-PDU session of Figure 5 adapted to steer packet data of the MA-PDU session via communications paths via two 3GPP access networks and a non-3GPP access network for the scenario of Figure 6, according to an example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of an MA-PDU session over two 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network according to the scenario presented in Figures 6 and 7, according to example embodiments; and

[0026] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a part flow diagram, part block diagram showing a process of operating a communications device and a core network each implementing a UPF to steer packet data via two 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network according to the scenario presented in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] New Radio Access Technology (5G)

[0029] An example configuration of a wireless communications network which uses some of the terminology proposed for and used in NR and 5G is shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1 a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs) 10 are connected to distributed control units (DUs) 41, 42 by a connection interface represented as a line 16. Each of the TRPs 10 is arranged to transmit and receive signals via a wireless access interface within a radio frequency bandwidth available to the wireless communications network. Thus, within a range for performing radio communications via the wireless access interface, each of the TRPs 10, forms a cell of the wireless communications network as represented by a circle 12. As such, wireless communications devices 14 which are within a radio communications range provided by the cells 12 can transmit and receive signals to and from the TRPs 10 via the wireless access interface. Each of the distributed units 41, 42 are connected to a central unit (CU) 40 (which may be referred to as a controlling node) via an interface 46. The central unit 40 is then connected to the core network 20 which may contain all other functions required to transmit data for communicating to and from the wireless communications devices and the core network 20 may be connected to other networks 30.

[0030] As will be appreciated by those acquainted with the wireless communications network according to a 5G standard as shown in Figure 1, the CU 40, DU 42 and TRPs 10 collectively refer to functions which are conventionally performed by a network base station or, in accordance with 5G terminology, a gNodeB (gNB). In terms of broad top-level functionality, the term network infrastructure equipment / access node may be used to encompass these elements and more conventional base station type elements of wireless telecommunications systems. Depending on the application at hand, the responsibility for scheduling transmissions which are scheduled on the radio interface between the respective DUs and the communications devices may lie with the controlling node / central unit and / or the distributed units / TRPs. A communications device 14 is represented in Figure 1 within the coverage area of the first communication cell 12. This communications device 14 may thus exchange signalling with the first CU 40 in the first communication cell 12 via one of the distributed units / TRPs 10 associated with the first communication cell 12. The communications devices 14 may be referred to as mobile terminals, terminals or user equipment (UE), which encompasses chip sets and have a functionality corresponding to the UE devices known for operation with wireless communications networks.

[0031] Figure 2 provides a more detailed diagram of components shown in Figure 1. Components shown in Figure 2 which are also shown in Figure 1 bear the same numerical designations and so description of these parts will not be repeated for brevity. In Figure 2, a TRP 120, which broadly corresponds to TRP 10 in Figure 1, and comprises, as a simplified representation, a transmitter 126, a receiver 124 and a controller or controlling processor 122 which may operate to control the transmitter 126 and the receiver 124 to transmit and receive radio signals to one or more UEs within a cell (not shown in Figure 2 for clarity) provided by the TRP 120. As shown in Figure 2, the TRP 120 is connected to a DU 140 via a physical interface 130 which may be a fibre optic cable, for example. The physical interface 130 therefore provides a communications link for data and signalling traffic from the TRP 120 via the DU 140 and a CU 160 to a core network 400. An interface 150 between the DU 140 and the CU 160 is known as the Fl interface which can be a physical or a logical interface. The Fl interface 150 between the DU 140 and the CU 160 may operate in accordance with specifications 3GPP TS 38.470 and 3GPP TS 38.473, and may be formed from a fibre optic or other wired or wireless high bandwidth connection. The connection between a TRP 120 and the core network 400 can be generally referred to as a backhaul, which comprises the physical interface 130 from the TRP 120 to the DU 140 and the Fl interface 150 from the DU 140 to the CU 160.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the TRP 120 may be configured to transmit downlink radio signals and receive uplink radio signals from a UE 200 via a direct wireless communications link 250 which may be a Uu interface in one example. The UE 200 is shown to include a transmitter 226, a receiver 224 and a controller 222 which is configured to control the transmitter 226 and the receiver 224 to transmit uplink signals to the TRP 120 and to receive downlink signals from the TRP 120 over the wireless communications link 250 formed between the UE 200 and the TRP 120.

[0033] The transmitters 126, 226 and the receivers 124, 224, as well as other transmitters, receivers and transceivers described in relation to examples and embodiments of the present disclosure may include radio frequency filters and amplifiers as well as signal processing components and devices in order to transmit and receive radio signals in accordance for example with the 5G / NR standard. The controllers 122, 222, as well as other controllers described in relation to examples and embodiments of the present disclosure may be, for example, a microprocessor, a CPU, or a dedicated chipset, etc., configured to carry out instructions which are stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-volatile memory. The processing steps described herein may be carried out by, for example, a microprocessor in conjunction with a random access memory, operating according to instructions stored on a computer readable medium. The transmitters, the receivers and the controllers are schematically shown in Figure 2 as separate elements for ease of representation. However, it will be appreciated that the functionality of these elements can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s), or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s).

[0034] As mentioned above, the TRP 120, DU 140 and the CU 160 may collectively form the gNB 202 which is an example of infrastructure equipment of a radio access network of a wireless communications network. Therefore, references to the UE 200 communicating with the TRP 120 can alternatively be considered as references to the UE 200 communicating with the gNB 202. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the UE 200 is an example of a communications device or wireless transceiver unit. As will be appreciated the infrastructure equipment / TRP / base station / gNB as well as the UE / communications device will in general comprise various other elements associated with its operating functionality.

[0035] PDU Session

[0036] In 5G systems, a protocol data unit (PDU) session provides end-to-end user plane connectivity between a UE and a particular data network (DN). Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of a mapping between data radio bearers (DRBs) and Quality of Service (QoS) flows in a PDU session. As shown in Figure 3, a PDU session 308 is established between the UE 200 and a User Plane Function 306 (UPF) of the core network 400 via the gNB 202. The UPF 306 is responsible for packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, QoS handling, and external PDU sessions for an interconnecting data network, in the 5G architecture as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The UE 200 communicates with the UPF 306 via the PDU session 308. Three QoS flows 310, 312, 314 belong to the PDU session 308, and are associated with DRBs 316 and 320. One PDU session may be mapped to one or more DRBs and one PDU session may have multiple QoS flows.

[0037] Each Internet Protocol (IP) packet received from the 5G core network may be assigned a particular QoS such as QoS flows 310, 312, 314. Each of the QoS flows may be characterised by a QoS flow ID and may be associated with a quality of service requirement (such as one or more of a Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), a maximum bit rate, a maximum latency, a permitted packet loss ratio and the like). Therefore the UE 200 is aware of the parameters associated with each of the QoS flows 310, 312, 314. The gNB 202 connected to the 5G core network 400 is also aware of the QoS flows.

[0038] The gNB 202 establishes logical connections with the UE 200 which may be DRBs 316 and 320. In accordance with a 5G system architecture as shown in Figure 3, one DRB (such as the DRB 316) may be used to transport packet data associated with two QoS flows (such as the QoS flows 310 and 312). In order to accommodate this flexibility, the gNB 202 may maintain a mapping table to store a mapping between each of the QoS flows and the respective DRB. Using the table, the gNB 202 is able to assign packets received from the 5G core network over the QoS flows 310, 312, 314 to the appropriate data radio bearers 316, 320 for transmission to the UE 200.

[0039] MA-PDU Session

[0040] 5G systems also support UEs establishing multiple Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions to the same data network or to different data networks over a single or multiple access networks. Such sessions are known as “Multi-Access PDU (MA-PDU) sessions”. Session establishment procedures for MA-PDUs are described in [1], Generally, in an MA-PDU session, data may be transmitted via one or both of the multiple access networks. Typically, an MA-PDUs comprises two communications paths , or “legs”, between a UE and a core network. Each of the two communications paths is over a different access network.

[0041] An example of an MA-PDU session established over multiple access networks is shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, an MA-PDU session 418 is established between a UE 200 (which may broadly correspond to UE 200 of Figure 3) and a UPF (PDU Session Anchor (PSA)) 430 of a core network (such as core network 400) via a first communications path 422 and a second communications path 424. As will understood by a person skilled in the art, a “UPF (PSA)” is a user plane function which terminates the N6 interface of a PDU session in a 5G core network. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, in order to support selective data routing to a data network (DN), or to support Session and Service Continuity (SSC) mode 3, a session management function (SMF) (not shown in Figure 4) may control a data path of a PDU session so that the PDU session may simultaneously correspond to multiple N6 interfaces. A UPF that terminates each of these interfaces is said to support PDU session anchor functionality and is referred to as a “UPF (PSA)”. Further details of the UPF (PSA) can be found in TS23.501, v. 18, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0042] In Figure 4, the UPF (PSA) 430 is connected to a server host 412. The MA-PDU comprises two PDU sessions - one PDU session over the first communications path 422 and one PDU session over the second communications path 424. The first communications path 422 comprises a “3GPP access network” 416 and a UPF 414 (which may broadly correspond to UPF 306). The second communications path 424 comprises a “non-3GPP access network” 404, a non-3GPP Inter-Working Function (N3IWF) 406 and another UPF 408 (which may broadly correspond to UPF 306).

[0043] 3GPP access networks include any access network which operate in accordance with 3GPP protocols. Examples of networks which can include access networks configured to operate in accordance with 3GPP protocols include terrestrial networks, TNs, non-terrestrial networks, NTNs, Public Eand Mobile Networks, PLMN and stand-alone non-public networks (SNPNs). For example, such networks may include gNBs which provide access for communications devices to a core network.

[0044] Non-3PP access networks include any access network which does not operate in accordance with 3GPP protocols. Examples of networks which can include access networks which are not configured to operate in accordance with 3GPP protocols include wireless local area networks, WLANs. For example, a WLAN may comprise a residential gateway implementing WiFi protocols which provides access for communications devices to a core network. In some examples, as described with reference to Figure 5 below, a residential gateway may comprise both WiFi protocols and a DU protocol stack and can therefore form part of both a 3GPP and non-3GPP access network

[0045] An example of simplified protocol stacks present in an MA-PDU session over a 3GPP and non-3GPP access network is shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the UE 200 may have a 5G access stratum (AS) layer 504 and a WiFi protocol stack 506 which are connected to a common non-access stratum (NAS) layer 502. A residential gateway (RG) 502 comprises a peer WiFi protocol stack 508 corresponding to the WiFi protocol stack 506 in the UE 200 and the RG 502 comprises a distributed unit (DU) protocol stack 510. A gNB 510 (which may broadly correspond to gNB 202) has a DU protocol stack 514 and a CU protocol stack 512. The DU protocol stack 510 in the RG 502 and the DU protocol stack 514 in the gNB 510 are . The DU in the RG 502 and the DU in the gNB 510 are connected to a single CU in the gNB 510. Protocol stacks in a core network 512 (which may broadly correspond to core network 400) are not shown for clarity. As indicated in Figure 5, QoS flows for providing a service to the UE 302 are set up in the NAS layer 502 of the UE 302 when the user requests a service. The dashed lines indicate a communications path for transmission of protocol data units between the UE 302 and core network 512 via a non-3GPP access network. The solid lines indicate a communications path for transmission protocol data units between the UE 302 and core network 512 via a 3GPP access network. In this example, the non-3GPP includes the RG 502 (specifically, a part of the RG 502 implementing the WiFi protocols 508) and the 3GPP network includes the RG 502 (specifically, a part of the RG 502 implementing the DU 510 protocols) and the gNB 510. In this example, the 3GPP access network may be comprised in an SNPN.

[0046] Generally, transmissions in MA-PDU sessions may be split, switched and steered between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks according to Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rules (see [2] and [3]). More information about ATSSS rules is provided below. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, data may be transmitted with high QoS requirements (such as data transmitted via a Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) bearer) or low QoS requirements (such as data transmitted via a non-GBR bearer). Currently, GBR data can only be transmitted via one of the two communications paths of an MA-PDU session at any one time. There are currently no ATSSS rules which permit splitting of GBR data between the two communications paths in order to ensure the stringent QoS requirements of GBR data are met. By contrast, non-GBR data may be split, switched and steered across both of the communications paths in an MA-PDU session according to ATSSS rules.

[0047] Embodiments can provide a communications device operating to communicate data using a wireless communications. The communications device is configured to establish a communication links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different 3GPP radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network. The communications device is also configured to establish a communications link via each of one or more non-3GPP wireless access nodes providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network. The communications device is configured to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes. According to example embodiments the predetermined rules may be to Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rules and the communications device and an apparatus in the core network may be configured to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network using one or more communications links via the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment of 3GPP radio access networks and using one or more communications links to or from the core network established by the non-3GPP access nodes according to ATSSS rules adapted for example for triple steering and implemented for example by a User Plane Function (UPF). Example embodiments can therefore provide a technique for steering communication of packet data via three or more communications links, two or more being via 3GPP radio access networks and at least one being via a non-3GPP access network. Accordingly, embodiments can provide an increase in radio coverage for wireless applications which can utilise different radio access networks and technologies for communicating packet data via core network to or from a communications device.

[0048] Applications Requiring Triple Steering

[0049] As will be appreciated, one of the aims of 5G and later generations is to provide a ubiquitous wireless access network, providing wireless communications utilising a variety of radio access technologies for an increasing range of coverage supporting a variety of applications. In some example scenarios, wireless communications are required for a variety of different radio access networks, which provide a packet radio bearer to the same core network providing a connection to a server providing a service. An example scenario is shown in Figure 6, in which there are three possible radio access networks which a UE can use to support a connection to a core network and a server 310 providing the service.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, a UE 630 can access three different networks using different radio access networks represented as three different coverage areas represented by dashed-line circles 600, 602, 604. Respective radio access coverage areas 600, 602, 604 are provided by different radio access networks, which are respectively a WiFi (non-3GPP) network, a Standalone Non-Public Network (SNPN) (3GPP) and a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) (3GPP). As shown in Figure 6, the PLMN, providing the radio access coverage area 602 comprises a TRP 610, a DU 612 and a CU 614, with respective interfaces 618, 620, 622 according to the 5G 3 GPP standard which have a corresponding functionality of a 5G network as explained above with reference to Figure 1. The CU 614 is connected to the core network 400, via an interface 622, which forms a connection for a bearer between the UE 630 to the core network 400 and hence to the connected server 412. Similarly, the SNPN providing a radio coverage area 604 includes a TRP 640, a DU 642 and a CU 644 which are connected by respective interfaces 650, 652, 654 to the core network 400. The PLMN and the SNPN each have a corresponding architecture defined by a 5G 3GPP standard as explained above with reference to Figure 1. The UE 630 is also provided with a radio coverage area 600 provided by a Wi-Fi access node 660 which is connected to a corresponding protocol stack 662 within a Residential Gateway 664. The Wi-Fi protocol stack 662 within the Residential Gateway 664 is connected via an interface 666 to the core network 400 and hence to the server 412.

[0051] As will be appreciated in this example, the Resenting Gateway hosts functionality of the DU 642 and the Wi-Fi router 662 which allows respective connectivity of the different SNPN and WiFi networks to the core network 400, which are respectively 3GPP and non-3GPP. In contrast the PEMN which includes a DU 612 is not hosted within a Residential Gateway, because this represents a public network not within the control of the service provider for the example scenario. In contrast, the Wi-Fi router 662 requires functionality of a processor executing a protocol stack to connect the Wi-Fi access node 660 to the core network 400, which is provided by the Residential Gateway 664. Since the SNPN as a stand-alone nonpublic network, the functionality of the SNPN is in as within the control of the service provider for example scenario and so the residential Gateway 664 hosts the DU 642.

[0052] The example arrangement of three radio access technologies provided by the three different networks shown in Figure 6 finds application with different scenarios such as a shopping mall, a factory or an auditorium in which radio coverage is required for a large geographical area which may hence be covered by different radio access technologies. For the example shown in Figure 6, there are two GPP networks and one non-3 GPP network.

[0053] A schematic block diagram representing a connection of the UE 630 to the core network 400 using the three possible radio access technologies of Figure 6 is provided in Figure 7 which has functionality which corresponds to that shown in Figure 5 and so only the differences will be explained. As shown in Figure 7, a QoS flow set up in the UE 630 is supported by a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) connection 702 which has three different Access Stratum (AS) connections comprising a 5G AS1 connection 704, a 5G AS2 connection 706 and a Wi-Fi connection 708. The Wi-Fi connection 708 connects to the residential Gateway 664 providing a router 662 to the core network 400. Each of the 5G AS1 and 5G AS2 connections 704, 706 connect to respective DUs 612, 642, which together with respective CU’s 614, 644 connect to the core network 400.

[0054] Collectively, the radio access technologies provide a packet data bearer using three AS connections as shown in Figure 8 which corresponds to the example shown in Figure 4 with adaptation to support three radio access technologies. Figure 8 corresponds to that shown in Figure 4 and so only the differences will be explained. As shown in Figure 8 in contrast to the example shown in Figure 4, a first 3GPP access connection 416 and a UPF 414 provides the PLMN connection, a second 3GPP access connection 426 and a UPF 408 provide the SNPN connection, a non-3GPP access 800, a N3IWF 802 and a UPF 804 provide the WiFi connection. Each of these connections supports a PDU providing a Service Data Flow 418 from the UE to the server 412 and vice versa.

[0055] According to example embodiments, a UPF function 810 within the core network and the UE apply ATSSS rules in order to steer and switch data packets to support a packet data bearer using the three access technologies illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

[0056] As will be appreciated the different AS connections may be prioritised according to their functionality and indeed a control which a service provider has over their respective operations. For the example shown in Figure 6, 7 and 8, the SNPN can provide wide area coverage for a certain area such as a shop floor may be supported by a terrestrial network. By contrast the Wi-Fi network can provide high data rates within a hotspot coverage and can provide non-critical communications albeit with a high bandwidth. The PLMN can provide coverage outdoors and in doors depending on a building penetration is. The PLMN can therefore work as a backup in case the SNPN or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. The PLMN may be supported by a terrestrial or non-terrestrial network.

[0057] Example embodiments can therefore provide an arrangement in which packets are steered or switched between different connections in order to optimise or at least improve utilisation of radio access technologies which are available. For example, when the Wi-Fi connection is relatively heavily loaded, the UE may use the SNPN and for non-critical communication if the traffic carried by the SNPN is relatively low. However, if the SNPN is not available or busy, then the UE may use the PLMN coverage for non-critical communications. For non-urgent / critical traffic the Wi-Fi connection can be used but if this is overloaded then traffic may either go by the SNPN or the PLMIN. If the SNPN is loaded, then traffic can be diverted to the PLMN.

[0058] Currently, one 3GPP access network and at least one non-3GPP access network are required to support ATSSS. However, the requirement that at least one non-3GPP access network is used provides restrictions on capacity, coverage, reliability and Quality of Experience (QoE). It has therefore been proposed to configure MA-PDU sessions over two 3GPP access networks. Example embodiments can therefore provide an adaptation of ATSSS as rules as explained below in order to steer traffic to and from the UE in accordance with a state of radio access technologies which are available.

[0059] In some examples, at least one of the 3GPP access networks may be comprised in a PLMN. In such examples, the other of the 3GPP access networks may be comprised in the same or different PLMN, or an SNPN and may also include a WiFi network. In some examples, at least one of the 3GPP access networks may be an SNPN. In such examples, the other of the 3GPP access networks may be in the same or different SNPN, or an PLMN. The UE may use the same subscription credentials for access networks comprised in the same or different PLMNs, the same or different SNPNs, or a PLMN and an SNPN or a WiFi network.

[0060] With the introduction of MA-PDU sessions with two or more 3GPP access networks, scenarios may arise where the QoS requirements for two of the 3GPP access networks are very similar or the same. For example, 3GPP access networks comprised in NTNs and TNs may be very similar or the same. In some examples, the QoS requirements for two 3GPP access networks may be the same but each of the 3GPP access networks may support a different type of service. This may be because different 3GPP access networks are optimised to support different types of service.

[0061] Therefore, since QoS requirements for 3GPP access networks may be very similar or the same, non-GBR traffic in such MA-PDU sessions with two 3GPP access networks may be required to be switched, rather than split, between the two communications paths. Therefore, there is expected to be an increase in the frequency of scenarios where data transmission is switched between communications paths.

[0062] An example arrangement for switching and steering data between 3 possible access technologies is provided in Figure 9 according to the examples presented in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

[0063] As shown in Figure 9, an MA-PDU session is established according to the scenario shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 between the UE 200 and the core network 400 via the first gNB 710, via the second gNB 712 and via the WiFi access node 660. A first communications path comprises a wireless communications link 900 between the UE 200 and the first gNB 710, and a communications link 902 between the first gNB 710 and the core network 400. A second communications path comprises a wireless communications link 910 between the UE 200 and the second gNB 712, and a communications link 912 between the second gNB 712 and the core network 400. A third communications link is provided via a non-3 GPP access network, namely the Wi-Fi access node 660, via communications links 920, 922.

[0064] According to the example embodiments represented by Figure 9 a path switch for data packets may occur between the three connections as determined by adapted ATSSS Rules. The UE 200 may be communicating with the core network 400 via the first communications path and may be in a connected state (for example, an RRC connected state) for communications via the first gNB 710 of the SNPN. The UE 200 is in an RRC inactive state for communications via the second gNB 712 of the PLMN and may not be communicating with the core network 400 via the second communications path 910. Although the UE 200 is shown in an RRC inactive state for communications via the second gNB 712, the UE 200 may alternatively be in an RRC connected state for communications with the second gNB 712 but with no communications on the second communications path, i.e. the second communications path is not currently being used for communications. Alternatively, the UE 200 may be in an RRC idle state for communications via the second gNB 712.

[0065] The decision of whether to transmit downlink data via the first, second or third communications path is generally performed by a UPF(PSA) (not shown) in the core network 400. Typically, the decision of whether to transmit data via the first, second or third communications path is performed by the UPF(PSA) based on adapted ATSSS rules. The decision of whether to transmit uplink data via the first, second or third communications path is generally performed by the UE 502 based on the adapted ATSSS rules. However, if the ATSSS rules for a path dictates the path is on standby, the decision to switch uplink or downlink data between active and standby paths may be performed based on jitter measurements. For example, data may be transmitted over the first communications path and the UPF(PSA) may determine, based on jitter measurements, that the communications paths should be switched such that the second or third communications path is used for transmissions rather than the first communications path. This may be because radio channel conditions over the first communications path deteriorated due to the UE 200 moving location such as from indoors to outdoors, for example. The decision to switch paths may alternatively be based on the methods discussed in pending international application PCT / EP2022 / 051040, published as WO 2022 / 167216, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0066] As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, jitter measurements are related to variation in a delay of received packets. In some examples, jitter measurements may account for processing delays due to gNB and core network internal processing delays (such as hardware processing) and delays over a transport network. For wireless interfaces, the variation in transmission delay may be introduced by Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) retransmissions over the radio if the UE 200 is in poor radio conditions for example. For wired interfaces, the variation in transmission delay may be due to congestion in the network.

[0067] The first and second gNB 710, 712 may be configured to detect the type of transmission received or transmitted by the respective gNB (such as whether the transmission is a GBR or non-GBR transmission). For example, the first and second gNB 506, 514 may receive Allocation Retention Parameters (ARP) along with other QoS parameters from an AMF (not shown) in the core network 400 during the establishment of the MA-PDU session. The first and second gNB 710, 712 may prepare the UE 200 context after the MA-PDU session has been established. Therefore, based on the UE 200 context and ARP parameters, the first and second gNB 710, 712 are able to detect the type of transmission received or transmitted by the respective gNB 710, 712. Accordingly, for example, when the first communications path is being used for the transmission of data, the first gNB 710 is able to detect the type of transmission being transmitted or received by the first gNB 710.

[0068] According to example embodiments, the UPF(PSA) and / or the UE 200 can switch the path used for communications with the core network 400 from the first communications path to the second communications path or to the third path or perform load balancing between the communications paths utilising for example an available communications resources or prevailing traffic conditions on the respective networks. The decision to perform the path switch or load balancing according to a preferred priority may be based on one or more adapted ATSSS rules.

[0069] Conventionally the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 may be unaware that the UPF (P SA) and / or the UE 200 has decided to perform a path switch. As such, the UE 200 can remain in the RRC connected state for communications via the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712, even though no communication is occurring via the first communications path or the second communication path in the MA-PDU session due to the path switch. According to existing scenarios, the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 can use a timer comprising a pre-defined time period as an inactivity timer. For example, either or both of the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 may restart a timer every time a PDU is received by the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 along the first or the second communications path respectively. If no PDU is detected before the timer expires, then the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 transmits an RRC release message to the UE 200 indicating to the UE 502 to switch to an RRC inactive state for communications via the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712. Alternatively, the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 may transmit an RRC Release message to the UE 502 indicating to the UE 502 to switch to an RRC idle state for communications via the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712. The presence of a “suspend configuration” indication in the RRC Release message may indicate to the UE 200 to switch to an RRC inactive state for communications via the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 whereas the absence of a “suspend configuration” indication in the RRC Release message may indicate to the UE 200 to switch to an RRC idle state for communications via the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712.

[0070] Since the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712 is not aware that the communications path has been switched until after the expiry of the pre-defined timer, there may be some delay between the switching of the communications paths by the UPF(PSA) and the transitioning of the UE 200 into the RRC inactive state for communications via the first gNB 710 or the second gNB 712. The UE 200 can remain in the RRC connected state until it is transitioned into the RRC inactive or RRC idle state. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the operation of a UE in the RRC connected state consumes more power than the operation of a UE in the RRC inactive or RRC idle state. Therefore, the delay between the switching of the communications paths and the transitioning of the UE into the RRC inactive state causes power wastage.

[0071] There is therefore a need for methods, communications devices, infrastructure equipment and core network apparatus which can reduce communications device power wastage.

[0072] Adapted ATSSS Steering Modes and Rules

[0073] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a “Steering Mode” identifies how a service data flow (SDF) should be steered between one or more 3GPP and one or more non-3GPP access networks. ATSSS rules may be provided to one or both of a UE and a UPF(PSA) of a core network. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, an SDF flow is a flow of packets representing a service being delivered to a subscriber. Currently, ATSSS Steering Modes as specified in TS 23.793 Rel-16 [1], include: - Active-Standby in which an SDF is steered on one access network (the “Active” access network) when this access network is available, and the SDF is switched to another access network (the “Standby” access network) when the active access network becomes unavailable.

[0074] - Smallest Delay in which an SDF is steered on the access network that is determined to have the smallest Round-Trip Time (RTT).

[0075] - Load-Balancing in which an SDF is split across both access networks.

[0076] - Priority-based in which an SDF is steered using only a high priority access network until a congestion arises on the corresponding interface and, when the high priority access network is congested, using a low priority access network by splitting the SDF over the two access networks.

[0077] As explained above, support for ATSSS currently requires at least one 3GPP access network and at least one non-3GPP access network. In view of the proposal for MA-PDU sessions with a plurality of radio access networks, each providing an Access Stratum connection to the core network, embodiments can include a system with adapted ATSSS rules. For the example shown in Figures 6 to 9 there are two 3GPP networks and one non-3GPP network. Accordingly, there is a need for new ATSSS rules, which govern access and use of communications resources available via a plurality of radio access connections to support packet communications to the core network as a non-access stratum connection. According to example embodiments the following modes are supported:

[0078] A Steering Mode identifies how a matching Service Data Flow (SDF) should be steered across two or more 3GPP access and one or more non-3GPP access. The following Steering Modes can be supported:

[0079] - Active-Standby 1- Standby2: This mode is used to steer an SDF on one access (the Active access), when this access is available, and to switch the SDF to the other accesses (the Standby accesses) when the Active access becomes unavailable. When the Active access becomes available again, the SDF is switched back to this access. If the Standby access is not defined, then the SDF is only allowed on the Active access and cannot be transferred on another access. If only one standby access is defined, then switching between two accesses will take place. If two standby accesses are defined, then switching between Standby 1 and Standby 2 could be based on priority of the access as explained below or simply based on the availability of the access.

[0080] For example, a user may prefer to use the in-house network first. We assume Active is private network (SNPN1). the Standby 1 is also private network (SNPN2), the Standby2 is public network (PLMN). When the active is fail, the Standby 1 is firstly activated. If the Standby 1 is not working in addition to active one (e.g. power outage), the Standby2 is activated as a last resort.

[0081] - Active 1- Active 2- Standby: in this case Active 1 path will carry UL traffic and Active 2 will carry DL traffic. If any of the paths or both of them fail, then a switchover to Standby path is performed. The advantage of this method is interference management / load control. The uplink interference of a base station could be high, but the downlink traffic load in that base station is not necessarily high because UEs in other cell may cause the uplink interference to that cell regardless of uplink traffic load. By contrary, the downlink load of a base station could be high, but the uplink interference at that base station is not necessarily high. - Smallest Delay: This mode is used to steer an SDF to the access that is determined to have the smallest Round-Trip Time (RTT). Measurements may be conducted to determine the RTT over 3GPP access and over non-3GPP access.

[0082] - Load-Balancing: This mode is used to split an SDF across a plurality accesses. With a 50 / 50 load-balancing, the SDF traffic is equally split across the two accesses. With an 80 / 20 loadbalancing, about 80% of the SDF traffic is sent on one access and 20% on the other access. With triple steer, that is three available radio access ratios as for the example embodiments in Figures 6 to 9, SDF traffic is split across the three accesses depending on the split ratio, for this example 20% PLMN, 20% SNPN, 60% Wi-Fi. It will be appreciated that these percentage values are just examples and different values can be used depending on network characteristics, congestion and availability.

[0083] - Priority-based: This mode is used to steer an SDF using only a high priority access until a congestion arises on the corresponding interface and, when the high priority access is congested, additionally using the low priority access by splitting the SDF over the other two accesses. In addition, when the high priority access becomes unavailable, all traffic is switched to the low priority access. The UE and UPF can determine when a congestion occurs on an interface using packet jitter or access delay for example. For the example embodiment explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7 and 8 although a high priority access network may be the preferred, when high priority access is congested, the low priority accesses may be used by splitting the SDF over three accesses. When high priority access becomes unavailable, all traffic is switched to the low priority accesses, which is the other two radio access networks such as the PLMN and SDN for this example.

[0084] Also included in adapted ATSSS rules is a new steering mode, which is a load-balancing-standby mode, in which a 3 GPP and SNPN act as active-standby, and a 3 GPP and a non-3GPP act as load balancing networks.

[0085] Examples of existing ATSSS rules based on steering modes are described below: a) "Traffic Descriptor: UDP, DestAddr 1.2.3.4", "Steering Mode: Active-Standby, Active=3GPP, Standby =non-3 GPP "

[0086] - This ATSSS rule can be interpreted as follows: "steer UDP traffic with destination IP address 1.2.3.4 to the active access (3GPP access network), if available. If the active access network is not available, use the standby access (non-3GPP access network)". b) "Traffic Descriptor: TCP, DestPort 8080", "Steering Mode: Smallest Delay"

[0087] - This ATSSS rule can be interpreted as follows: "steer TCP traffic with destination port 8080 to the access network with the smallest delay" . The UE may occasionally measure the RTT over both access network, in order to determine which access network has the smallest delay. c) "Traffic Descriptor: Application- 1", "Steering Mode: Load-Balancing, 3GPP=20%, non- 3GPP=80%", "Steering Function: MPTCP"

[0088] - This ATSS rule can be interpreted as follows: "send 20% of the traffic of Application-1 to 3GPP access network and 80% to non-3GPP access network by using MPTCP". d) "Traffic Descriptor: TCP, DestDomain Dreamy5G.com", "Steering Mode: Smallest Delay"

[0089] - This ATSSS rule can be interpreted as follows: "steer TCP traffic with destination domain "google.com" to the access network with the smallest delay". In order to implement the new steering modes, changes may be required to ATSSS rules. As an example, the following ATSSS rules could be provided to UE: a) "Traffic Descriptor: UDP, DestAddr 1.2.3.4", "Steering Mode: Active-Standby, Active=3GPP, Standby =non-3 GPP "

[0090] - This means "steer UDP traffic with destination IP address 1.2.3.4 to the active access (3GPP), if available. If the active access is not available, use the standby access (non- 3GPP)". b) "Traffic Descriptor: TCP, DestPort 8080", "Steering Mode: Smallest Delay"

[0091] - This means "steer TCP traffic with destination port 8080 to the access with the smallest delay" . The UE needs to occasionally measure the RTT over both accesses, in order to determine which access has the smallest delay. c) "Traffic Descriptor: Application- 1", "Steering Mode: Load-Balancing, 3GPP=20%, non- 3GPP=80%", "Steering Function: MPTCP"

[0092] - This means "send 20% of the traffic of Application-1 to 3GPP access and 80% to non-3GPP access by using MPTCP" . d) "Traffic Descriptor: TCP, DestDomain Dreamy5G.com", "Steering Mode: Smallest Delay"

[0093] - This means "steer TCP traffic with destination domain "google.com" to the access with the smallest delay" .

[0094] According to example embodiments therefore, the following further ATSSS rules are introduced: a) "Traffic Descriptor: UDP, DestAddr 1.2.3.4", "Steering Mode: Active-Standby, Active=non- 3GPP, Standby 1=SNPN, Standby2=3GPP " b) "Traffic Descriptor: Application- 1", "Steering Mode: Load-Balancing, 3GPP=20%, non- 3GPP=60%", SNPN=20% "Steering Function: MPTCP"

[0095] Load-balancing-standby:

[0096] 3 GPP and SNPN act as active-standby, and 3 GPP and non-3GPP act as load balancing. An adapted rule therefore includes:

[0097] "Traffic Descriptor: Application- 1", "Steering Mode: Load-Balancing-standby, 3GPP=20%, non- 3GPP=80%", SNPN=20% "Steering Function: MPTCP".

[0098] The adapted ATSSS rules could be indicated per uplink and downlink path.

[0099] Embodiments of the present technique can use methods and operations of both the 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network in order to determine conditions for switching between different communications paths, and techniques for changing an RRC state of the UE (Active, Idle, Inactive) as disclosed in our co-pending European patent applications numbers EP23184830.0 and EP23184824.3 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Embodiments can also include techniques for switching between a plurality of 3GPP access networks for both uplink and downlink for steering data according to different modes according to the above examples, as disclosed in our copending European patent applications numbers EP23184830.0 and EP23184824.3 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some examples detection of an overlay condition of a non-3 GPP access network (Wi-Fi) can be achieved by estimating a jitter of packets transmitted via Wi-Fi backhaul network which are made available to a UPF in either or both of the core network and the communications device. An example of an SMP in 3GPP network, an overlay condition a game can be provided by measuring jitter which can be determined at a gNB of the SMP network.

[0100] The following numbered paragraphs provide further example aspects and features of the present technique:

[0101] Paragraph 1. A communications device operating to communicate data using a wireless communications, the communications device comprising transceiver circuitry configured to transmit data to or receive data from wireless communications networks, and controller circuitry configure to control the transceiver circuitry to establish communications links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, to establish a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, and to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0102] Paragraph 2. A communications device of paragraph 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data to or from the core network by switching between one or more of the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data being in an active state and the others of the communications link being in a standby state.

[0103] Paragraph 3. A communications device of paragraph 2, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data by transmitting uplink packet data via a first one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the first communications link being in an Active state, and receiving downlink packet data via a second one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the second communications links being in an Active state.

[0104] Paragraph 4. A communications device of paragraph 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the first communications link in the Active state transmitting the uplink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a third communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for transmitting the uplink packet data, and setting the first communications link to be in a Standby state. Paragraph 5. A communications device of paragraph 3 or 4, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the second communications link in the Active state receiving the downlink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a fourth communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for receiving the downlink packet data, and setting the second communications link to be in a Standby state.

[0105] Paragraph 6. A communications device of paragraph 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data to or from the core network by load balancing between one or more of the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the load balancing providing a proportion of the packet data being communicated by each of one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data.

[0106] Paragraph 7. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the packet data is communicated from the communications device to the core network or from the core network to the communications device as part of a multi-access protocol data unit, MA-PDU, session.

[0107] Paragraph 8. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of an Active or Standby state of each of the non-3GPP and 3GPP communications links.

[0108] Paragraph 9. A communications device of paragraph 8, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data include a Traffic Descriptor, User Datagram Protocol, UDP, and a destination address. Paragraph 10. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of a load balancing or a standby state of each of the one or more communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes and a proportion of the packet data transmitted or received via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0109] Paragraph 11. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on an availability of the radio access network of each of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and each of the radio access networks of each of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0110] Paragraph 12. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a reported congestion of the radio access network of each of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and each of the radio access networks of each of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0111] Paragraph 13. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured packet jitter of packet data received via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0112] Paragraph 14. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured packet jitter of packet data received via Active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and Active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the controller circuitry being configured to steer the packet data based on the measured packet jitter of packet data received from the core network.

[0113] Paragraph 15. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a delay in transmitting or receiving the packet data via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0114] Paragraph 16. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes according to a determined priority of the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0115] Paragraph 17. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 16, wherein one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Public Land Mobile Network, PLMN.

[0116] Paragraph 18. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 17, wherein one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Standalone Non-Public Network, SNPN.

[0117] Paragraph 19. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein one of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes form part of a Wi-Fi network.

[0118] Paragraph 20. A communications device of paragraph 19, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the one or more WiFi access nodes include a determination of a jitter of packet data transmitted or received via a WiFi backhaul part of the non-3PP network.

[0119] Paragraph 21. A communications device of any of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the controller circuitry includes a processor configured to execute program code which when executed steers the packet data to or from the core network via the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access node according to a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0120] Paragraph 22. Apparatus forming part of a core network, the apparatus including a processor and computer executable code, which when executed configures the processor acting as a User Plane Function, UPF, to steer communication of packet data to or from a communications device from or to the core network as a non-access stratum connection via communications links established via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, and via one or more communications links via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each of the wireless access nodes forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device from or to the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, wherein the packet data is steered by the apparatus to or from the communications device according to predetermined rules via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0121] Paragraph 23. Apparatus of paragraph 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data to or from the communications by switching between the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, and one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data being controlled to be an active state and the others of the communications link being controlled to be in a standby state.

[0122] Paragraph 24. Apparatus of paragraph 23, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data by transmitting uplink packet data via a first one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the first communications link being in an Active state, and receiving downlink packet data via a second one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the second communications links being in an Active state.

[0123] Paragraph 25. Apparatus of paragraph 24, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the first communications link in the Active state transmitting the uplink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a third communications link provided by another of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for transmitting the uplink packet data, and setting the first communications link to be in a Standby state.

[0124] Paragraph 26. Apparatus of paragraph 23 or 24, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the second communications link in the Active state receiving the downlink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a fourth communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for receiving the downlink packet data, and setting the second communications link to be in a Standby state.

[0125] Paragraph 27. Apparatus of paragraph 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer communication of the packet data to or from the communications device by load balancing between the communications links of the to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the load balancing providing a proportion of the data being communicated by each of one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data.

[0126] Paragraph 28. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 27, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer communication of the packet data from the communications device to the core network or from the core network to the communications device according to a multiaccess protocol data unit, MA-PDU, session.

[0127] Paragraph 29. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 28, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via the communications links via the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of an Active or Standby state of each of the non-3GPP and 3 GPP communications links.

[0128] Paragraph 30. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 29, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data include a Traffic Descriptor, UDP, and a destination address.

[0129] Paragraph 31. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 30, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of a load balancing or standby state of each of the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes and a proportion of the packet data transmitted or received via the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0130] Paragraph 32. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 31, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on an availability of the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes.

[0131] Paragraph 33. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 32, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a reported congestion of the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0132] Paragraph 34. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 33, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured jitter of packet data received via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0133] Paragraph 35. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 34, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured jitter of packet data transmitted via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, by receiving a report of the measured packet jitter of packet data received by the communications device.

[0134] Paragraph 36. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 35, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a delay in transmitting or receiving the packet data via active communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0135] Paragraph 37. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 36, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes according to a determined priority of the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0136] Paragraph 38. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 37, wherein one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Public hand Mobile Network, PUMN.

[0137] Paragraph 39. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 38, wherein one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Standalone Non-Public Network, SNPN.

[0138] Paragraph 40. Apparatus of any of paragraphs 22 to 39, wherein one of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes form part of a Wi-Fi network. Paragraph 41. Apparatus of paragraph 40, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more WiFi access nodes include a determination of a jitter of packet data transmitted or received via a WiFi backhaul part of the non-3PP network.

[0139] Paragraph 42. A method of operating a communications device to communicate data using a wireless communications, the method comprising establishing communications links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, establishing a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, and steering communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0140] Paragraph 43. A method of operating apparatus forming part of a core network to perform a User Plane Function, UPF, the method comprising steering communication of packet data to or from a communications device from or to the core network as a non-access stratum connection via communications links established via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, and via one or more communications links via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each of the wireless access nodes forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device from or to the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, wherein the packet data is steered by the apparatus to or from the communications device according to predetermined rules via the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0141] Paragraph 44. Computer executable program code, which when executed configures a processor acting as a User Plane Function, UPF, to steer communication of packet data to or from a communications device from or to the core network as a non-access stratum connection via communications links established via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, and via one or more communications links via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each of the wireless access nodes forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device from or to the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, wherein the packet data is steered by the apparatus to or from the communications device according to predetermined rules via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0142] Paragraph 45. Computer executable program code, which when executed configures a processor of a communications device to perform the operations of to establish communications links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, to establish a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, and to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

[0143] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognise that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the technique.

[0144] References:

[0145] [1] 3GPP TR 23.793 V16.0.0 (2018-12), “Study on access traffic steering, switch and splitting support in the 5G System (5GS) architecture”, 3rd Generation Partnership Project.

[0146] [2] 3GPP Technical Specification #23.501.

[0147] [3] 3GPP Technical Specification #24.193.

[0148] [4] 3GPP TS 38.331 section 5.3.8.3, “Radio Resource Control (RRC) Specification”, 3rd Generation Partnership Project.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A communications device operating to communicate data using a wireless communications, the communications device comprising transceiver circuitry configured to transmit data to or receive data from wireless communications networks, and controller circuitry configure to control the transceiver circuitry to establish communications links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, to establish a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, and to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

2. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data to or from the core network by switching between one or more of the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data being in an active state and the others of the communications link being in a standby state.

3. A communications device of claim 2, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data by transmitting uplink packet data via a first one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the first communications link being in an Active state, and receiving downlink packet data via a second one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the second communications links being in an Active state.

4. A communications device of claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the first communications link in the Active state transmitting the uplink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a third communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for transmitting the uplink packet data, and setting the first communications link to be in a Standby state.

5. A communications device of claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the second communications link in the Active state receiving the downlink packet data should be switched to another communications link,activating a fourth communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for receiving the downlink packet data, and setting the second communications link to be in a Standby state.

6. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to steer communication of the packet data to or from the core network by load balancing between one or more of the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the load balancing providing a proportion of the packet data being communicated by each of one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data.

7. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the packet data is communicated from the communications device to the core network or from the core network to the communications device as part of a multi-access protocol data unit, MA-PDU, session.

8. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of an Active or Standby state of each of the non-3GPP and 3 GPP communications links.

9. A communications device of claim 8, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data include a Traffic Descriptor, User Datagram Protocol, UDP, and a destination address.

10. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of a load balancing or a standby state of each of the one or more communications links to the two or more3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes and a proportion of the packet data transmitted or received via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

11. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on an availability of the radio access network of each of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and each of the radio access networks of each of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

12. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a reported congestion of the radio access network of each of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and each of the radio access networks of each of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

13. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured packetjiter of packet data received via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

14. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured packet jiter of packet data received via Active communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and Active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the controller circuitry being configured to steer the packet data based on the measured packet jiter of packet data received from the core network.

15. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a delay in transmiting or receiving the packet data via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

16. A communications device of claim 1, wherein the controller circuitry is configured to steer the packet data via the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes according to a determined priority of the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

17. A communications device of claim 1, wherein one of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Public Land Mobile Network, PLMN.

18. A communications device of claim 1, wherein one of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Standalone Non-Public Network, SNPN.

19. A communications device of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes form part of a Wi-Fi network.

20. A communications device of claim 19, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links to the one or more WiFi access nodes include a determination of a jiter of packet data transmited or received via a WiFi backhaul part of the non-3PP network.

21. A communications device of claim 1 , wherein the controller circuitry includes a processor configured to execute program code which when executed steers the packet data to or from the core network via the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access node according to a User Plane Function, UPF.

22. Apparatus forming part of a core network, the apparatus including a processor and computer executable code, which when executed configures the processor acting as a User Plane Function, UPF, to steer communication of packet data to or from a communications device from or to the core network as a non-access stratum connection via communications links established via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing apacket data bearer to or from the communications device and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, and via one or more communications links via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each of the wireless access nodes forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device from or to the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, wherein the packet data is steered by the apparatus to or from the communications device according to predetermined rules via the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes.

23. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data to or from the communications by switching between the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, and one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data being controlled to be an active state and the others of the communications link being controlled to be in a standby state.

24. Apparatus of claim 23, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data by transmitting uplink packet data via a first one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the first communications link being in an Active state, and receiving downlink packet data via a second one of the communications links provided by one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the second communications links being in an Active state.

25. Apparatus of claim 24, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the first communications link in the Active state transmitting the uplink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a third communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for transmitting the uplink packet data, and setting the first communications link to be in a Standby state.

26. Apparatus of claim 23, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF, to steer communication of the packet data by determining that the second communications link in the Active state receiving the downlink packet data should be switched to another communications link, activating a fourth communications link provided by another of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more non-3GPP access nodes for receiving the downlink packet data, and setting the second communications link to be in a Standby state.

27. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer communication of the packet data to or from the communications device by load balancing between the communications links of the to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, the load balancingproviding a proportion of the data being communicated by each of one or more of the communications links being used to communicate the packet data.

28. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer communication of the packet data from the communications device to the core network or from the core network to the communications device according to a multi-access protocol data unit, MA- PDU, session.

29. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via the communications links via the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of an Active or Standby state of each of the non-3GPP and 3GPP communications links.

30. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data include a Traffic Descriptor, UDP, and a destination address.

31. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes include an indication of a load balancing or standby state of each of the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes and a proportion of the packet data transmitted or received via the communications links to the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

32. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links to the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the communications links to the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on an availability of the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

33. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes based on a reported congestion of the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

34. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes based on a measured jitter of packet data received via active communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

35. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes based on a measured jitter of packet data transmitted via active communications linksof the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes, by receiving a report of the measured packet jitter of packet data received by the communications device.

36. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes based on a delay in transmitting or receiving the packet data via active communications links of the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and active communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

37. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein the program code when executed causes the processor acting as a UPF to steer the packet data via the communications links provided by the two or more 3 GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links provided by the one or more non- 3GPP access nodes according to a determined priority of the communications links of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and the one or more communications links of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

38. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Public Land Mobile Network, PLMN.

39. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein one of the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment forms part of a Standalone Non-Public Network, SNPN.

40. Apparatus of claim 22, wherein one of the one or more non-3GPP access nodes form part of a Wi-Fi network.

41. Apparatus of claim 40, wherein the predetermined rules for steering the packet data via one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more WiFi access nodes include a determination of a jitter of packet data transmitted or received via a WiFi backhaul part of the non-3PP network.

42. A method of operating a communications device to communicate data using a wireless communications, the method comprising establishing communications links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, establishing a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, and steering communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

43. A method of operating apparatus forming part of a core network to perform a User Plane Function, UPF, the method comprising steering communication of packet data to or from a communications device from or to the core network as a non-access stratum connection via communications links established via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, and via one or more communications links via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each of the wireless access nodes forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device from or to the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, wherein the packet data is steered by the apparatus to or from the communications device according to predetermined rules via the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

44. Computer executable program code, which when executed configures a processor acting as a User Plane Function, UPF, to steer communication of packet data to or from a communications device from or to the core network as a non-access stratum connection via communications links established via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, and via one or more communications links via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each of the wireless access nodes forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the communications device from or to the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, wherein the packet data is steered by the apparatus to or from the communications device according to predetermined rules via the communications links provided by the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links provided by the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

45. Computer executable program code, which when executed configures a processor of a communications device to perform the operations of to establish communications links via each of two or more infrastructure equipment, each of the two or more infrastructure equipment forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from a core network and each of the infrastructure equipment is configured according to a third generation project partnership, 3GPP, wireless communications standard, to establish a communications link via each of one or more wireless access nodes, each wireless access node forming part of a different radio access network and each communications link providing a packet data bearer to or from the core network and each of the wireless access nodes is configured according to a non-3GPP, wireless communications standard, and to steer communication of packet data to or from the core network according to predetermined rules via one or more of the communications links established with the two or more 3GPP infrastructure equipment and one or more of the communications links established with the one or more non-3GPP access nodes.

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