Smart access traffic switching, steering and splitting

Abstract

A network node of a first access network enters a sleep state and transmits a message to an apparatus of a first access network and the second access network indicating that the network node is entering a sleep state. The apparatus transmits a message to a user equipment (UE) indicating one or more network nodes of the second access network is in a sleep mode. The UE transmits a message to the apparatus including a request to wake the network node from the sleep state. The apparatus transmits a wake command to the network node. The UE’s determination to wake the network node may be based on a voice call request from the second network or a degradation in service from the first access network. The UE may select the network node to wake based on a list of camping cells or based on its location. The network node may supply information relating to UEs associated with the network node and impacted by it entering the dormant state, and also information of neighbour cells. The network node may enter the sleep state when the number of UEs connected to it is below a threshold, including no connected UEs.

Description

FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments relate generally to wireless networks and, more particularly, to smart access traffic switching, steering and splitting. BACKGROUND

[0002] An access traffic steering switching and splitting (ATSSS) feature is a feature that may be supported by a user equipment (UE) and a fifth generation (5G) core network. The ATSSS feature enables a multi-access (MA) protocol data unit (PDU) connectivity service, which allows the exchange of PDUs between a UE and a data network (e.g., Internet) by simultaneously using a third generation partnership project (3GPP) access network as well as a non-3GPP access network, and two independent N3 / N9 tunnels between a PDU session anchor (PSA) that terminates an N6 interface of a PDU session within a 5G core network and a radio access network / access network (RAN / AN). The MA-PDU connectivity service is realized by establishing an MA-PDU session, (e.g., a PDU session that includes user-plane resources on two access networks such as the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network). To establish the MA-PDU session, both the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network are allowed for the single - network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) of the PDU session. The UE may request an MA-PDU Session when the UE is registered via both the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network, or when the UE is registered via either access network. SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a first message from a first apparatus of a first access network, the first message including an indication of one or more network nodes of a second access network in a sleep state. The UE determines to wake from the sleep state a first network node of the second access network, and transmits a second message to the first apparatus of the first access network, the second message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network.

[0004] In an aspect of the method, the UE determines to wake the first network node from the sleep state based upon a determination to request a service from the second access network.

[0005] In an aspect of the method, the UE determines to wake the first network node from the sleep state based upon a voice call request from the second access network.

[0006] In an aspect of the method, the UE determines to wake the first network node from the sleep state based upon a determination of change in the first access network.

[0007] In an aspect of the method, the change in the first access network includes a degradation in service from the first access network.

[0008] In an aspect of the method, the method further includes registering, by the UE, with the first access network and the second access network.

[0009] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an indication of at least a first network node of the second access network and a second access node of the second access network.

[0010] In an aspect of the method, the first network node and the second network node are included in a list of neighbor cells.

[0011] In an aspect of the method, the UE selects the first network node of the second access network to wake from the sleep state based up the first network node being at a top of the list of camping cells.

[0012] In an aspect of the method, the determination of the first network node of the second access network to wake from the sleep state is based on the location of the first network node with respect to the first access network.

[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, by a first apparatus of a first access network and a second access network, a first message from at least a first network node of the second access network, the first message including an indication of the first network node entering a sleep state. The first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network transmits a second message to a first user equipment (UE), the second message including an indication of the first network node of the second access network entering a sleep state. The first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network receives a third message from the first UE, the third message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network, and transmits a fourth message to the first network node of the second access network, the fourth message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the second access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[0014] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes information relating to one or more UEs associated with the first network node.

[0015] In an aspect of the method, the information relating to the one or more UEs includes information relating to the first UE.

[0016] In an aspect of the method, the method further includes determining, by the first apparatus that the first UE is impacted by the first network node entering the sleep state.

[0017] In an aspect of the method, the determining is based upon a location of the first UE.

[0018] In an aspect of the method, the determining is based upon a location of the first network node.

[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes determining, by a first network node of a first access network, to enter a sleep state. The first network node of the first access network transmits a first message to a first apparatus of the first access network and a second access network, the first message including an indication that the first node is entering a sleep state, and receives a second message from the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, the second message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the first access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[0020] In an aspect of the method, the first network node of the first access network determines to enter the sleep state based upon a number of user equipments (UEs) connected to the first network node of the first access network.

[0021] In an aspect of the method, no UEs are connected to the first network node of the first access network.

[0022] In an aspect of the method, a number of UEs connected to the first network node of the first access network is below a threshold.

[0023] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes information relating to the UEs connected to the first network node of the first access network.

[0024] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an information of neighbor cells of the network nodes of the first access network, including the first network node.

[0025] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) includes at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform any of the foregoing methods.

[0026] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the foregoing methods.

[0027] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the foregoing methods.

[0028] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example embodiment of wireless networking between a network system and a user equipment (UE), according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram of example components of a network system, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example architecture for smart access traffic switching, steering and splitting, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, a non-3GPP access node, a 3 GPP access node, and a UPF, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment of components of a UE or of a network apparatus, according to one illustrated aspect of the present disclosure. DETAIEED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of disclosed aspects. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with transmitters, receivers, or transceivers have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the aspects.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described m connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one aspect” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined m any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0037] Embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented in wireless networking apparatuses, such as, without limitation, apparatuses utilizing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G New Radio (5G NR), 5G Advance, 6G (and beyond) and 802.1 lax (Wi-Fi 6), among other wireless networking systems. The term ‘eLTE’ here denotes the LTE evolution that connects to a 5G core. LTE is also known as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) or as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN).

[0038] The present disclosure may use the term “serving network device” to refer to a network node or network device (or a portion thereof) that services a UE. As used herein, the terms “transmit to,” “receive from,” and “cooperate with,” (and their variations) include communications that may or may not involve communications through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. The term “acquire” (and its variations) includes acquiring in the first instance or reacquiring after the first instance. The term “connection” may mean a physical connection or a logical connection.

[0039] The present disclosure uses 5G NR as an example of a wireless network and may use smartphones and / or extended reality headsets as an example of UEs. It is intended and shall be understood that such examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is applicable to other wireless networks and user equipment.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an example of wireless networking between a network system 100 and a user equipment (UE) 150. The network system 100 may include one or more network nodes 120, one or more seivers 110, and / or one or more network equipment 130 (e.g., test equipment). The network nodes 120 will be described in more detail below. As used herein, the term “network apparatus” may refer to any component of the network system 100, such as the server 110, the network node 120, the network equipment 130, any component(s) of the foregoing, and / or any other component(s) of the network system 100. Examples of network apparatuses include, without limitation, apparatuses implementing aspects of 5G NR, among others. The present disclosure describes embodiments related to 5G NR and embodiments that involve aspects defined by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, it is contemplated that embodiments relating to other wireless networking technologies are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The following description provides further details of examples of network nodes. In a 5G NR network, a gNodeB (also known as gNB) may include, e.g., a node that provides new radio (NR) user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and that is connected via a NG interface to the 5G core (5GC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 ¥16.6.0 (2021-06) section 3.2, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0042] A gNB supports various protocol layers, e.g., Layer 1 (LI) - physical layer, Layer 2 (L2), and Layer 3 (L3).

[0043] The layer 2 (L2) of NR is split into the following sublayers: Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), where, e.g.: o The physical layer offers to the MAC sublayer transport channels; o The MAC sublayer offers to the RLC sublayer logical channels; o The RLC sublayer offers to the PDCP sublayer RLC channels; o The PDCP sublayer offers to the SDAP sublayer radio bearers; o The SDAP sublayer offers to 5GC quality of sendee (QoS) flows; o Control channels include broadcast control channel (BCCH) and physical control channel (PCCH).

[0044] Layer 3 (L3) includes, e.g., radio resource control (RRC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) section 6, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0045] A gNB central unit (gNB-CU) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB, that controls the operation of one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs). The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU. A gNB-CU may also be referred to herein as a CU, a central unit, a centralized unit, or a control unit.

[0046] A gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or multiple cells One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-CU. A gNB-DU may also be referred to herein as DU or a distributed unit.

[0047] As used herein, the term “network node” may refer to any of a gNB, a gNB-CU, or a gNB-DU, or any combination of them. A RAN (radio access network) node or network node such as, e.g., a gNB, gNB-CU, or gNB-DU, or parts thereof, may be implemented using, e.g., an apparatus with at least one processor and / or at least one memory with processor-readable instructions (“program”) configured to support and / or provision and / or process CU and / or DU related functionality and / or features, and / or at least one protocol (sub-)layer of a RAN (radio access network), e.g., layer 2 and / or layer 3. Different functional splits between the central and distributed unit are possibl e. An example of such an apparatus and components will be described in connection with FIG. 5 below.

[0048] The gNB-CU and gNB-DU parts may, e.g., be co-located or physically separated. The gNB-DU may even be split further, e.g., into two parts, e.g., one including processing equipment and one including an antenna. A central unit (CU) may also be called baseband unit radio equipment controller. cloud-RAN / virtual-RAN (BBUZREC / C-RAN / V-RAN), open-RAN (O-RAN), or part thereof. A distributed unit (DU) may also be called remote radio head / remote radio unit / radio equipment / radio unit (RRH / RRU / RE / RU), or part thereof. Hereinafter, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a network node, which supports at least one of central unit functionality or a layer 3 protocol of a radio access network, may be, e.g., a gNB-CU. Similarly, a network node, which supports at least one of distributed unit functionality or a layer 2 protocol of the radio access network, may be, e.g., a gNB-DU

[0049] A gNB-CU may support one or multiple gNB-DUs. A gNB-DU may support one or multiple cells and, thus, could support a serving cell for a user equipment (UE) or support a candidate cell for handover, dual connectivity, and / or carrier aggregation, among other procedures.

[0050] The user equipment (UE) 150 may be or include a wireless or mobile device, an apparatus with a radio interface to interact with a RAN (radio access network), a smartphone, an m-vehicle apparatus, an loT device, or a M2M device, among other types of user equipment. Such UE 150 may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code; where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform certain operations, such as, e.g., RRC connection to the RAN. An example of components of a UE will be described in connection with FIG. 5. In embodiments, the UE 150 may be configured to generate a message (e.g., including a cell ID) to be transmitted via radio towards a RAN (e.g., to reach and communicate with a serving cell). In embodiments, the UE 150 may generate and transmit and receive RRC messages containing one or more RRC PDUs (packet data units). Persons skilled in the art will understand RRC protocol as well as other procedures a UE may perform.

[0051] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, in the example of a 5G NR network, the network system 100 provides one or more cells, which define a coverage area of the network system 100. As described above, the network system 100 may include a gNB of a 5G NR network or may include any other apparatus configured to control radio communication and manage radio resources within a cell. As used herein, the terra “resource” may refer to radio resources, such as a resource block (RB), a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a sub-band, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. In embodiments, the network node 120 may be called a base station.

[0052] FIG. 1 provides an example and is merely illustrative of a network system 100 and a UE 150. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the network system 100 includes components not illustrated in FIG. 1 and will understand that other user equipment may be in communication with the network system 100.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of example components of the network system 100 of FIG. 1. A 5G NR network may be described as an example of the network system 100, and it is intended that aspects of the following description shall be applicable to other types of network systems, as well. The network system may operate in accordance with the signals and connections shown in FIG. 1 such that the UE 150 is in communication with the network system 100 through the radio access network 225. Additionally, the network system may be divided into user plane components and functions and control plane components and functions, as shown and described herein. Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “component”, “function”, and “service” may be used interchangeably herein, and they may refer to and be implemented by instructions executed by one or more processors.

[0054] Example functions of the components are described below. The example functions are merely illustrative, and it shall be understood that additional operations and functions may be performed by the components described herein. Additionally, the connections between components may be virtual connections over service-based interfaces such that any component may communicate with any other component. In this manner, any component may act as a service “producer,” for any other component that is a service “consumer,” to provide sendees for network functions.

[0055] For example, a core network 210 is described in the control plane of the network system. The core network 210 may include an authentication server function (AUSF) 211, an access and mobility function (AMF) 212, and a session management function (SMF) 213. The core network 210 may also include a network slice selection function (NSSF) 214, a network exposure function (NEF) 215, a network repository function (NRF) 216, and a unified data management function (UDM) 217, which may include a uniform data, repository (UDR) 224.

[0056] Additional components and functions of the core network 210 may include an application function 218, policy control function (PCF) 219, network data analytics function (NWDAF) 220, analytics data repository function (ADRF) 221, management data analytics function (MDAF) 222, and operations and management function (0AM) 223.

[0057] The user plane includes the UE 150, a radio access network (RAN) 225, a user plane function (UPF) 226, and a data network (DN) 227. The RAN 225 may include one or more components described in connection with FIG. 1, such as one or more network nodes. However, the RAN 225 may not be limited to such components. The UPF 226 provides connection for data being transmitted over the RAN 225. The DN 226 identifies services from service providers, Internet access, and third party services, for example.

[0058] The AMF 212 processes connection and mobility tasks. The AUSF 211 receives authentication requests from the AMF 212 and interacts with UDM 217 to authenticate and validate network responses for determination of successful authentication. The SMF 213 conducts packet data unit (PDU) session management, as well as manages session context with the UPF 226.

[0059] The NSSF 214 may select a network slicing instance (NSI) and determine the allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI). This selection and determination is utilized to set the AMF 212 to provide service to the UE 150. The NEF 215 secures access to network services for third parties to create specialized network services. The NRF 216 acts as a repository to store network functions to allow the functions to register with and discover each other.

[0060] The UDM 217 generates authentication vectors for use by the AUSF 211 and ADM 212 and provides user identification handling. The UDM 217 may be connected to the UDR 224 which stores data associated with authentication, applications, or the like. The AF 218 provides application services to a user (e.g., streaming services, etc.). The PCF 219 provides policy control functionality. For example, the PCF 219 may assist in network slicing and mobility management, as well as provide quality of service (QoS) and charging functionality.

[0061] The NWDAF 220 collects data (e.g., from the UE 150 and the network system) to perform network analytics and provide insight to functions that utilize the analytics in the providing of services. The ADRF 221 allows the storage, retrieval, and removal of data and analytics by consumers. The MDAF 222 provides additional data analytics services for network functions. The 0AM 223 provides provisioning and management processing functions to manage elements in or connected to the network (e.g., UE 150, network nodes, etc.).

[0062] FIG. 2 is merely an example of components of a network system, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the network system may include other components not illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the network system may not include every component illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the components and connections may be implemented with different connections than those illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the core network may include more or less components. In various embodiments, some components shown outside the core network may reside within the core network, and some components shown inside the core network may reside outside the core network. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] As used herein, in various example embodiments, a 3GPP access network may refer to a wireless communication network as defined by the 3 GPP wireless standards. As used herein, in various example embodiments, a non-3GPP access network may refer to a wireless access network such as a Wi-Fi network or non-terrestrial network (NTN). Persons of skill in the art will appreciate non-3GPP networks that a UE in which a UE may be communicating.

[0064] As used herein, a communication with a radio access network (RAN) may refer to and mean a communication with a portion of a RAN, such as with a network node (e.g., a DU and / or a CU), or another portion of a RAN. As used herein, a communication with a core network may refer to and mean a communication with one or more services / applications of the core network, such as AMF or another service of a core network. As used herein, the term “neighbor” and “neighbour” may be used interchangeably (e.g., to refer to a neighbor / neighbour cell).

[0065] In various example embodiments, a multi-access (MA) protocol data unit (PDU) connectivity service may be established, which allows the exchange of PDUs between a UE (e.g., UE 150) and a data network (e.g., Internet) by simultaneously using a 3GPP access network as well as a non-3GPP access network. In various embodiments, the MA-PDU connectivity service may be enabled via MA-PDU session by an access traffic steering switching and splitting (ATSSS) feature implemented by a UE and 5G access network. When an MA-PDU session is established, the network a UE is connected to (e.g., 3GPP access network and / or non-3GPP access network) may provide the UE with measurement assistance information. This information assists the UE in determining which measurements are performed over both access networks, as well as whether measurement reports need to be sent to the network, or networks, to which the UE is connected.

[0066] In various example embodiments, the measurement assistance information includes addressing information of a performance measurement function (PMF) in the UPF to which the UE may send PMF protocol messages. In various embodiments, for an internet protocol (IP) type PDU session, the measurement assistance information may include an IP address for the PMF, a UDP port associated with the 3GPP access network and a UDP port associated with the non-3GPP access network. In various embodiments, PMF messages sent by the UE to one of these UDP ports are transmitted to the UPF via a quality of service (QoS) flow associated with a QoS rule (e.g., a QoS default rule), which will be understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0067] In various embodiments, for an Ethernet type PDU session, measurement assistance information may include a media access control (MAC) address associated with the 3GPP access network and another MAC address associated with the non-3GPP access network. In various embodiments, PMF messages sent by the UE to one of these MAC addresses are transmitted to the UPF via the QoS Flow associated with the QoS rule (e.g., the default QoS rule).

[0068] In some examples, various network components of a cell (e.g., the components of network system 100 above) may include a small number of connected devices (e.g., UEs), or even none at all. In order to conserve energy in those components, a cell may decide to enter a sleep state, which allows one or more network components to enter into a reduced power mode. By coordinating between the access networks a UE may be connected, energy saving benefits may be effected. For example, if capacity (or coverage) provided by a current non-3GPP access network a UE is connected to is sufficient to provide service to the UE, a 3 GPP cell the UE is connected to may leverage deeper sleep states for energy savings. The deeper energy sleep states for the 3 GPP cell could be leveraged via for example the use of cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) which is a technique to save network energy by switching on / off radio units (e.g. power amplifiers) where there is no transmission to be made.

[0069] Accordingly, described below, in various embodiments, are example techniques for utilizing the ATSSS framework to enable energy savings for 3GPP or non-3GPP access networks when the traffic demands can be handled via one of networks.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example architecture 300 for smart access traffic switching, steering and splitting, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. In various embodiments, to enable an interface from the 3GPP access network (e.g., RAN) and / or non-3 GPP access network, access to the UPF is provided. In various embodiments, the interface may be a direct interface between the 3 GPP RAN and / or non-3GPP access and the UPF leveraging a performance measurement functionality (PMF) protocol. In various embodiments, a 3GPP access node (e.g., gNodeB, RAN 225) or non-3GPP access node (e.g., WiFi router / access point) may be provided with a set of UPF IP addresses and the UDP destination port of their respective PMF.

[0071] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, the example architecture 300 includes the UE 150, a 3GPP access node (e.g., gNodeB, RAN 225), a non-3GPP access node (e.g.. wireless router / access point), the AMF 212, the SMF 213, the PCF 219, the UPF 226, and a data network (e.g., Internet).

[0072] The UE 150 in various embodiments, may include a multipath transport protocol (MPTCP) function (or functionality) that allows the UE 150 to conduct TCP sessions over multiple paths. For example, the MPTCP function may allow the UE 150 to communicate via TCP protocol via either the 3 GPP node it is connected to or a non-3GPP node it is connected to. In addition, the UE 150 may include, in various embodiments, an ATSSS-lower layer (LL) function (or functionality) that allows the UE to perform functionality in accordance with the ATSSS framework, as may be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0073] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the UE 150 is connected to both the 3GPP access node and the non-3GPP access node. In various example embodiments, the connection between the UE 150 and the 3GPP access node and the non-3GPP access node may be a wireless connection. For example, the UE 150 may be connected to the 3GPP access node via a wireless cellular connection, while the UE 150 may be connected to the non-3GPP access node via a WiFi (e.g., IEEE 8O2.xx) connection.

[0074] The 3GPP access node and the non-3GPP access node, in various embodiments, may be connected to the AMF 212 via an N2 interface. In addition, the UE 150 may be connected to the AMF 212 via the 3GPP access node via an N1 interface. Further, in various embodiments, the 3GPP access node and the non-3GPP access node may be connected to the UPF 226 via N3 interfaces. In addition, both the 3GPP access node may include a PMF function for communicating with an associated PMF function resident in the UPF 226. In various embodiments, the UPF 226 includes an MPTCP function.

[0075] In various example embodiments, the UPF 226 communicates with the SMF over an N4 interface and may communicate with the data network via an N6 interface. In various embodiments, the SMF 213 communicates with the AMF over an Nil interface and with the PCF 219 over an N7 interface. Although various interfaces are shown, persons of skill in the art will understand other example interfaces the components shown in FIG. 3 may communicate.

[0076] Accordingly, in various example embodiments, FIG. 3 provides an architecture for which a UE, 3GPP node, non-3GPP node and UPF may engage m MA-PDU sessions where the UE may be connected to both the 3GPP node and the non-3GPP node. Further, in various embodiments, the ATSSS framework may be utilized to enable energy savings when traffic demands can be accommodated by one of the 3GPP access network or the non-3GPP access network. In order to effect the energy savings, the UE may need to be aware of what cells (e.g., 3 GPP nodes) are in a sleep state so the UE may request awakening of the cell upon a determination the UE requires connectivity.

[0077] Although further detail is provided below, briefly, a technique for providing information to a UE of cells in a sleep state and waking of those cells upon a need of the UE is described herein. For example, in various embodiments, a UE registered with a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network that includes at least an active PDU session established via one of the access networks to a UPF with ATSSS capability receives information of potential neighbor or serving nodes (e.g., 3GPP nodes) that are in a sleep state. In various embodiments, the sleep state may be communicated via system information messages. The UE, in various embodiments, may determine a need for connectivity with a node in sleep state, and transmit (e.g., via the PMF protocol) a request for a change in status of a node from the sleep state to a wake state.

[0078] In various embodiments, a UPF with ATSSS capability may receive an indication from a network node (e.g., a 3GPP access node) with MA-PDU capability of the change of its status (e.g. downlink (DL) transmission state entering a sleep state). The UPF may retrieve information of the network node needed, such as system information and cell information, and determine a need to provide information of the network node to MA-PDU capable UEs regarding the network node, or nodes, entering a sleep state. The UPF, in various embodiments may enable procedures for the UEs to request a change of status of the network node (e.g., transmission of system information blocks (SIBs) or a cell wake up message).

[0079] In various embodiments the system information blocks received by a MA-PDU capable UE from the UPF could be employed by the UE to determine whether cell services for the e.g. 3GPP access node is present when required without having to perform scanning process for the cell selection based on the knowledge of the sleep status of the cells in its area provided by the System Information Blocks. When the cell services from the e.g. 3GPP access node are required and the UE determines the 3 GPP access nodes are in a sleep state it may transmit the a cell wake up message to several candidate cells via the UPF. Furthermore, if the validity period associated with the System Information Blocks provided by the UPF expires while the 3GPP access nodes continue to leverage a sleep state, the UE could request the UPF for updated SIBs.

[0080] In various embodiments, a network node (e.g., 3GPP access node) may inform a UPF with ATSSS capability of a change its sleep state via messaging. The network node may transmit information to the UPF regarding its configuration and broadcasted system information and monitor for a UPF PMF protocol message requesting a change from its cell sleep state. In various embodiments, the network node may change its state from the sleep state to a wake state upon receiving the request to change its sleep state.

[0081] Although for purposes of example, the term “network node” and “serving node” in the above may refer to the 3GPP access node, it may refer to any point of access (e.g., non-3GPP node) that a UE may effect connection with the data network via the UPF.

[0082] In accordance with the above brief description, FIG. 4 is diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations 400 among a UE, a non-3GPP access node, a 3 GPP access node, and a UPF, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. The following paragraphs will describe various signals and operations. It will be understood that a described signal may have associated operations and a described operation may have associated signals.

[0083] At operation 401, the UE registers with both the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network. For example, the UE may employ registration techniques known to persons of skill m the art in order to register with the 3 GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network.

[0084] At operation 402, the UE effects and maintains an active PDU session / context with the non-3GPP access network node. During this session, at operation 403, the 3 GPP access node (e.g., 3GPP RAN) may determine to transition into a deeper sleep state (e.g., sleep state). In various embodiments, the 3 GPP access node may determine that very few UEs, or none at all, are connected and engaging in an active communication session with the 3 GPP access node. In such case, the 3GPP access node may know that the UEs are engaged in an MA-PDU session with a non-3GPP access node that can provide connection services to the UEs. In various embodiments, the 3GPP access node may be informed of UEs having MA-PDU sessions by the AMF (e.g., during setup or during configuration modifications).

[0085] Once the 3 GPP access node determines to enter the sleep state, at operation 404, the 3 GPP access node transmits a PMF protocol message to the UPF informing the UPF that the 3 GPP access node is entering a network (NW) energy saving mode (e.g., sleep state), and the UPF receives the message informing the UPF that the 3 GPP access node is entering the network energy saving mode. In various embodiments, the message informing the UPF that the 3 GPP access node is entering the sleep state may include information about UEs engaged in an MA-PDU session that may require traffic steering changes. In various embodiments, the information about the UEs may include IP addresses of the UEs and / or their GTP-U tunnel identifiers.

[0086] Upon receipt of the message at operation 404, at operation 405, the UPF ATSSS function determines which UEs are impacted by the change in state of the 3 GPP access node. In various embodiments, the determination at operation 405 may be made based upon the location of the UE, which may be derived based upon the IP address of the UE. In various embodiments, the determination may be performed based on prior information received from the UE (e.g., via a PMF access report from the UE that includes information such cell identifiers, public land mobile network (PLMN) identifiers, physical cell identifiers (PCIs), etc.).

[0087] At operation 406, the UPF determines (via the ATSSS function) the steering decisions for UEs affected by the 3GPP access node entering the sleep state. In various embodiments, the UPF may switch or steer traffic via the non-3GPP access node when the 3GPP node is entering the sleep state. In other various embodiments, the UPF may switch, steer or split traffic between the 3 GPP access node and non-3GPP access node when the 3 GPP access node exits the sleep state.

[0088] Once the determination is made at operation 406, at operation 407, the UPF transmits a PMF protocol change of state message to the UE (e.g., an affected UE) and the UE receives the change of state message. In various embodiments, the change of state message may include the 3GPP cell system information messages. The UE may store this information in case the UE needs to access a 3GPP cell in a sleep state (e.g., deep sleep state). In various embodiments, the UE may request, via the PMF function, cells system information messages whose validity period is about to expire and may include the cell identifiers (e.g., PLMN, cell identifier, etc.). The UPF may provide the information requested if the information is stored in the UPF or may request the information from the 3GPP access node via the PMF function.

[0089] At operation 408, any ATSSS changes may be applied based on the determination at operation 406. In various embodiments, the UE may discontinue communication with the 3GPP access node and perform MA-PDU sessions with the non-3GPP access node alone.

[0090] At operation 409, the UE may determine a need to access the 3 GPP access network. In various embodiments, the UE may need to perform a voice call or any other operation that requires a connection to the 3 GPP access network. In some embodiments, the UE may determine that a connection via the non-3GPP access node has degraded, and the UE requires a connection to the 3 GPP access network.

[0091] In various embodiments, the UE may refer to a list of last camping cells that the UE has and may determine cells that are in a deep sleep state. If the UE cannot find an active cell for communication, the UE may initiate a request to wake up a cell in the deep sleep state via the PMF protocol. At operation 410, the UE transmits a PMF protocol message to the UPF request a state change of a sleeping cell (request for cell network energy savings (NES) mode state change) and the UPF receives the message to the UPF to request a state change of a sleeping cell. In various embodiments, the UE may provide the cell identifier of the cell for which to wake the 3 GPP access node and / or a location of the cell.

[0092] At operation 411, upon receipt of the message requesting a state change by the UE, the UPF may utilize the stored IP address of the sleeping cell to initiate a PMF procedure to wake the cell. In various embodiments, at operation 411, the UPF transmits via the PMF protocol a cell wake up request message to the 3GPP access node and the 3GPP access node receives the cell wake up request message. In various embodiments, the cell wake up request message may include the cell identifier and / or a location of the cell.

[0093] Upon receipt of the cell wake up request message by the 3 GPP access node, at operation 412, the 3 GPP access node transitions out of the NES mode (e.g., sleep state / deep sleep state). At operation 413, the 3GPP access node transmits / broadcasts synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and system information blocks (SIBs) to the UE and the UE receives the SSBs and SIBs. The UE may camp and access the cell accordingly. For example, at operation 414, the UE may establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the 3GPP access node. Persons skilled in the art will understand RRC protocol as well as other procedures a UE may perform to establish communication with the 3GPP access node. In various embodiments, the UPF ATSSS function may change the steering for the UE based upon the new state (e.g., wake) of the 3GPP access node.

[0094] The operations of FIG. 4 are merely illustrative, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the operations may include other operations not illustrated in FIG. 4. In embodiments, the operations may not include every operation illustrated in FIG. 4. In embodiments, the operations may be implemented in a different order than that illustrated in FIG. 4. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that, although various example components are described as perform various functions, other components may perform those functions described in the method 400.

[0095] The following describes operations from the perspective of the UE. From such a perspective, a method may include receiving, by a UE, a first message from a first apparatus of a first access network, the first message including an indication of one or more network nodes of a second access network in a sleep state. The UE determines to wake from the sleep state a first network node of the second access network, and transmits a second message to the first apparatus of the first access network, the second message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network.

[0096] The following describes operations from the perspective of a network component (e.g., UPF). From such a perspective, a method may include includes receiving, by a first apparatus of a first access network and a second access network, a first message from at least a first network node of the second access network, the first message including an indication of the first network node entering a sleep state. The first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network transmits a second message to a UE, the second message including an indication of the first network node of the second access network entering a sleep state. The first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network receives a third message from the first UE, the third message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network, and transmits a fourth message to the first network node of the second access network, the fourth message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the second access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[0097] The following describes operations from the perspective of a 3GPP node. From such a perspective, a method may include determining, by a first network node of a first access network, to enter a sleep state. The first network node of the first access network transmits a first message to a first apparatus of the first access network and a second access network, the first message including an indication that the first node is entering a sleep state, and receives a second message from the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, the second message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the first access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagram of example components of a UE or a network apparatus (e.g., of a RAN or a core network). The apparatus includes an electronic storage 510, a processor 520, a network interface 540, and a memory 550. The various components may be communicatively coupled with each other. The processor 520 may be and may include any type of processor, such as a single-core central processing unit (CPU), a multicore CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a System-on-Chip (SoC), or any other type of processor. The memory 550 may be a volatile type of memory, e.g., RAM, or a non-volatile type of memory, e.g., NAND flash memory. The memory 550 includes processor-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 520 to cause the apparatus to perform various operations, including those mentioned herein, such as the operations of FIGS. 3-4.

[0099] The electronic storage 510 may be and include any type of electronic storage used for storing data, such as hard disk drive, solid state drive, optical disc, and / or other non-transitory computer-readable mediums, among other types of electronic storage. The electronic storage 510 stores processor-readable instructions for causing or configured for causing the apparatus to perform its operations and also stores data associated with such operations, such as storing data relating to 5G NR standards, among other data. The network interface 640 may implement wireless networking technologies such as 5G NR and / or other wireless networking technologies.

[00100] The components shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples, and persons skilled in the art will understand that an apparatus includes other components not illustrated and may include multiples of any of the illustrated components. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00101] Further embodiments of the present disclosure include the following examples.

[00102] Example 1.1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to: receive a first message from a first apparatus of a first access network, the first message including an indication of one or more network nodes of a second access network in a sleep state; determine to wake from the sleep state a first network node of the second access network of the one or more network nodes; and transmit a second message to the first apparatus of the first access network, the second message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network.

[00103] Example 2.1. A first apparatus of a first access network and a second access network, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive a first message from at least a first network node of the second access network, the first message including an indication of the first network node entering a sleep state; transmit a second message to a first user equipment (UE), the second message including an indication of the first network node of the second access network entering a sleep state; receive a third message from the first UE, the third message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network; and transmit a fourth message to the first network node of the second access network, the fourth message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the second access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[00104] Example 3.1. A first network node of a first access network, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node at least to: determine to enter a sleep state; transmit a first message to a first apparatus of the first access network and a second access network, the first message including an indication that the first node is entering a sleep state; and receive a second message from the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, the second message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the first access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[00105] Example 4.1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: means for receiving a first message from a first apparatus of a first access network, the first message including an indication of one or more network nodes of a second access network in a sleep state; means for determining to wake from the sleep state a first network node of the second access network of the one or more network nodes; and means for transmitting a second message to the first apparatus of the first access network, the second message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network.

[00106] Example 4.2. The UE of example 4.1, wherein the UE determines to wake the first network node from the sleep state based upon a determination to request a service from the second access network.

[00107] Example 4.3. The UE of example 4.2, wherein the UE determines to wake the first network node from the sleep state based upon a voice call request from the second access network.

[00108] Example 4.4. The UE of example 4.1, wherein the UE determines to wake the first network node from the sleep state based upon a determination of change in the first access network.

[00109] Example 4.5. The UE of example 4.4, wherein the change in the first access network includes a degradation in service from the first access network.

[00110] Example 4.6. The UE of example 4.1, wherein the UE further includes means for registering, by the UE, with the first access network and the second access network.

[00111] Example 4.7. The UE as in any of examples 4.1-4.6, wherein the first message includes an indication of at least a first network node of the second access network and a second access node of the second access network.

[00112] Example 4.8. The UE of example 4.7, wherein the first network node and the second network node are included in a list of neighbor cells.

[00113] Example 4.9. The UE of example 4.8, wherein the UE selects the first network node of the second access network to wake from the sleep state based up the first network node being at a top of the list of camping cells.

[00114] Example 4.10. The UE of example 4.8, wherein the determination of the first network node of the second access network to wake from the sleep state is based on the location of the first network node with respect to the first access network.

[00115] Example 5.1. A first apparatus of a first access network and a second access network, comprising: means for receiving a first message from at least a first network node of the second access network, the first message including an indication of the first network node entering a sleep state; means for transmitting a second message to a first user equipment (UE), the second message including an indication of the first network node of the second access network entering a sleep state; means for receiving a third message from the first UE, the third message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network; and means for transmitting a fourth message to the first network node of the second access network, the fourth message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the second access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[00116] Example 5.2. The first apparatus of example 5.1, wherein the first message includes information relating to one or more UEs associated with the first network node.

[00117] Example 5.3. The first apparatus of example 5.2, wherein the information relating to the one or more UEs includes information relating to the first UE.

[00118] Example 5.4 The first apparatus as in any of examples 5.2-5.3, wherein the first apparatus further includes means for determining that the first UE is impacted by the first network node entering the sleep state.

[00119] Example 5.5 The first apparatus of example 5.4, wherein the determining is based upon a location of the first UE.

[00120] Example 5.6. The first apparatus as in any of examples 5.4-5.5, wherein the determining is based upon a location of the first network node.

[00121] Example 6.1. A first network node of a first access network, comprising: means for determining to enter a sleep state; means for transmitting a first message to a first apparatus of the first access network and a second access network, the first message including an indication that the first node is entering a sleep state; and means for receiving a second message from the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, the second message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the first access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

[00122] Example 6.2. The first network node of example 6.1, wherein the first network node of the first access network determines to enter the sleep state based upon a number of user equipments (UEs) connected to the first network node of the first access network.

[00123] Example 6.3. The first network node of example 6.2, wherein no UEs are connected to the first network node of the first access network.

[00124] Example 6.4. The first network node of example 6.3, wherein a number of UEs connected to the first network node of the first access network is below a threshold.

[00125] Example 6.5. The first network node of example 6.4, wherein the first message includes information relating to the UEs connected to the first network node of the first access network.

[00126] Example 6.6. The first network node of example 6.5, wherein the first message includes an information of neighbor cells of the network nodes of the first access network, including the first network node.

[00127] The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are examples of the present disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

[00128] For example, the RRC setup message sent by the base station depicts information elements for providing UE IP address and NRF IP address information. However, this information may be provided in other fields of the RRC Setup message.

[00129] The phrases “in an aspect,” “in aspects,” “in various aspects,” “in some aspects,” or “in other aspects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different aspects in accordance with this present disclosure. The phrase “a plurality of’ may refer to two or more.

[00130] The phrases “in an embodiment,” “in embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or “in other embodiments” may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C) ”

[00131] Any of the herein described methods, programs, algorithms or codes may be converted to, or expressed in, a programming language or computer program. The terms “programming language” and “computer program,” as used herein, each include any language used to specify instructions to a computer, and include (but is not limited to) the following languages and their derivatives: Assembler, Basic, Batch files, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command languages, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Python, scripting languages, Visual Basic, metalanguages which themselves specify programs, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or further generation computer languages. Also included are database and other data schemas, and any other meta-languages. No distinction is made between languages which are interpreted, compiled, or use both compiled and interpreted approaches. No distinction is made between compiled and source versions of a program. Thus, reference to a program, where the programming language could exist m more than one state (such as source, compiled, object, or linked) is a reference to any and all such states. Reference to a program may encompass the actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[00132] While aspects of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the present disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a first message from a first apparatus of a first access network, the first message including an indication of one or more network nodes of a second access network in a sleep state;determining, by the UE, to wake from the sleep state a first network node of the second access network; andtransmitting, by the UE, a second message to the first apparatus of the first access network, the second message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining to wake the first network node from thesleep state is based upon a determination to request a service from the second access network.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining to wake the first network node from thesleep state is based upon a voice call request from the second access network.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining to wake the first network node from thesleep state is based upon a determination of change in the first access network.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the change in the first access network includes a degradation in service from the first access network.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising registering, by the UE, with the first access network and the second access network.

7. The method as in any of claims 1-6, wherein the indication includes an indication of at least a first network node of the second access network and a second access node of the second access network.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first network node and the second network node are included in a list of neighbor cells.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the UE selects the first network node of the second access network to wake from the sleep state based up the first network node being at a top of the list of camping cells.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the determining of the first network node of the second access network to wake from the sleep state is based on the location of the first network node with respect to the first access network.

11. A method, comprising:receiving, by a first apparatus of a first access network and a second access network, a first message from at least a first network node of the second access network, the first message including an indication of the first network node entering a sleep state;transmitting, by the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, a second message to a first user equipment (UE), the second message including an indication of the first network node of the second access network entering a sleep state;receiving, by the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, a third message from the first UE, the third message including a request to wake from the sleep state the first network node of the second network access network; andtransmitting, by the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, a fourth message to the first network node of the second access network, the fourth message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the second access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first message includes information relating to one or more UEs associated with the first network node.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the information relating to the one or more UEs includes information relating to the first UE.

14. The method as in any of claims 12-13, further comprising determining, by the first apparatus that the first UE is impacted by the first network node entering the sleep state.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the determining is based upon a location of the first UE.

16. The method as in any of claims 14-15, wherein the determining is based upon a location of the first network node.

17. A method, comprising:determining, by a first network node of a first access network, to enter a sleep state;transmitting, by the first network node of the first access network, a first message to a first apparatus of the first access network and a second access network, the first message including an indication that the first node is entering a sleep state; andreceiving, by the first network node of the first access network, a second message from the first apparatus of the first access network and the second access network, the second message including a wake command instructing the first network node of the first access network to change from the sleep state to a wake state.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the determining to enter the sleep state is based upon a number of user equipments (UEs) connected to the first network node of the first access network.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein no UEs are connected to the first network node of thefirst access network.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein a number of UEs connected to the first network node of the first access network is below a threshold.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the first message includes information relating to the UEs connected to the first network node of the first access network.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the first message includes an information of neighbor cells of the network nodes of the first access network, including the first network node.

23. A user equipment (UE), comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform a method as in any of claims 1-10.

24. A processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method as in any one of claims 1-10.

25. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method as in any of claims 11-20.

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