Method and apparatus for support of data transfer via user plane connection

Abstract

Method of a first network function (NF) in a wireless communications network, the method comprising: based on determining whether to request user equipment (UE)-side data for artificial intelligence (Al) / machine learning (ML) model training, transmitting a request for collecting Al / ML data to a UE; receiving, via a secured user plane (UP) connection, data for Al / ML model training transferred from the UE; and notifying at least a portion of the data for Al / ML model training to an Al / ML server. Equivalent methods are provided for the UE and the server. The method may comprise receiving from the AI / ML server a request for the model training wherein the first NF determines whether to request the data based on the request from the AI / ML server. The method may also comprise establishing the secured UP connection with the UE if the secured UP connection was not previously established. [FIG. 8]