Method, user equipment, system, or telecommunications network, program and computer program product for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating a user equipment connected to a telecommunications network

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating a user equipment connected to a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising a core network with a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function being configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment, the method comprising a first step of the user equipment transmitting a user equipment routing policy update request message to the telecommunications network in order to request and / or transmit the user equipment routing policy information when a connection condition and / or an operating status of the user equipment changes and is detected or determined by the user equipment, and a second step of receiving by the user equipment the user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating a user equipment connected to a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising a core network with a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function being configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a user equipment for requesting and / or receiving user equipment routing policy information when operating in connection to a telecommunications network, the user equipment being configured to receive the user equipment routing policy information from a policy and charging function of the telecommunications network.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system or telecommunications network for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating the system or telecommunications network with connected user equipment, the telecommunications network comprising a core network comprising a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment.

[0004] Additionally, the present invention relates to a program and computer readable medium for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

[0005] In conventionally known telecommunication networks, when uplink traffic needs to be steered, the 5G mobile communication network or 5G system also defines a User Equipment Routing Policy (or UE Route Assignment Policy, URSP) defined in TS 24.526, which allows the network to instruct the user equipment on how to route data packets, i.e. based on a set of rules. Such rules instruct or command the user equipment to steer a specific traffic to a given PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session.

[0006] However, in the event of changing connection conditions, changes at higher layers such as the application layer, and / or changes in the operating conditions of the user equipment such as switching between operating modes, previously provided sets of network instruction rules regarding how to route data packets or how to steer specific traffic for a given PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session may be inappropriate, inappropriate, and / or not suited to the respective situation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a technically simple, effective and cost-effective solution for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating a user equipment connected to a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising a core network with a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment. The user equipment routing policy information or updates may be requested and / or transmitted when connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment change and are detected or determined by the user equipment. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a corresponding user equipment, system or telecommunications network, as well as corresponding programs and computer readable media.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a method for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating a user equipment connected to a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising a core network with a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function being adapted to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment. In order to request and / or transmit the user equipment routing policy information when connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment change and are detected or determined by the user equipment, the method comprises: a first step of the user equipment sending a user equipment routing policy update request message to the telecommunications network; A second step includes receiving, by the user equipment, user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message.

[0009] Thereby, advantageously according to the invention, the user equipment may trigger a corresponding telecommunications network, in particular a corresponding core network (in particular a core network of a home public land mobile network), to notify that, for example, a network change has occurred, (as a result) the corresponding telecommunications network (corresponding core network), in particular the home network (in particular the home public land mobile network), triggers the setting of corresponding user equipment routing policy information, in particular a set of user equipment routing policy rules that correspond or are appropriate or adapted to the current situation of the user equipment.

[0010] Thus, according to the invention, it is particularly advantageously possible for the user equipment to trigger and apply updates of user equipment routing policy rules, in particular when the connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment (in particular detected or determined by the user equipment) change. Thus, situations of potential conflicts or inefficiencies between user equipment routing policy information (i.e. user equipment routing policy rules) stored by the user equipment or (previously) received by the user equipment and the current connection conditions and / or current operating conditions of the user equipment can be avoided or at least reduced, in particular with regard to the time or duration for which such conflicts or inefficiencies exist between user equipment routing policy rules dictated by the respective telecommunications network and the current connection conditions and / or operating conditions.

[0011] One example of such a potential conflict may be related to a standalone non-public network. As of 3GPP Rel'16, with the introduction of 5G-based networks, private standalone non-public networks (SNPNs), a standalone non-public network access mode is introduced in addition to the normal access mode. A standalone non-public network-capable user equipment typically supports the standalone non-public network access mode. If the user equipment is configured to operate in the SNPN access mode, the user equipment may, for example, exclusively select and register with a standalone non-public network. This may result in such a user equipment being able to switch between two operating modes, which correspond, on the one hand, to a standalone non-public network access mode and, on the other hand, to a normal access mode (in which the user equipment is typically only allowed to access public land mobile networks). Depending on the particular situation of the user equipment, conflicts may arise, for example, between the user equipment routing policy rules provided by its home public land mobile network and the user equipment connected to the standalone non-public network, or vice versa. Thus, currently known telecommunications networks (i.e., according to currently defined standards or standards documents for such networks) allow public land mobile network certificates (PLMN certificates) to be used to access standalone non-public networks, in which case there may be potential inconsistencies between such user equipment routing policy rules (or user equipment routing policy information) configured by the public land mobile network and their application in a standalone non-public network setting (i.e., a situation in which that same user equipment is connected to a standalone non-public network) and / or vice versa.Such potential conflicts may arise, for example, from non-specificity of application of user equipment routing policy information (e.g., user equipment routing policy information provided by a standalone non-public network takes precedence over user equipment routing policy information provided by a public land mobile network, or vice versa).

[0012] According to the invention, by the user equipment sending a user equipment routing policy update request message to the telecommunication network, and by the user equipment receiving in response thereto user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message (from the telecommunication network, typically from a corresponding core network, either a core network of the telecommunication network to which the user equipment is (directly) connected, or a core network of another telecommunication network, in particular a home network, in particular a home public land mobile network), it is advantageously possible to avoid such mentioned conflict situations altogether, or at least to limit such conflict situations in time relatively easily and efficiently. In particular, this allows a more flexible application of URSPs and user equipment routing policy information in various telecommunication networks, in particular including standalone non-public networks, and / or in particular when PLMN certificates are used to access standalone non-public networks.

[0013] According to the present invention, i.e. according to all embodiments of the present invention, the user equipment does not request a user equipment routing policy rule or user equipment routing policy information, in particular by specifically referring to a "specific" (in the sense of already generated) user equipment routing policy rule or user equipment routing policy information (in particular, none of the user equipment routing policies are currently referenceable towards the network by an identifier, due to the fact that the user equipment or the application deployed on the user equipment does not actually know any such specific user equipment routing policy rule or user equipment routing policy information to refer to). However, the user equipment rather indicates that a certain change occurs (to the telecommunication network or the respective policy and charging function), i.e. by indicating a "set of parameters that the network will use to generate a fitting URSP" (or simply by requesting an "update of the user equipment routing policy"), which then deploys (in particular generates in advance) a set of user equipment routing policy rules or user equipment routing policy information or user equipment routing policy as required.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the invention, a telecommunications network typically comprises an access network and a core network. However, the invention also relates to situations where a telecommunications network does not, strictly speaking, include both an access network and a core network, but is associated or assigned only to an access network (and in particular comprises a core network), or is associated or assigned only to a core network (and in particular comprises an access network), or is associated or assigned only to both an access network and a core network. According to the invention, the core network in particular provides user equipment with data connectivity to a data network.

[0015] In conventionally known telecommunication networks, user equipment can typically be connected to a data network via a core network. The user equipment typically communicates with the access network (or radio access network) via an interface, typically a radio interface or air interface. This is used to carry both signaling information and data traffic, but there is typically a logical separation (logical channels) of the transport of both types of traffic. Similarly, between the access network (particularly the radio access network, especially the gNB base station entity) and the core network, signaling information and user data are typically separated. To establish a data connection that allows the user equipment to communicate with the data network, a protocol data unit (PDU) session is required. A PDU session is a logical data transport channel that is terminated in the core network that provides connectivity to the data network. The termination point of a given PDU session (e.g., a user plane function according to the 5G standard) is called a PDU session anchor (PSA). During the movement of a certain user equipment (handover procedures are performed between the user equipment and different gNBs or base station entities), the PDU session anchor is usually and typically expected to remain constant. A PDU session may have one or more associated qualities of service for the underlying transported data (e.g., one or more QoS flows within the PDU session).

[0016] In currently known telecommunication networks as well as according to the present invention, user equipment routing policy information or user equipment routing policy rules are used by the telecommunication network to oblige the user equipment to use a set of rules to apply or steer uplink traffic (i.e., how to route data packets). In particular, such user equipment routing policy rules instruct or command the user equipment to steer specific traffic for a given or predefined PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session. In particular, such user equipment routing policy rules or such user equipment routing policy information are set or defined by the core network of the telecommunication network. That is, the telecommunication network (its core network) sets the user equipment routing policy rules or user equipment routing policy information by transmitting corresponding messages to the user equipment as part of the control data flow exchange between the telecommunication network and the user equipment via the air interface between the user equipment and a corresponding access network element, typically a base station entity, e.g., a gNodeB entity. As a result of the user equipment receiving such user equipment routing policy rule (or multiple user equipment routing policy rules) or user equipment routing policy information, the user equipment applies such rule information, i.e. to traffic, particularly application traffic (in the uplink direction towards the telecommunications network), to which the user equipment is routed to the corresponding user equipment routing policy rule or user equipment routing policy information, as dictated or prescribed by the user equipment routing policy rule / information. In currently known telecommunications networks, the user equipment routing policy rules or user equipment routing policy information itself, i.e. in particular its structure, is defined in 3GPP TS 23.503 and is a set of one or more URSP rules. Here, a URSP rule generally consists of three parts:The URSP rule consists of a priority value as a first part, a traffic descriptor as a second part, and one or more routing descriptors as a third part. The priority value of the URSP rule (as the first part of the user equipment routing policy rule) identifies the priority of the URSP rule to be considered among all existing URSP rules (either already present in the user equipment or transmitted as part of the user equipment routing policy information). The traffic descriptor (as the second part of the user equipment routing policy rule) includes either all matching traffic descriptors or at least one of the following components: one or more application identifiers, one or more IP3-tuples (i.e., destination IP address, destination port number, and protocol used over IP) as defined in 3GPP TS 23.503, one or more non-IP descriptors (i.e., destination information for non-IP traffic), one or more DNNs (Data Network Names), one or more connectivity capabilities, one or more domain descriptors, i.e., destination FQDNs (Fully Qualified Domain Names). Each path selection descriptor (as the third part of the user equipment path selection policy rule) consists of a path selection descriptor priority value, includes either a non-seamless non-3GPP offload indication or one PDU session type, and optionally includes one or more of the following: SSC mode (session and service continuity mode), one or more S-NSSAIs (single network slice selection assistance information), one or more DNNs, preferred access type, multi-access preference, time window, and location criteria. In this context, the time window indication and location criteria are part of the path selection descriptor (or the third part of the user equipment path selection policy rule), even though they do not actually describe the traffic path allocation, but rather correspond to the path selection validation criteria. A given or considered path selection descriptor is not considered valid unless all of the provided validation criteria are met, controlling the validity of said elements. The component describing the actual path allocation corresponds to the path selection component.For each newly detected application (i.e., requesting that an uplink data stream be transmitted by the user equipment) for the application of user equipment routing policy rules or user equipment routing policy information (specified in TS 23.503, 6.6.2.3), the user equipment evaluates the available (i.e., stored or received) URSP rules in the order of rule priority to determine whether the application matches the traffic descriptor of any URSP rule. If a URSP rule is determined to be applicable to a given application (clause 6.6.2.1), the user equipment selects a routing descriptor within this URSP rule in the order of routing descriptor priority. If the user equipment determines that there are multiple matches and existing PDU sessions (e.g., the selected routing descriptor only specifies a network slice selection, but there are multiple existing PDU sessions that match the network slice selection with different DNNs), it is up to the user equipment implementation to select and use which one.

[0017] According to the present invention, a user equipment connected to a telecommunication network is considered, the telecommunication network comprising a core network with a policy and charging function. The policy and charging function is configured to transmit user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment. Specifically, according to the present invention, the user equipment is capable of requesting user equipment routing policy information from the telecommunication network (particularly from its core network, more particularly from its policy and charging function), such a request resulting in receiving the user equipment routing policy information by the user equipment (and upon transmission by the telecommunication network or its core network or its policy and charging function). The user equipment request is transmitted to the telecommunication network in particular in case of a change in connection conditions and / or in case of a change in the operating status of the user equipment (in particular detected or determined by the user equipment). In a first step, the user equipment transmits a user equipment routing policy update request message to the telecommunication network, and in a second step, the user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message (typically transmitted by the telecommunication network or its core network or its policy and charging function) is received by the user equipment. In particular, according to the present invention, the changed operating status of the user equipment corresponds to, for example, a user equipment where the user equipment is requested to transmit data (in particular user plane data) and the data is related to or concerns a different application (in particular a soft client application of the user equipment) or the application is executed by the user equipment.

[0018] According to the invention, the user equipment preferably includes access mode configuration information for a given access technology (i.e. in particular for each access technology for which a standalone non-public network may be accessible). The access mode configuration information relates to or indicates a first and at least a second network selection mode that the user equipment may alternatively use. In this respect, in particular the concept of a user equipment being allowed to access also standalone non-public networks is relevant. These standalone non-public networks have the particularity that an additional network identifier is used. Whereas in the case of public land mobile networks the PLMN ID (public land mobile network identifier, i.e. the combination of the Mobile Country Code (MCC) and the Mobile Network Code (MNC)) is assumed to be unique, standalone non-public networks are designed with the assumption that the PLMN IDs they use are not (necessarily) unique (e.g. a PLMN ID of "999 99" is or can be operatively used) but introduce an additional identifier, the Network Identifier (NID). As defined in 3GPP TS 23.501, the combination of PLMN ID and Network Identifier (NID) identifies a standalone non-public network, and a PLMN ID reserved for use by private networks can be used for non-public networks (e.g., based on the ITU-assigned Mobile Country Code (MCC) "999"). However, as an alternative, a PLMN operator may use its PLMN ID for the SNPN along with the NID, but registration in the PLMN and mobility between the PLMN and the SNPN are not supported using SNPN subscriptions, especially since SNPNs typically do not rely on network functionality provided by the PLMN. Thus, if an SNPN-capable user equipment supports the SNPN access mode, the user equipment only selects and registers an SNPN (see Uu as described in section 5.30.2.4) when such user equipment is configured to operate in the SNPN access mode.This results in that such a user equipment (i.e. supporting SNPN) can switch between two operation modes, i.e. a first network selection mode and at least a second network selection mode, which the user equipment can alternatively use, e.g. SNPN access mode and normal (or PLMN) access mode (two or more of such different access modes are possible according to the present invention and are not excluded). Thus, in such a scenario, this network selection mode (i.e. the access mode configuration information, or rather its content) can be switched depending on the type of network the user equipment wants to access. According to the present invention, the user equipment routing policy information preferably includes an access mode related validity element related to the content of the access mode configuration information. Thus, when the user equipment routing policy information is present (i.e. stored) in the user equipment (i.e. the user equipment includes such user equipment routing policy information) or received by the considered user equipment, the user equipment routing policy information is potentially applied or not applied by the user equipment depending on whether the access mode related validity element (of the user equipment routing policy information) corresponds to the access mode configuration information or not, i.e. whether it matches the content of the access mode configuration information or not. Thus, by user equipment routing policy information including access mode-related validity elements (related to the content of the access mode configuration information), and by user equipment applying the user equipment routing policy information depending on the access mode-related validity elements, it is possible to advantageously avoid potential conflict situations between user equipment routing policy information (without such access mode-related validity elements), on the one hand, and the current situation or context of the user equipment, on the other hand. However, the user equipment must first receive the appropriate user equipment routing policy information (e.g., including access mode-related validity elements) before it can properly implement or comply.According to the present invention, it is advantageously possible for a user equipment to actively request the provision of a new or updated user equipment routing policy rule or rules, e.g., user equipment routing policy information.

[0019] According to the invention, advantageously, the user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message corresponds to setting and / or deleting a user equipment routing policy for the user equipment, and when setting such a user equipment routing policy for the user equipment, the corresponding user equipment routing policy information is generated by a user equipment routing policy generation function as part of or accessible by the telecommunications network, in particular by a user equipment routing policy generation function as part of or accessible by said policy and charging function, where in particular the corresponding user equipment routing policy information is generated by the user equipment routing policy generation function in response to changes in connectivity conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment and / or such that the user equipment routing policy information is adapted to the current operating conditions of the user equipment.

[0020] Thereby, advantageously, the method of the present invention can be realized and implemented in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0021] According to the invention it is further advantageously possible and preferably that the user equipment routing policy update request message corresponds to a control plane message, in particular a non-access stratum message. In particular by means of the user equipment routing policy update request message the user equipment informs the telecommunications network, in particular its policy and charging function, that a change in connection conditions and / or operating conditions has occurred. In particular the user equipment routing policy update request message comprises: - a reason or at least one reason for a user equipment routing policy update request message; A parameter or at least one parameter for the user equipment routing policy update request message, in particular a filtering parameter that constrains the scope of the requested corresponding user equipment routing policy information; - a change in the telecommunications network to which the user equipment is connected; - a change in access mode configuration information of a user equipment, the access mode configuration information relating to a configuration or operation mode of the user equipment that is authorized to access either a set of predetermined first telecommunication networks or a set of predetermined second telecommunication networks; - includes instructions or information relating to at least one change in the use or functionality of a software client application executed by the user equipment, particularly in response to an application-triggered user equipment routing policy update request message.

[0022] Thereby, advantageously, the method of the present invention can be realized and implemented in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0023] According to the invention, it is further advantageously possible and preferred to carry out, in a third step after the first step and before the second step, the following: The telecommunications network, and in particular its policy and charging functions, require the user equipment to provide currently used user equipment routing policy information. The user equipment provides currently used user equipment routing policy information.

[0024] With the telecommunications network, in particular its policy and charging function, requesting the user equipment to provide currently used user equipment routing policy information and the user equipment providing the currently used user equipment routing policy information, according to the present invention, advantageously the telecommunications network, in particular its policy and charging function, can provide the user equipment routing policy information (corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message) efficiently, in particular tailored to the specific situation of the user equipment, in particular with regard to those parts of the user equipment routing policy information (or such set of rules) which the user equipment is missing.

[0025] Further, according to the invention, advantageously, in the case of an application-triggered user equipment routing policy update request message, the application-triggered user equipment routing policy update request message comprises at least one application-related parameter, in particular at least one application identifier information, and can and preferably comprises in a fourth step after the first step and before the third step: The telecommunications network, in particular its policy and charging function, requests the application server entity to provide at least one further application-related parameter. The application server entity provides at least one further application-related parameter. In particular, in a fifth step after the third step and before the second step, the telecommunications network, in particular its policy and charging function, generates user equipment routing policy information corresponding to a user equipment routing policy update request message triggered by the application.

[0026] Thereby, advantageously, it is possible to realize and implement the method of the present invention in a relatively simple and efficient manner, even in the case of application-triggered user equipment routing policy update request messages.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is advantageously possible and preferred that the user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message includes a corresponding access mode related validity element, where in particular the corresponding user equipment routing policy information includes the corresponding access mode related validity element in addition to the priority value, the traffic descriptor and the at least one routing descriptor, and / or in particular the corresponding user equipment routing policy information includes the corresponding access mode related validity element as part of the at least one routing descriptor.

[0028] Thereby, advantageously, the method of the present invention can be realized and implemented in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message includes at least one user equipment routing policy rule, and the corresponding access mode related validity elements are part of the user equipment routing policy rule, in particular as part of at least one routing descriptor and / or further as a priority value, a traffic descriptor, and part of the at least one routing descriptor.

[0030] Thereby, advantageously, the method of the present invention can be realized and implemented in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a user equipment for requesting and / or receiving user equipment routing policy information when operating in connection to a telecommunications network, the user equipment being configured to receive the user equipment routing policy information from a policy and charging function of the telecommunications network. To request and / or receive user equipment routing policy information in case of changes in connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment detected or determined by the user equipment, the user equipment is configured The user equipment sends a user equipment routing policy update request message to the telecommunications network. - User equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message is received by the user equipment.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system or telecommunications network for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating the system or telecommunications network with connected user equipment, the telecommunications network comprising a core network with a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment. For receiving requests for user equipment routing policy information and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment change and are detected or determined by the user equipment, the system or telecommunications network is configured The telecommunications network, in particular the Policy and Charging Function, receives a User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message from the user equipment. The user equipment routing policy information corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message is sent by the telecommunications network, in particular the policy and charging function.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a program comprising a computer readable medium comprising computer readable program code and / or instructions which, when executed on a computer and / or user equipment and / or a network node of a telecommunications network, or partly on a user equipment and / or partly on a network node of a telecommunications network, causes the computer and / or user equipment and / or the network node of the telecommunications network to carry out the method of the present invention.

[0034] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The description is given for the purposes of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference drawings quoted below refer to the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network comprising an access network, a core network and a user equipment, the telecommunications network comprising a core network comprising a policy and charging function, the policy and charging function being adapted to transmit user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of sending user equipment routing policy information to a user equipment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a user equipment requesting transmission of user equipment routing policy information by a user equipment routing policy update request message to a telecommunications network; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates generally another embodiment of a user equipment requesting transmission of user equipment routing policy information by a user equipment routing policy update request message to a telecommunications network; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a structure of user equipment routing policy information according to the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a structure of user equipment routing policy information according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are purely schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[0037] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g. "a", "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated.

[0038] Moreover, the terms first, second, third, etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order, and the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, with it being understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0039] In Fig. 1, a telecommunication network 100 is shown in schematic form comprising an access network 110 and a core network 120. The telecommunication network 100, in particular the core network 120, comprises a policy and charging function 130, which is configured to transmit user equipment routing policy information to a user equipment 20. The access network 110 comprises a number of radio cells 11, 12. In the exemplary situation or scenario shown in Fig. 1, a first base station entity 111 generates or is associated with or spans a first radio cell 11 and a second base station entity 112 generates or is associated with or spans a second radio cell 12. The user equipment 20 comprises user equipment routing policy information 400. The user equipment 20 is typically, but not necessarily, mobile, i.e. movable with respect to the (typically, but not necessarily static) radio cells 11, 12 or corresponding base station entities 111, 112 of the access network 110. In the exemplarily depicted diagram of Fig. 1, the core network 120 comprises or is connected to a data network 131. The core network 120 provides data connectivity to the data network 131 for the user equipment 20. Furthermore, an application server 150 is accessible via at least the telecommunications network 100, and in particular is part of the telecommunications network 100 or its core network 120.

[0040] In accordance with the present invention, user equipment 20 preferably includes access mode configuration information 22 relating to or indicating, for a given access technology, a first network selection mode and at least a second network selection mode that the user equipment can alternatively use. However, such access mode configuration information 22 is not mandatory in user equipment 20. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, user equipment routing policy information 400 preferably includes an access mode related validity element.

[0041] In Fig. 2, the transmission of user equipment routing policy information 400 to user equipment 20 is illustrated diagrammatically by a communication diagram between user equipment 20, access network 110 and core network 120. According to the present invention, user equipment routing policy information 400 (or user equipment routing policy rules 400) is used by telecommunications network 100 to obligate user equipment 20 to use a set of rules for applying or steering uplink traffic (i.e., how to route data packets routed towards core network 120 and / or data network 131). In particular, such user equipment routing policy information or rules 400 instruct or command user equipment 20 to steer specific traffic for a given or predefined PDU (protocol data unit) session. In particular, such user equipment routing policy rules or information 400 are set or defined by the core network 120 of the telecommunications network 100, i.e. the telecommunications network 100 (or its core network 120) sets the user equipment routing policy rules or information 400 by sending (during or using) a corresponding message to the user equipment 20, in particular as part of a control data flow exchange between the telecommunications network 100 and the user equipment 20 over the air interface between the user equipment 20 and a corresponding access network element, typically a base station entity 111, 112, such as a gNodeB entity for example. As a result of the user equipment 20 receiving the user equipment routing policy rule(s) 400 or user equipment routing policy information 400, the user equipment 20 applies such rule information (during the second processing step 202), i.e. the traffic.In particular, application traffic (in the uplink direction towards the telecommunications network 100) that matches a corresponding user equipment routing policy rule or information 400 is routed by the user equipment 20 (at or during the third processing step 203) as dictated or prescribed by the user equipment routing policy rule or information 400. However, as already mentioned, when connection conditions and / or operating circumstances of the user equipment 20 change, a previously provided set of network instruction rules regarding how to route data packets or how to steer certain traffic for a given PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session may be inappropriate, inappropriate and / or at least not suitable for the respective circumstances of the user equipment 20.

[0042] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is proposed to provide a method, a user equipment, a system and / or a telecommunication network, such that the user equipment 20 can be triggered to request this user equipment routing policy information or to be provided with such (updated and / or appropriate and / or more suitable) user equipment routing policy information. Thus, the present invention relates to requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information when operating a user equipment 20 connected to a telecommunication network 100. Typically, the telecommunication network 100 comprises a core network 120 and a policy and charging function 130, which is configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information to the user equipment 20, as shown in Fig. 2. However, according to the present invention, in order for the user equipment 20 to request (and / or transmit to the telecommunications network 100) such user equipment routing policy information (in particular detected or determined by the user equipment 20 in case of changes in the connection conditions and / or operating status of the user equipment 20), it is proposed in a first step (of the method of the present invention) for the user equipment 20 to transmit a user equipment routing policy update request message 450 to the telecommunications network 100, and in a second step (of the method of the present invention) the user equipment routing policy information 401, i.e. corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message 450, is received by the user equipment 20 (because such user equipment routing policy information 401 (i.e. corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message 450) has been transmitted by the telecommunications network 100, in particular by the policy and charging function 130 of its core network 120).

[0043] According to the invention, particularly preferably (but not necessarily), the user equipment routing policy information 401 (i.e., corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message 450) itself, i.e. in particular its structure, is defined in a different way from its currently known definition in the current version of 3GPP TS 23.503 and, according to the invention, comprises an access mode related validity element 441. Figures 5 and 6 show, in accordance with the invention, different embodiments of the structure of the user equipment routing policy information 400, 401, the exemplary representations of Figures 5 and 6 show the user equipment routing policy information 400 as comprising a number of user equipment routing policy rules 460, 470, 480, 490, the structure of only one of these rules (i.e., the user equipment routing policy rule 460) being shown in a schematic manner. However, it will be understood that the other user equipment routing policy rules 470, 480, 490 may be structured similarly. According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the access mode related validity element 441 of the user equipment routing policy rule 460 is part of the user equipment routing policy rule 460 together with the priority value 461, the traffic descriptor 462, and at least one routing descriptor (list) 463. That is, the user equipment routing policy rule 460 includes the specific access mode related validity element 441 in addition to the priority value 461, the traffic descriptor 462, and at least one routing descriptor (list) 463. The routing descriptor (list) 463 further includes a routing component 464 and a routing validation criterion 465. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, the access mode related validity element 441 of the user equipment routing policy rule 460 is part of at least one routing descriptor (list) 463. That is, the user equipment routing policy rules 460 include specific access mode-related validity elements 441 as part of at least one routing descriptor (list) 463, and in addition to or as part of the routing validation criteria 465, and the routing components 464 and routing validation criteria 465.In accordance with the present invention, user equipment routing policy information 400, 401 may include either one user equipment routing policy rule 460 or multiple user equipment routing policy rules 460, 470, 480, 490. In either case, in accordance with the present invention, access mode-related validity element 441 (if applicable) is preferably part of one (i.e., only one) user equipment routing policy rule 460 (user equipment routing policy information 400, 401), or, if multiple user equipment routing policy rules 460, 470, 480, 490 are present (in user equipment routing policy information 400, 401), access mode-related validity element 441 (if applicable) is part of one of these multiple user equipment routing policy rules 460, 470, 480, 490. Alternatively, access mode related validity element 441 (if applicable) is part of one or more of these multiple user equipment routing policy rules 460, 470, 480, 490. In both cases where a user equipment routing policy rule is present as part of user equipment routing policy element 400, 401, or where one or more user equipment routing policy rules are present as part of user equipment routing policy element 400, 401, access mode related validity element 441 (if present) is specifically part of at least one routing descriptor (list) 463 and / or is further part of the priority value 461, traffic descriptor 462, and at least one routing descriptor (list) 463 of that user equipment routing policy rule or rules 460, 470, 480, 490. In addition to the access mode related validity element 441 (if applicable), the structure of the user equipment routing policy information 400, 401 preferably corresponds to the definition as in the current version of 3GPP® TS 23.503, i.e. it is a set of or corresponds to one or more URSP rule groups 460, 470, 480, 490, with the or each URSP rule group 460, 470, 480, 490 generally comprising three parts: a priority value, a traffic descriptor, and one or more routing descriptors.

[0044] With regard to the user equipment 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to the present invention it is preferred (but not essential) that a standalone non-public network (SNPN) is accessible, for example according to a 5G radio access technology. The user equipment 20 comprises access mode configuration information 22 relating to (or indicating) either a first network selection mode or a second network selection mode that the user equipment can alternatively use, for a given access technology for which a standalone non-public network is possible. In addition to the first and second network selection modes, further network selection modes are preferably (but not necessarily) possible, for example a third network selection mode resulting from a combination of available networks in the first and second network selection modes. Typically, the user equipment 20 comprises a universal integrated circuit card or USIM (containing a user or subscriber certificate) and (if applicable) access mode configuration information 22, the contents of which define or indicate whether the user equipment 20, for the considered time and network selection, is in either SNPN mode (thus exclusively or preferably accessing a standalone non-public network) or rather PLMN mode (normal mode) (thus exclusively or preferably accessing a public land mobile network). In particular, according to the invention, the user equipment routing policy information 400, 401 comprises an access mode related validity element 441 which is related to the contents of the access mode configuration information 22 and which either matches the access mode configuration information 22 or not.

[0045] According to the invention, the user equipment 20 requests user equipment routing policy information by means of a first step, the user equipment 20 sending (to the telecommunication network 100) a user equipment routing policy update request message 450 and, in a second step, the user equipment routing policy information 401 (corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message 450) being received by the user equipment 20. According to all embodiments of the invention, the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 preferably corresponds to a control plane message, in particular a non-access stratum message. Similarly, according to all embodiments of the invention, it is further preferred that according to the invention the user equipment informs the telecommunication network (in particular its policy and charging functions) by means of the routing policy update request message 450 that a change in connection conditions and / or operating circumstances has occurred.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user equipment 20 preferably sends the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 as a generic update request (i.e., no specific parameters or parameters for a specific reason in particular). This means that the user equipment 20 requests the network (or the policy and charging function 130) to re-evaluate the user equipment routing policy (i.e., the user equipment routing policy rules or user equipment routing policy information) assigned to the user equipment 20. Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the user equipment 20 sends this user equipment routing policy update request message 450 as a parameterized update request (equivalent to a request including filtering parameters that constrain / specify the scope of the requested URSP update). Thus, according to the present invention, the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 can be: the reason or at least one reason for the user equipment routing policy update request message 450, a parameter or at least one parameter for the user equipment routing policy update request message 450, in particular a filtering parameter that constrains the scope of the requested corresponding user equipment routing policy information 401; - a change in the telecommunications network to which the user equipment 100 is connected, - a change in access mode configuration information of the user equipment 20, the access mode configuration information relating to a configuration or operation mode of the user equipment 20 that is authorized to access either a predetermined set of first telecommunication networks or a predetermined set of second telecommunication networks; changes in the use or functionality of software client applications executed by user equipment 20, particularly in response to an application-triggered user equipment routing policy update request message 450 (which thus corresponds to an application-triggered URSP update request); Preferably, the electronic device includes instructions or information relating to at least one of the following:

[0047] In conventionally known telecommunication networks, there is no known way for the (home) network to trigger the user equipment to inform the network that a network change has occurred, so as to trigger the setting of (modified or updated) user equipment routing policies. Therefore, it cannot be implied that all network-related changes that the UE performs are signaled to the network. Changes such as, for example, operation mode changes (SNPN mode switch on / off) may not be signaled and may not result in an update of the URSP rules. As a result, the user equipment may need to deploy different URSPs to function properly depending on its network location (i.e., application traffic is routed via an appropriate path). There is no way for the UE to query the network for a URSP based on a selection criterion. Furthermore, in conventionally known telecommunication networks, the user equipment routing policies are not reusable objects. Although such user equipment routing policies may be generated (by the respective core network (element)) and sent to the user equipment, they are not reusable since they are not identifiable (cannot be identified). Furthermore, in conventionally known telecommunication networks, currently only the H-PCF (ie, the Policy and Charging Function of the home network) sets user equipment routing policies when the user equipment is in a roaming situation.

[0048] In contrast, according to the present invention, whenever network connectivity occurs (e.g., operator change while roaming), the user equipment 20 can notify the home network (e.g., home public land mobile network) (telecommunication network 100) and trigger the home network to set up URSP rules tailored to the current connectivity (e.g., some operators may have contracts to use special slices, while on other operators the traffic can be routed normally). This allows for a more flexible interaction between the core network 120 (of the telecommunication network 100) and the user equipment 20, and thus the user equipment can even actively query and evolve routing policies, for example, when so required by the internal logic and / or one or more applications of the user equipment 20 (i.e., a software client application of the user equipment 20 or a software client application executed by the user equipment 20). Thus, according to the present invention, user equipment triggered / assisted URSP deployment is provided by a user equipment notification trigger (i.e., user equipment routing policy update request message 450) containing trigger information that is processed by the core network 120, in particular its URSP generation function, which then sets / deletes the user equipment routing policy as required. Thus, from an implementation point of view, the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 corresponds to a NAS level message that notifies, in particular, the PCF 130 (typically of the home network) that one or more URSPs should be updated, and optionally includes one or more reasons and / or other parameters that the PCF should take into account when deploying the URSP, such reasons and / or other parameters being, for example, that the user equipment 20 is attached to a different network and / or that the operation mode of the user equipment 20 has changed, for example, that the user equipment 20 has switched between PLMN and SNPN mode, and / or that subscription data has changed.Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is preferred that the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 is not necessarily addressed or sent to the core network or policy and charging function of the home network of the user equipment 20. In a roaming situation of the user equipment 20 (i.e. while the user equipment 20 is connected to the home network via a visited network), the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 may also be addressed and / or sent to the core network or policy and charging function of the visited network, and / or (at least) the requested corresponding user equipment routing policy information 401 may be received (at least in part) not only from the core network 120 or policy and charging function 130 of the home network 100, but also from the visited core network or policy and charging function. Thus, changes triggered by the visited network (or V-PLMN) may trigger a notification towards the home policy and charging function (H-PCF) and vice versa.

[0049] In Fig. 3 an alternative embodiment of the user equipment 20 requesting transmission of user equipment routing policy information 401 to the telecommunications network by a user equipment routing policy update request message 450 is depicted by a communication diagram between the user equipment 20 and the policy and charging function 130 of the telecommunications network 100. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, in a fifth processing step 205 the user equipment 20 requests a user equipment routing policy update (by a user equipment routing policy update request message 450 sent to the policy and charging function 130), which includes information relating in particular to reason and / or parameter information. In a sixth processing step 206 the user equipment 20 receives a request (from the policy and charging function 130, and the policy and charging function sends this request) to list the current user equipment routing policy rules (i.e. the rules currently applied by the user equipment 20). In a seventh processing step 207, the user equipment 20 sends to the policy and charging function 130 the requested user equipment routing policy rules (or, more generally, user equipment routing policy information) requested by the policy and charging function 130 (i.e., the policy and charging function receives these user equipment routing policy rules / information). In an eighth processing step 208, the user equipment 20 receives (from the policy and charging function 130) (the policy and charging function sends this user equipment routing policy information 401) (i.e., corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 sent in the fifth processing step 205).

[0050] In Fig. 4, a further alternative embodiment of the user equipment 20 is represented by a communication diagram between the user equipment 20, the policy and charging function 130 and the application server 150 of the telecommunications network 100, which further requests the sending of user equipment routing policy information 401 to the telecommunications network, in particular related to an application triggered user equipment routing policy update request or an application based user equipment routing policy setting, by a user equipment routing policy update request message 450. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, in a tenth processing step 210, the user equipment 20 requests a user equipment routing policy update (by a user equipment routing policy update request message 450 sent to the policy and charging function 130), which includes information related to the respective application (in terms of which application based user equipment routing policy setting should be performed), in particular an application identifier (application ID corresponds for example to a value of "X") and / or further parameter information. Thus, the user equipment routing policy update request message 450 (or URSP update request) includes, among other things, application specific parameters (e.g., application certificate, application identifier, access token, etc.), and the policy and charging function 130 generates a URSP (user equipment routing policy) that matches the specific parameters in the URSP update request (see fifteenth processing step 215 below). In an eleventh processing step 211, the policy and charging function 130 queries the respective application parameters from the respective application servers 150, and in a twelfth processing step 212, the application servers 150 send the respective application parameters to the policy and charging function 130.In a thirteenth processing step 213, the policy and charging function queries the user equipment routing policies of the user equipment 20, i.e. the user equipment 20 receives (from the policy and charging function 130) a request (which the policy and charging function sends) to list, among other things, the current user equipment routing policy rules (i.e. the rules currently being applied by the user equipment 20). In a fourteenth processing step 214, the user equipment 20 sends to the policy and charging function 130 the requested user equipment routing policy rules (or, more generally, user equipment routing policy information) requested by the policy and charging function 130 (i.e. the policy and charging function receives these user equipment routing policy rules / information). In a fifteenth processing step 215, the policy and charging function 130 (or a user equipment routing policy generation function that is part of or accessible by the policy and charging function 130) generates a respective user equipment routing policy rule set that includes, among other things, application parameters and, if applicable, existing user equipment routing policies supporting the respective application (e.g., having an application identifier, application ID, corresponding to the value of "X"). These application parameters (sent by the user equipment 20 in the tenth processing step 210) can be used by the URSP generator (or, particularly in 5G, a user equipment routing policy generation function that is part of or accessible by the policy and charging function 130) to retrieve, for example, quality of service parameters and / or information about the corresponding DNN (data network name) and / or information about the corresponding network slice used for the given application (e.g., from an SLA agreement (service level agreement) between the application provider and the network operator).In this regard, the parameters may be common to the application and / or the application may include user-specific parameters (application subscriptions are independent of device subscriptions, for example) that result in different DNN / network slices based on the application subscription. Application-based subscriptions may be unknown to the network operator, i.e., rather under the control of the application owner or application provider. In a sixteenth processing step 216, the user equipment 20 receives (from the policy and charging function 130) (the policy and charging function sends this user equipment routing policy information 401), which corresponds to the (application-based) user equipment routing policy update request message 450 sent in the tenth processing step 210, i.e.

Claims

1. A method for requesting and / or transmitting user equipment routing policy information (400) when operating a user equipment (20) connected to a telecommunications network (100), the telecommunications network (100) comprising a core network (120) including a policy and charging function (130), the policy and charging function (130) being configured to transmit the user equipment (20) to the user equipment (20), to request and / or transmit user equipment routing policy information (400) when connectivity conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment (20) change and are detected or determined by the user equipment (20); - a first step in which said user equipment (20) sends a user equipment routing policy update request message (450) to said telecommunications network (100); a second step in which user equipment routing policy information (401) corresponding to said user equipment routing policy update request message (450) is received by said user equipment (20); The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

2. the user equipment routing policy information (401) corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message (450) corresponds to setting and / or deleting a user equipment routing policy for the user equipment, and in the case of setting such a user equipment routing policy for the user equipment (20), the corresponding user equipment routing policy information (401) is generated by a user equipment routing policy generation function as part of or accessible by the telecommunications network (100), in particular as part of or accessible by the policy and charging function (130) of the telecommunications network (100); in particular, the corresponding user equipment routing policy information (401) is generated by the user equipment routing policy generation function in response to changes in connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment (20) and / or such that the user equipment routing policy information (401) is adapted to the current operating conditions of the user equipment (20); 2. The method of claim 1 .

3. said User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message (450) corresponds to a control plane message, in particular a non-access stratum message; By said User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message (450), said User Equipment (20) informs said telecommunications network (100), in particular said Policy and Charging Function (130) of said telecommunications network (100), that a change in connection conditions and / or operating status has occurred; In particular, the User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message (450) includes: the reason or at least one reason for said User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message (450), - the parameter or at least one parameter of said user equipment routing policy update request message (450), in particular a filtering parameter that constrains the scope of the requested corresponding user equipment routing policy information (401); - changing the telecommunications network to which the user equipment (20) is connected, - changing access mode configuration information of said user equipment (20), where the access mode configuration information relating to a configuration or an operation mode of said user equipment (20) being allowed to access either a set of predetermined first telecommunication networks or a set of predetermined second telecommunication networks; - including instructions or information regarding at least one of the following: - changes performed by said user equipment (20) or of said user equipment regarding the use or functionality of a software client application, in particular changes corresponding to a user equipment routing policy update request message (450) triggered by the application; 2. The method of claim 1 .

4. A third step after the first step and before the second step, - the telecommunications network (100), in particular the Policy and Charging Function (130) of the telecommunications network (100), requests the user equipment (20) to provide currently used user equipment routing policy information (400); - said user equipment (20) provides currently used user equipment routing policy information (400); 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

5. In the case of an application triggered user equipment routing policy update request message (450), said application triggered user equipment routing policy update request message (450) includes parameters associated with at least one application, in particular at least application identifier information, and a fourth step after said first step and before said third step comprises: - the telecommunications network (100), in particular the Policy and Charging Function (130) of the telecommunications network (100), requests an Application Server entity (150) to provide parameters associated with at least one application, said application server entity providing parameters associated with at least one application; In particular, in a fifth step after the third step and before the second step, the telecommunications network (100), in particular the Policy and Charging Function (130) of the telecommunications network, generates the user equipment routing policy information (401) corresponding to a user equipment routing policy update request message (450) triggered by the application.

5. The method of claim 4.

6. The user equipment routing policy information (401) corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message (450) includes a corresponding access mode related validity element (441); In particular, the corresponding user equipment routing policy information (401) includes a priority value, a traffic descriptor, and at least one routing descriptor, as well as a corresponding access mode related validity element (441); and / or In particular, said corresponding user equipment routing policy information (401) includes, as part of at least one routing descriptor, said corresponding access mode related validity element (441); 2. The method of claim 1 .

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the user equipment routing policy information (401) corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message (450) comprises at least one user equipment routing policy rule, and the corresponding access mode related validity elements (441) are part of the user equipment routing policy rule, in particular as part of at least one routing descriptor and / or further as a priority value, a traffic descriptor, and at least one routing descriptor.

8. A user equipment (20) for requesting and / or receiving user equipment routing policy information (400) when operating in connection with a telecommunications network (100), said user equipment (20) being configured to receive the user equipment routing policy information (400) from a policy and charging function (130) of said telecommunications network (100); The user equipment (20) requests and / or receives user equipment routing policy information (400) upon changes in connection conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment (20) and upon detection or determination by the user equipment (20), - said user equipment (20) sending a user equipment routing policy update request message (450) to said telecommunications network (100); - User Equipment Routing Policy Information (401) corresponding to said User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message (450) is received by said User Equipment (20); A user equipment configured to:

9. A system or telecommunications network (100) that requests and / or transmits user equipment routing policy information (400) when operating the system or telecommunications network (100) using a connected user equipment (20), the telecommunications network (100) comprising a core network (120) including a policy and charging function (130), the policy and charging function (130) being configured to transmit the user equipment routing policy information (400) to the user equipment (20); The system or telecommunications network (100) is configured to receive and / or transmit requests for user equipment routing policy information (400) when connectivity conditions and / or operating conditions of the user equipment (20) change and are detected or determined by the user equipment (20), said telecommunications network (100), in particular said Policy and Charging Function (130), receiving from said User Equipment (20) a User Equipment Routing Policy Update Request message (450); - A system or a telecommunications network, characterized in that the user equipment routing policy information (401) corresponding to the user equipment routing policy update request message (450) is transmitted by the telecommunications network (100), in particular by the policy and charging function (130).

10. 8. A program comprising computer readable program code which, when executed on a computer and / or on a User Equipment (20) and / or on a network node of a telecommunications network (100), in particular on a Policy and Charging Function (130), or partly on the User Equipment (20) and / or partly on a network node of the telecommunications network (100), in particular on the Policy and Charging Function (130), causes the computer and / or the User Equipment (20) and / or the network node of the telecommunications network (100) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer and / or on a User Equipment (20) and / or on a network node of a telecommunications network (100), in particular on a Policy and Charging Function (130), or partly on the User Equipment (20) and / or partly on a network node of the telecommunications network (100), in particular on the Policy and Charging Function (130), cause the computer and / or the User Equipment (20) and / or the network node of the telecommunications network (100) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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