PROSE Discovery Wireless Device Identifier Update

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed in which a core network node (15) is provided, the core network node (15) including a processing circuit (98) configured to receive, via control plane signaling, an indication associated with a wireless device (22) indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device (22), update or refrain from updating the ProSe discovery identifier based at least on the received indication, and, if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated, transmit an updated ProSe discovery identifier.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to ProSe direct discovery control. [Background technology]

[0002] ProSe in 4G systems As described in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) standards such as 3GPP® Technical Specification (TS) 23.303 V15.1.0, clause 4.4.1, a ProSe (i.e., Proximity Services) Function is a logical function used by the network for actions required for ProSe. The ProSe Function plays different roles for each feature of ProSe. It can be assumed that there is only one logical ProSe Function in each Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) that supports proximity services.

[0003] If multiple ProSe functions are deployed within the same PLMN (e.g., for loading reasons), the method of finding the ProSe function that assigned a particular ProSe application code or ProSe restriction code (e.g., through a database lookup, etc.) is not defined in this version of 3GPP® TS 23.303. Figure 1 is a diagram of the ProSe function interfaces to other network elements and PLMNs in 3GPP® TS 23.303 Version (V) 15.1.0 with a wireless device (e.g., user equipment (UE)). Figure 2 is a diagram of the ProSe function interfaces to other network elements and PLMNs in 3GPP® TS 23.303 V15.10.

[0004] The ProSe function includes three sub-functions that perform different roles depending on the characteristics of ProSe.

[0005] -Direct Provisioning Function (DPF) is used to provision wireless devices with parameters required to use ProSe direct discovery and Prose direct communication. It is used to provision wireless devices with PLMN-specific parameters that enable the wireless device to use ProSe in this PLMN. In case of direct communication used for public safety, the DPF is also used to provision wireless devices with parameters required when the wireless device is not served by E-UTRAN. In case of restricted ProSe direct discovery, the DPF also generates and maintains the ProSe discovery user equipment (UE) identifier (ID) (PDUID).

[0006] -The Direct Discovery Name Management function is used to assign and handle the mapping between ProSe Application IDs and ProSe Application Codes used in open Prose direct discovery. ProSe related subscriber data stored in the HSS is used for the authorization of each discovery request. It also provides the wireless device with the necessary security material to protect discovery messages sent over the air. In restricted ProSe direct discovery, it also interacts with the application server via the PC2 reference point for the authorization of discovery requests.

[0007] The EPC level discovery ProSe function has reference points to the application server (PC2), other ProSe functions (PC6), the HSS (PC4a) and the wireless device (PC3). The functions include: - storing ProSe related subscriber data and / or retrieving ProSe related subscriber data from the HSS; -Authorization and configuration of wireless devices for EPC-level ProSe discovery and EPC-assisted WLAN direct discovery and communication via PC3; -Storage of a list of applications that are allowed to use EPC-level ProSe discovery and EPC-assisted WLAN direct discovery and communication; - Acts as a Location Service Client (SLP Agent) to enable EPC-level ProSe discovery; - Providing information to wireless devices to assist in direct WLAN discovery and communication; -Handling EPC ProSe user IDs and application layer user IDs; -Signaling exchange with third-party application servers via the PC2 reference point for application registration and identifier mapping; - Exchanging signaling with ProSe functions of other PLMNs over the PC6 reference point to send proximity requests, proximity alerts and location reports; -Optional support for the ability to request wireless device location via HSS.

[0008] The ProSe functionality, in the case of ProSe Limited Discovery Model A, may support "on-demand" announcements requested by wireless devices based on operator policy.

[0009] The ProSe function provides charging and security functions necessary for ProSe usage (both ProSe via EPC, ProSe direct discovery, ProSe direct communication, and WLAN direct discovery and communication).

[0010] In the case of a packet data network (PDN) connection in a home routed configuration (e.g., a PDN gateway (GW) is located in a home public land mobile network (HPLMN)), the ProSe function of the HPLMN can be reached if such functionality is supported by the HPLMN. In the case of a local breakout (e.g., a PDN GW is located in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN)), a ProSe proxy function can be deployed by the VPLMN to support the wireless device to communicate to the home ProSe function when inter-PLMN signaling is required. Whether the PDN connection is provided by local breakout or home routed is determined by the HSS configuration described in 3GPP TS 23.401. The wireless device does not know this and therefore does not know which access point name (APN) can be used to communicate with the ProSe function unless specific APN information is configured in the wireless device indicating that the APN provides a signaling connection between the wireless device and the home ProSe function.

[0011] ProSe Direct UE ID (PDUID): A temporary identifier assigned to a wireless device by the ProSe function of the HPLMN for restricted direct discovery services. It includes a PLMN ID and a temporary identifier that uniquely identifies the wireless device within the HPLMN.

[0012] Restricted ProSe Application User ID (RPAUID): An identifier associated with the application layer user ID of the ProSe application server in order to hide / protect the application level user identifier from the 3GPP layer. It unambiguously identifies the wireless device within a particular application. The format of this identifier is outside the scope of 3GPP.

[0013] ProSe Application Server: The ProSe Application Server supports the following capabilities: -Storage of EPC ProSe user ID: ProSe feature ID, ProSe discovery UE ID, metadata; - Mapping application layer user IDs to EPC ProSe user IDs; - Mapping between RPAUID and PDUID for restricted ProSe direct discovery; -Maintaining restricted ProSe direct discovery authorization information using RPAUID; - ProSe restricted code suffix pool allocation if restricted direct discovery using application controlled extensions is used; - Assignment of a mask for the ProSe restriction code suffix if restricted direct discovery using application controlled extensions is used.

[0014] Use of PUDID The ProSe-enabled wireless device obtains the PDUID from the ProSe function. The wireless device provides its PDUID to the ProSe application server and obtains its RPAUID from the server. When the ProSe-enabled wireless device wants to perform restricted ProSe discovery, it sends an announce request or a monitor request to its ProSe function to obtain a corresponding restricted discovery code (details are described in 3GPP specifications such as, for example, section 5.3 of 3GPP TS23.303 v15.1.0). In the request, it includes the UE ID (i.e., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) of the wireless device and the restricted ProSe application user ID (RPAUID). If the ProSe function needs an authorization result from the application server, it sends an authorization request with the RPAUID to the ProSe application server. If the authorization is OK, the ProSe application server responds to the ProSe function with the PDUID of the wireless device. The ProSe function checks whether the PDUID is the one mapped to the UE ID (i.e., IMSI).

[0015] PDU ID Provisioning in 5G Systems If the wireless device supports ProSe direct discovery but does not have a valid ProSe policy / parameters, the wireless device includes a UE policy container containing a ProSe policy provisioning request during the wireless device registration procedure as described in section 6.2.2 of the 3GPP specification 3GPP TS 23.304 v0.1.0.

[0016] The ProSe policy provisioning parameters include, for example, a PDUID maintained by a Policy Control Function (PCF), as described in 3GPP specification 3GPP TS 23.304 v0.1.0, section 5.1.2.1.

[0017] If the PCF maintains the PDUID, it can continue to update the PDUID according to a timer and provision a new PDUID to the wireless device. However, the wireless device may not always want to perform limited ProSe direct discovery. Therefore, if the PCF continues to update the PDUID but the wireless device does not use it, resources will be wasted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatus for ProSe direct discovery control, providing some example options that help at least partially solve problems associated with existing systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] for example: Option 1: The PCF keeps updating the PDUID by default. If the wireless device does not want to perform any more restricted ProSe direct discovery, it can inform the core network of this via signaling or messaging (such as a NAS message), and the PCF stops maintaining the PDUID of the wireless device, e.g., based at least on and / or in response to the signaling or messaging.

[0020] - Option 2: The PCF does not update the PDU ID by default (e.g., refrains from updating). If the current PDU ID has expired when the wireless device desires, decides, or triggers to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery, the wireless device sends a request (e.g., signaling and / or messaging) to the core network, and the PCF generates a new PDU ID for the wireless device, e.g., based at least on and / or in response to the request.

[0021] One or more embodiments described herein advantageously enable a PCF to maintain a PDU ID in an efficient manner. In particular, if a wireless device is not required to perform restricted ProSe Direct Discovery, even if the wireless device is permitted to perform restricted ProSe Direct Discovery, the PCF does not need to update the PDU ID of the wireless device. One or more embodiments described herein may reuse existing messages (e.g., one or more messages) / signaling in a standard, as described herein, to provide new features with limited impact on the existing standard.

[0022] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a core network node configured to communicate with a wireless device is provided, the core network node including a processing circuit configured to: receive, via control plane signaling, an indication associated with the wireless device indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device, update or refrain from updating the ProSe discovery identifier based at least on the received indication, and, if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated, transmit the updated ProSe discovery identifier.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable the limited discovery. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer, and the processing circuitry is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on the ProSe discovery identifier being invalidated. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication indicates a change in ProSe capability of the wireless device, and the refraining from updating the ProSe discovery identifier is based on the change in ProSe capability of the wireless device. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is included in the NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided that is performed by a core network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, comprising: receiving, via control plane signaling, an indication associated with the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; and, if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated, transmitting an updated ProSe discovery identifier.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable the limited discovery. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer, and the processing circuitry is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the ProSe discovery identifier is updated based on the ProSe discovery identifier being invalidated. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication indicates a change in ProSe capability of the wireless device, and the refraining from updating the ProSe discovery identifier is based on the change in ProSe capability of the wireless device. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is included in the NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node is provided, the wireless device including a processing circuit configured to determine whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device, and based on the determination, send, via control plane signaling, an indication associated with the wireless device indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier, and receive the updated ProSe discovery identifier if the indication indicates to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable the limited discovery. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer, and the processing circuitry is configured to receive another updated ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, determining whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device includes determining that a current ProSe discovery identifier is invalid. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication indicates a change in ProSe capability of the wireless device and indicates not to update the ProSe discovery identifier. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is included in the NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided that is performed by a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node. A determination is performed of whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device. Based on the determination, an indication associated with the wireless device is sent via control plane signaling, where the indication indicates whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier. If the indication indicates to update the ProSe discovery identifier, an updated ProSe discovery identifier is received.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable the limited discovery. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer, and based on expiration of the timer, another updated ProSe discovery identifier is received.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, determining whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device includes determining that a current ProSe discovery identifier is invalid. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication indicates a change in ProSe capability of the wireless device and indicates not to update the ProSe discovery identifier. According to one or more embodiments of the aspect, the indication is included in the NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

[0034] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, together with their attendant advantages and features, will be readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1]A diagram showing the ProSe function interfaces to each sub-function of the UE. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates the ProSe functional interface to other network elements and PLMNs. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network architecture illustrating a communication system connected to a host computer through an intermediate network in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating with a wireless device via a network node over at least a partial wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method performed in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for executing a client application on the wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method performed in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data at the wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method performed in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data at a host computer from a wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example method performed for receiving user data at a host computer in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart of another example process in a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]4 is a flowchart of an example process in a core network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart of another example process in a core network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] As described above, if the PCF maintains the PDUID, the PCF may continue to update the PDUID according to a timer and provision a new PDUID to the wireless device. However, the wireless device may not necessarily want to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery, such as not using the updated PDUID, and resources will be wasted, especially if the PCF continues to update the PDUID and the wireless device does not continue to use the updated PDUID. It may be useful and consume less resources for the PCF to stop updating the PDUID when the wireless device is no longer interested in performing restricted ProSe direct discovery.

[0037] Before describing the exemplary embodiment in detail, it should be noted that the embodiment is mainly a combination of device components and processing steps related to ProSe direct discovery control. Therefore, the components are described by conventional symbols in the drawings to show only the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure and in detail to the extent that it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the present disclosure.

[0038] As used herein, relational terms such as "first," "second," "upper," and "lower" are used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without implying or requiring a physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "including," "comprising," and / or "having" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] In the embodiments described herein, terms such as "communicate with" may be used to indicate electrical or data communication that may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signals, infrared signals, or optical signals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple components can interoperate and modifications and variations are possible to accomplish electrical and data communication.

[0040] In some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected" are used to indicate a connection, which is not necessarily direct, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0041] The term "network node" as used herein may be any type of network node included in a wireless network, which may include a base station (BS), a radio base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), a gNodeB (gNB), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a NodeB, a multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as an MSR BS, a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a donor node controlling a relay, a radio access point (AP), a transmission point, a transmitting node, a remote radio unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH), a core network node (mobile management entity (MME), a self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordination node, a positioning node, an MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., a third party node, a node outside the current network), a node of a distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. A network node may also include test equipment. As used herein, the term "wireless node" may also be used to denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a wireless network node.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. A WD in this specification may be any type of wireless device that can communicate with a network node or another WD via wireless signals, such as a wireless device (WD). A WD may include a wireless communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) WD, a machine-type WD, or a WD capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, a low-cost and / or low-complexity WD, a sensor-equipped WD, a tablet, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a narrowband IoT (NB-IOT) device, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, a core network node may correspond to and / or include one or more logical nodes in the core network, such as an AMF logical node (referred to as AMF), a PCF logical node (referred to as PCF), etc. Communication between logical nodes may occur over one or more interfaces.

[0044] Also, in some embodiments, the general term "radio network node" is used, which may be any type of radio network node, which may include a base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller (RNC), evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, remote radio unit (RRU), or remote radio head (RRH).

[0045] In general, an indication may explicitly and / or implicitly indicate the information it represents. An implicit indication may be based, for example, on the location and / or resources used for transmission. An explicit indication may be based, for example, on parameterization with one or more parameters, and / or on one or more indexes, and / or on one or more bit patterns representing a particular type of information and / or message.

[0046] A transmission on the downlink may refer to a transmission from a network or a network node to a wireless device. A transmission on the uplink may refer to a transmission from a wireless device to a network or a network node. A transmission on the sidelink may refer to a (direct) transmission from one wireless device to another wireless device. Uplink, downlink, and sidelink (e.g., sidelink transmission and reception) may be considered as communication directions. In some variants, uplink and downlink may be used to describe wireless backhaul and / or relay communication, and / or wireless communication between network nodes, e.g., (wireless) network communication between base stations or similar network nodes, especially communication terminating at such. Backhaul communication and / or relay communication and / or network communication may be considered to be implemented as sidelink communication or uplink communication, or similar forms thereof.

[0047] It should be noted that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as 3GPP® LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure to only the aforementioned systems. Other wireless systems, including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA®), WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), can also benefit from utilizing the ideas covered in this disclosure.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that functionality described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed across multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes, in other words, the functionality of the network nodes and wireless devices described herein is not limited to being performed by a single physical device, but may in fact be distributed among several physical devices.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Furthermore, terms used herein should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0050] Some embodiments provide ProSe direct discovery control. Referring again to the drawings, where like elements are referenced by like reference numerals, FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a communication system 10, such as a 3GPP type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), including an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14, according to one embodiment. The access network 12 has a number of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points (collectively referred to as network nodes 16), each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively referred to as coverage area 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 via a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in the coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, a corresponding network node 16c. A second WD 22b in the coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to a corresponding network node 16b. Although multiple WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single WD is in a coverage area or where a single WD is connected to a corresponding wireless network node 16. For convenience, only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown, but it should be noted that a communication system may include many more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0051] Additionally, the WD 22 may be configured to simultaneously and / or separately communicate with multiple network nodes 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, the WD 22 may have dual connectivity with a network node 16 supporting LTE and the same or a different network node 16 supporting NR. As an example, the WD 22 may communicate with an eNB of LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB of NR / NG-RAN.

[0052] The communication system 10 itself may be connected to a host computer 24, which may be embodied by hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources of a server farm. The host computer 24 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The connection 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the host computer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the host computer 24, or may be via an optional intermediate network 30. The intermediate network 30 may be either a public, private, or hosted network, or a combination of one or more thereof. The intermediate network 30 may be a backbone or the Internet. In some embodiments, the intermediate network 30 may include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0053] The communication system of Fig. 3 as a whole enables a connection between one of the connected WDs 22a, 22b and the host computer 24. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22a, 22b are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection using the access network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate networks 30, and possible further infrastructure (not shown) that are intermediaries. The OTT connection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of the routing of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the network node 16 is not informed or does not need to be informed about the past routing of incoming downlink communications with data originating from the host computer 24 being forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 does not need to be aware of the future routing of outgoing uplink communications from the UE 22a towards the host computer 24.

[0054] The core network node 15 includes a control unit 32 configured to perform one or more core network node 15 functions described herein, such as ProSe direct discovery control, etc. The wireless device 22 includes an indication unit 34 configured to perform one or more wireless device 22 functions described herein, such as ProSe direct discovery control.

[0055] An example implementation of the WD 22, the network node 16, and the host computer 24 described in the previous paragraph according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the communication system 10, the host computer 24 comprises hardware (HW) 38 including a communication interface 40 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 10. The host computer 24 further comprises a processing circuit 42 that may have storage and / or processing capabilities. The processing circuit 42 may include a processor 44 and a memory 46. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor such as a central processing unit and memory, the processing circuit 42 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, for example one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and / or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processing circuitry 44 is configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 46, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache, and / or buffer memory, and / or RAM (random access memory), and / or ROM (read only memory), and / or optical memory, and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0056] The processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by the host computer 24. The processor 44 corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing the functions of the host computer 24 described herein. The host computer 24 includes a memory 46 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48 and / or host application 50 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 44 and / or the processing circuitry 42, cause the processor 44 and / or the processing circuitry 42 to perform the processes described herein in connection with the host computer 24. The instructions may be software associated with the host computer 24.

[0057] The software 48 may include instructions executable by the processing circuitry 42. The software 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 may be operable to provide services to a remote user, such as the WD 22, connecting with the WD 22 via an OTT connection 52 terminated at the host computer 24. In providing services to the remote user, the host application 50 may provide user data to be transmitted using the OTT connection 52. "User data" may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment, the host computer 24 is configured to provide control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, and transmit and receive communications with the network nodes 16 and / or wireless devices 22. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may include an information unit 54 configured to enable the service provider to perform one or more host computer functions 24, such as storing, analyzing, determining, updating, relaying, forwarding, transmitting, receiving information related to ProSe direct discovery control.

[0058] The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 provided in the communication system 10 and comprising hardware 58 enabling communication with the host computer 24 and the UE 22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for setting up and maintaining wired or wireless connections with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 10, and a radio interface 62 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with the WD 22 in the coverage area 18 served by the radio network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the host computer 24. The connection 66 may be direct or may pass through the core network 14 of the communication system 10 and / or one or more intermediate networks 30 outside the communication system 10.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor and memory such as a central processing unit, the processing circuitry 68 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and / or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processing circuitry 70 is configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 72, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0060] As such, the network node 16 further comprises software 74, e.g., stored within the memory 72 or stored in an external memory (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may include instructions executable by the processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, e.g., by the network node 16. The processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 for performing the functions of the network node 16 described herein. The memory 72 is configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 70 and / or the processing circuitry 68, cause the processor 70 and / or the processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein in connection with the network node 16.

[0061] The communication system 10 further includes the previously mentioned WD 22. The WD 22 includes hardware 80, which may include a wireless interface 82 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 that serves the coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The wireless interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0062] The hardware 80 of the WD 22 further includes a processing circuit 84. The processing circuit 84 may include a processor 86 and a memory 88. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor and memory such as a central processing unit, the processing circuit 84 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and / or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processing circuit 86 is configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 88, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0063] As such, the WD 22 may further include software 90, for example stored in the memory 88 of the WD 22 or in an external memory accessible by the WD 22 (e.g., a database, a storage array, a network storage device). The software 90 may include instructions executable by the processing circuitry 84. The software 90 may include a client application 92. The client application 92 may be operable to provide services to a human or non-human user via the WD 22 with the support of the host computer 24. A host application 50 running on the host computer 24 may communicate with the running client application 92 via the WD 22 and an OTT connection 52 that terminates at the host computer 24. In providing services to the user, the client application 92 may receive request data from the host application 50 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transport both the request data and the user data. The client application 92 may interact with the user to generate user data to provide.

[0064] The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by the WD 22. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing the functions of the WD 22 described herein. The WD 22 includes a memory 88 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and / or the client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and / or the processing circuitry 84, cause the processor 86 and / or the processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein in connection with the WD 22. For example, the processing circuitry 84 of the wireless device 22 may include an indication unit 34 configured to perform one or more functions of the wireless device 22 described herein, such as ProSe direct discovery control.

[0065] The communication system 10 further includes a core network node 15 comprising hardware 94 provided in the communication system 10 to enable communication with the network node 16, the WD 22 (via the network node 16) and other entities of the system 10 and the core network 14. The hardware 94 may include a communication interface 96 for establishing and maintaining connections with the network node 16 and / or interfaces of different entities in the core network 14. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to a host computer 24.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 94 of the core network node 15 further includes processing circuitry 98. The processing circuitry 98 may include a processor 100 and a memory 102. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor such as a central processing unit and memory, the processing circuitry 98 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and / or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processing circuitry 100 is configured to access (e.g. write to and / or read from) the memory 102, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0067] As such, the core network node 15 further comprises software 104, for example initially stored within the memory 102 or stored in an external memory (e.g. database, storage array, network storage device) accessible by the core network node 15 via an external connection. The software 104 may include instructions executable by the processing circuitry 98. The processing circuitry 98 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by the core network node 15. The processor 100 corresponds to one or more processors 100 for performing the functions of the core network node 15 described herein. The memory 102 is configured to store data, program software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 104 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 100 and / or the processing circuitry 98, cause the processor 100 and / or the processing circuitry 98 to perform the processes described herein in connection with the core network node 15. For example, the processing circuitry 98 of the core network node 15 may include a control unit 32 configured to perform one or more of the core network node 15 functions described herein, such as ProSe direct discovery control.

[0068] In some embodiments, the internal operation of the core network node 15, the network node 16, the WD 22, and the host computer 24 may be as shown in FIG. 4, and independently, the surrounding network topology may be as shown in FIG.

[0069] 4, the OTT connection 52 is depicted abstractly to show communication between the host computer 24 and the wireless device 22 via the network nodes 16 and / or the core network nodes 15, without explicitly mentioning intermediate devices and the exact routing of messages through those devices. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, which may be configured to be hidden from the WD 22 or the service provider operating the host computer 24, or both. While the OTT connection 52 is active, the network infrastructure may further decide to dynamically change the routing (e.g., based on network load balancing considerations or reconfiguration).

[0070] The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 follows the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more various embodiments improve the performance of the OTT services provided to the WD 22 using the OTT connection 52 of which the wireless connection 64 forms the final segment. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve data rates, latency, and / or power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as reduced user latency, relaxed file size limitations, improved responsiveness, extended battery life, etc.

[0071] In some embodiments, measurement procedures may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, delays, and other factors for which one or more embodiments may be improved. Additionally, there may be optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 between the host computer 24 and the WD 22 in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedures and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implemented in the software 48 of the host computer 24 or the software 90 of the WD 22, or both. In an embodiment, sensors (not shown) are located in or associated with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 52 passes, and the sensors may participate in the measurement procedures by providing values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or by providing values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 48, 90 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 52 may include changes in message formats, retransmission settings, priority routing, etc., and the reconfiguration does not impact the network node 16 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the network node 16. Such procedures and functionality may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may include proprietary WD signaling to facilitate host computer 24 measurements of throughput, propagation times, delays, etc. In some embodiments, the measurements may be implemented by having the software 48, 90 use the OTT connection 52 to send messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, while monitoring propagation times, errors, etc.

[0072] Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 configured to provide user data and a communications interface 40 configured to forward the user data to the cellular network for transmission to the WD 22. In some embodiments, the cellular network also includes a network node 16 having a wireless interface 62. In some embodiments, the network node 16 and / or the processing circuitry 68 of the network node 16 are configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein to prepare / initiate / maintain / support / terminate transmissions to the UE 22 and / or prepare / terminate / maintain / support / terminate reception of transmissions from the UE 22.

[0073] In some embodiments, host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 and a communications interface 40 configured to receive user data resulting from a transmission from WD 22 to network node 16. In some embodiments, UE 22 includes a wireless interface 82 and / or processing circuitry 84 configured and / or adapted to perform the functions and / or methods described herein to prepare / initiate / maintain / support / terminate a transmission to network node 16 and / or prepare / terminate / maintain / support / terminate reception of a transmission from network node 16.

[0074] 3 and 4 depict various "units," such as the control unit 32 and the indication unit 34, as being within respective processors, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that some of the units are stored in corresponding memories within the processing circuitry, or in other words, the units may be implemented in hardware within the processing circuitry or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as the communication systems of FIGS. 3 and 4, according to one embodiment. The communication system may include the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to FIG. 4. In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). In an optional sub-step of the first step, the host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application, such as the host application 50 (block S102). In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (block S104). In an optional third step, the network node 16 transmits the user data carried in the host computer 24 initiated transmission to the WD 22 (block S106), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional fourth step, the WD 22 executes a client application, such as the client application 92, associated with the host application 50 executed by the host computer 24 (block S108).

[0076] 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as that of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment. The communication system may include the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application, such as the host application 50. In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (block S112). In accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may pass through the network node 16. In an optional third step, the WD 22 receives the user data carried in the transmission (block S114).

[0077] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as the communication system of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment. The communication system may include the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In an optional first step of the method, the WD 22 receives input data provided by the host computer 24 (block S116). In an optional sub-step of the first step, the WD 22 executes a client application 92 that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer 24 (block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, the WD 22 provides the user data (block S120). In an optional sub-step of the second step, the WD provides the user data by executing a client application, such as the client application 92 (block S122). In providing the user data, the executed client application 92 may further take into account user input received from a user. Regardless of the particular manner in which the user data was provided, the WD 22 initiates transmission of the user data to the host computer 24 in an optional third sub-step (block S124). In a fourth step of the method, the host computer 24 receives the user data transmitted from the WD 22 in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S126).

[0078] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as that of Figure 3, according to one embodiment. The communication system may include the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In an optional first step of the method, the network node 16 receives user data from the WD 22 (block S128), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional second step, the network node 16 initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, the host computer 24 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the network node 16 (block S132).

[0079] 9 is a flowchart of an example process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be executed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as one or more processing circuits 84 (including the indication unit 34), the processor 86, the wireless interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured to determine whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device (block S134) as described herein. The wireless device 22 is configured to cause transmission of an indication associated with the wireless device 22 based on the determination as described herein (block S136), the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier. The wireless device 22 is configured to receive an updated ProSe discovery identifier (block S138) if the indication indicates to update the ProSe discovery identifier as described herein.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a restricted discovery type indication configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier. According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a registration request configured to update the policy-controlled restricted discovery capabilities of the wireless device 22 to disable restricted discovery.

[0081] 10 is a flowchart of another exemplary process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments 22 of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be executed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as one or more processing circuits 84 (including the indication unit 34), the processor 86, the wireless interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured to determine whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device 22 (block S140), as described herein. The wireless device 22 is configured to transmit an indication associated with the wireless device 22 based on the determination, as described herein (block S142), the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier. The wireless device 22 is configured to receive an updated ProSe discovery identifier (block S144), as described herein, if the indication indicates to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a restricted discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated. According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a registration request requesting to update a restricted discovery capability associated with the wireless device 22 to disable restricted discovery. According to one or more embodiments, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer, and the processing circuitry 84 is configured to receive another updated ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

[0083] According to one or more embodiments, determining whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device 22 includes determining that the current ProSe discovery identifier is invalid. According to one or more embodiments, the indication indicates a change in the ProSe capability of the wireless device 22 and indicates not to update the ProSe discovery identifier. According to one or more embodiments, the indication is included in the NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

[0084] 11 is a flowchart of an example process in the core network node 15 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be executed by one or more elements of the core network node 15, such as one or more processing circuits 98 (including the control unit 32), the processor 100, and / or the communication interface 96. The core network node 15 is configured to receive an indication associated with the wireless device 22 (block S146), the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device 22 as described herein. The core network node 15 is configured to one of update the ProSe discovery identifier and fail to update (block S148) based on at least the received indication as described herein. The core network node 15 is configured to cause transmission of the ProSe discovery identifier if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated (block S150) as described herein.

[0085] According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a restricted discovery type indication configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier. According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a registration request configured to update the policy-controlled restricted discovery capabilities of the wireless device 22 to disable restricted discovery.

[0086] 12 is a flowchart of another example process in a core network node according to some embodiments 15 of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be executed by one or more elements of the core network node 15, such as one or more processing circuits 98 (including the control unit 32), the processor 100, and / or the communication interface 96. The core network node 15 is configured to receive an indication associated with the wireless device 22 via control plane signaling (block S152), the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device 22 as described herein. The core network node 15 is configured to one of updating and refraining from updating the ProSe discovery identifier based on at least the received indication as described herein (block S154). The core network node 15 is configured to transmit the updated ProSe discovery identifier if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated as described herein (block S156).

[0087] According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a restricted discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated. According to one or more embodiments, the indication is a registration request requesting to update the restricted discovery capability associated with the wireless device 22 to disable the restricted discovery. According to one or more embodiments, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer, and the processing circuitry 98 is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

[0088] According to one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry 98 is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on the ProSe discovery identifier being invalidated. According to one or more embodiments, the indication indicates a change in ProSe capabilities of the wireless device 22, and the refraining from updating the ProSe discovery identifier is based on the change in ProSe capabilities of the wireless device 22. According to one or more embodiments, the indication is included in the NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

[0089] Having generally described the structures for ProSe direct discovery control, details of these structures, functions and processes are provided below, which may be implemented by the core network node 15, the wireless device 22 and / or the host computer 24.

[0090] Some embodiments provide ProSe direct discovery control. The functions of one or more core network nodes 15 described below may be performed by one or more of the processing circuitry 98, the processor 100, the control unit, the communication interface 96, etc. In one or more embodiments, the core network node 15 may provide one or more logical nodes and / or functions, such as a PCF, an AMF, etc., that communicate with each other via one or more interfaces. Thus, references herein to a PCF and an AMF are understood to be the core network node 15 or part of the core network node 15.

[0091] One or more functions of the wireless device 22 described below may be performed by one or more of the processing circuitry 84, the processor 86, the indication unit 34, the wireless interface 82, and the like.

[0092] PCF keeps updating the PDUID by default (Option 1) In one or more embodiments, a new indication information is transmitted by the wireless device 22 to indicate whether the wireless device 22 wants to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery. In one example, the indication or indication information is a restricted discovery indication. This indication may be included in the registration request of the wireless device 22 in the following manner (but is not limited to this): -Indications may be expressed through new 5GS Mobility Management (5GMM) features (such as limited discovery capabilities). The indication may be provided in a policy container of the wireless device 22. For example, o New values ​​of Policy Part Type (defined in 3GPP® standards such as Annex D6.2 of 3GPP® TS 24.501) for wireless device 22 may be defined for PDUID provisioning or restricted ProSe discovery: or o New optional information elements (IEs), such as PDUID or limited discovery indication, may be provided in the payload container entry (defined in 3GPP standards such as clause 9.11.3.39 of 3GPP TS 24.501). Alternatively, the indication may be included in a new field in the registration message.

[0093] If the wireless device 22 desires or decides to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery, it may require the PCF to maintain its PDUID so the PCF may send a wireless device registration request to the network with a restricted discovery indication, otherwise the indication may not be included or may be disabled.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the precondition may be that the wireless device 22 is allowed to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery if it has a PDUID provided by the PCF. The PDUID may be associated with a timer, and when or before the timer expires, the PCF may automatically generate a new PDUID for that wireless device 22 and provide the new PDUID to the wireless device 22.

[0095] The Policy Control Function (PCF) provisions a new Policy Control Request Trigger (PCRT) to instruct the Application Management Function (AMF) to notify the PCF when the wireless device 22 sends an indication using limited discovery capabilities. In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 22 can include the indication in the wireless device policy container, in which case a new PCRT may not be needed.

[0096] If the wireless device 22 no longer wishes to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery and wishes to stop updating the PDUID with the PCF, the following process may occur.

[0097] 1. The wireless device 22 may send a wireless device registration request to the AMF. In the request, the wireless device 22 indicates that the request is used to update its capabilities or protocol parameters. The wireless device 22 disables the limited discovery indication or does not provide an indication in the request.

[0098] 2. When the AMF receives the registration request, the AMF invokes the PCF's Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update service based on a new PCRT "Request to change limited discovery capabilities notification" from the PCF to the AMF or based on receipt of the wireless device's policy container. The AMF provides the wireless device 22 with a SUPI (e.g., subscription secret identifier) ​​and the information the wireless device 22 will change is its limited discovery capabilities or wireless device policy container.

[0099] 3. When the PCF receives an Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update service call (e.g., messaging or signaling) from the AMF, the PCF knows that the wireless device 22 no longer wants to perform restricted discovery, and then the PCF stops maintaining the PDUID of the wireless device 22.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, if the wireless device 22 desires or decides to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery again and the wireless device 22 needs to obtain a new PDUID from the PCF, the following process may occur.

[0101] 1. The wireless device 22 sends a wireless device registration request to the AMF. In the request, the wireless device 22 indicates that the request is used to update its capabilities or protocol parameters. The wireless device 22 enables limited discovery indication or provides an indication in the request.

[0102] 2. When the AMF receives the registration request, the AMF invokes / initiates the PCF's Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update service based on a new PCRT "Request for change of limited discovery capability notification" from the PCF to the AMF or based on receipt of the wireless device's policy container. The AMF provides the wireless device 22 with a SUPI and information that the wireless device 22 is changing its limited discovery capability or wireless device policy container.

[0103] 3. When the PCF receives the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update service call from the AMF, the PCF recognizes or determines that the wireless device 22 wants to perform restricted discovery again, and then the PCF starts maintaining the PDUID of the wireless device 22. The PCF keeps updating the PDUID when a timer expires.

[0104] PCF does not update PDUID by default In this option, the PCF does not update the PDUID by default (e.g., refrains from updating), and if the wireless device 22 wants to perform restricted ProSe direct discovery, the wireless device 22 needs to obtain a new PDUID from the PCF, and the following process may occur:

[0105] 1. The wireless device 22 sends a wireless device registration request to the AMF. In the request, the wireless device 22 indicates that the request is used to update its capabilities or protocol parameters. The wireless device 22 provides a wireless device policy container that includes a list of PSIs (e.g., policy section identifiers defined in 3GPP® standards such as 3GPP® TS 23.503, section 6.1.2.2.2) for the PDUIDs in the message. In one or more embodiments, the PCF may be required to assign distinct PSIs to the PDUIDs.

[0106] Alternatively, the wireless device 22 may provide a limited discovery indication in the wireless device policy container, as in option 1.

[0107] 2. When the AMF receives the registration request, it finds the PSI or wireless device policy container and knows that the wireless device 22 wants to update some parameters from the PCF. Then, the AMF calls the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update service of the PCF. The AMF provides the SUPI of the wireless device 22 and the PSI or wireless device policy container.

[0108] 3. When the PCF receives the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update service call from the AMF, the PCF gets the indication in the PSI or wireless device policy container of the PDUID, and then the PCF generates the PDUID and associated timers and provides them to the wireless device 22.

[0109] example Example A1. A core network node 15 configured to communicate with a wireless device 22 (WD22), the core network node 15 comprising: receiving an indication associated with the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; and one of updating the ProSe discovery identifier and failing to update based at least on the received indication. If the ProSe discovery identifier is updated, sending an updated ProSe discovery identifier; A core network node 15 configured to perform and / or including a radio interface and / or processing circuit 98 configured to perform.

[0110] Example A2. The core network node 15 of example A1, wherein the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated.

[0111] Example A3. The core network node 15 of example A1, wherein the indication is a registration request configured to update a policy-controlled limited discovery capability of the wireless device 22 to disable limited discovery.

[0112] Example B1. A method performed in a core network node 15, comprising: receiving an indication associated with the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; and one of updating the ProSe discovery identifier and failing to update based at least on the received indication. causing transmission of a ProSe discovery identifier if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated; and The method includes:

[0113] Example B2. The method of example B1, wherein the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated.

[0114] Example B3. The method of example B1, wherein the indication is a registration request configured to update a policy-controlled limited discovery capability of the wireless device 22 to disable limited discovery.

[0115] Example C1. A wireless device 22 (WD22) configured to communicate with a network node 16, comprising: determining whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; causing transmission of an indication associated with the wireless device 22, the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier, based on the determination; If the indication indicates updating the ProSe discovery identifier, receiving an updated ProSe discovery identifier; The WD 22 is configured to perform and / or includes a wireless interface 82 and / or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform.

[0116] Example C2. The WD22 of example C1, wherein the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated.

[0117] Example C3 The WD22 of example C1, wherein the indication is a registration request configured to update a policy-controlled limited discovery capability of the wireless device 22 to disable limited discovery.

[0118] Example D1. A method performed on a wireless device 22 (WD22), comprising: determining whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; causing transmission of an indication associated with the wireless device 22, the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier, based on the determination; If the indication indicates updating the ProSe discovery identifier, receiving an updated ProSe discovery identifier; The method includes:

[0119] Example D2. The method of example D1, wherein the indication is a discovery type indication configured to cause the ProSe discovery identifier to be updated.

[0120] Example D3. The method of example D1, wherein the indication is a registration request configured to update a policy-controlled limited discovery capability of the wireless device 22 to disable limited discovery.

[0121] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, a computer program product, and / or a computer storage medium containing an executable computer program. Thus, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, generally referred to herein as a "circuit" or "module." Any process, step, action, and / or function described herein may be performed by and / or associated with a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied therein, which may be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable storage medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0122] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (thereby creating a special purpose computer), a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that execution of the instructions via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus creates means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0123] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable memory or readable medium and direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, and the instructions stored in the computer readable memory create an article of manufacture that includes instruction means that implement the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0124] Furthermore, the computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus and executed by the computer in a series of operational steps that are executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus, and the instructions executed by the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / operations identified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0125] It should be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate a primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to that of the depicted arrow. Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein can be written in an object-oriented programming language such as Java or C++. However, computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language. The program code can run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a separate software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), or can be connected (e.g., via the Internet through the use of an Internet Service Provider).

[0126] In connection with the above description and drawings, many different embodiments are disclosed herein. It is understood that literally describing and illustrating every combination and subcombination of these embodiments would be overly repetitive and confusing. Thus, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, is to be construed as constituting a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments and methods and processes described herein that may be made and used to support claims to such combinations or subcombinations.

[0127] The abbreviations used in the above description include the following: AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions CN Core Network DNN Data Network Name GPSI General Public Subscriber Identifier NEF network publishing function PCF Policy Control Function PDU Protocol Data Unit S-NSSAI Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information SSC Session and Service Continuity SUPI Subscription Parameter Identifier UDM Unified Data Management UDR Unified Data Repository

[0128] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to those particularly shown and described hereinabove. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted above, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A core network node, processing circuitry; The processing circuitry includes: receiving, via control plane signaling, an indication associated with a wireless device from the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; based at least on the received indication, one of updating or not updating the ProSe discovery identifier; if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated, sending the updated ProSe discovery identifier to the wireless device; A core network node configured to:

2. A core network node according to claim 1, The indication is a discovery type indication indicating to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

3. A core network node according to claim 1, The indication is a registration request to a core network node requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable limited discovery.

4. A core network node according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer; The processing circuitry is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

5. A core network node according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The processing circuitry is configured to update the ProSe discovery identifier based on the ProSe discovery identifier being revoked.

6. A core network node according to claim 1, The indication is included in a NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

7. A method performed in a core network node, comprising: receiving, via control plane signaling, an indication associated with a wireless device from the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; based at least on the received indication, one of updating or not updating the ProSe discovery identifier; if the ProSe discovery identifier is updated, sending the updated ProSe discovery identifier to the wireless device; The method includes:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, The method, wherein the indication is a discovery type indication indicating to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

9. 8. The method of claim 7, The method, wherein the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable limited discovery.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer; The method includes updating the ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: updating the ProSe discovery identifier based on the ProSe discovery identifier being revoked.

12. 8. The method of claim 7, The method of claim 1, wherein the indication is included in a NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

13. 1. A wireless device, comprising: processing circuitry; The processing circuitry includes: determining whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; sending an indication associated with the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier, to a core network node via control plane signaling based on the determination; if the indication indicates to update the ProSe discovery identifier, receiving an updated ProSe discovery identifier from the core network node; 2. A wireless device configured to:

14. 14. The wireless device of claim 13, The indication is a discovery type indication indicating to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

15. 14. The wireless device of claim 13, The wireless device, wherein the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable limited discovery.

16. A wireless device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer; The processing circuitry is configured to receive another updated ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

17. A wireless device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, The wireless device, wherein determining whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device includes determining that a current ProSe discovery identifier is invalid.

18. 14. The wireless device of claim 13, The indication indicates a change in ProSe capability of the wireless device and indicates not to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

19. 14. The wireless device of claim 13, The indication is included in a NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

20. 1. A method implemented in a wireless device, comprising: determining whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device; sending an indication associated with the wireless device, the indication indicating whether to update the ProSe discovery identifier, to a core network node via control plane signaling based on the determination; if the indication indicates to update the ProSe discovery identifier, receiving an updated ProSe discovery identifier from the core network node; The method includes:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, The method, wherein the indication is a discovery type indication indicating to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, The method, wherein the indication is a registration request requesting to update a limited discovery capability associated with the wireless device to disable limited discovery.

23. 23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, comprising: the ProSe discovery identifier is associated with a timer; The method further includes receiving another updated ProSe discovery identifier based on expiration of the timer.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, comprising: The method, wherein determining whether to update a ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device includes determining that a current ProSe discovery identifier is invalid.

25. 21. The method of claim 20, The method of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates a change in ProSe capability of the wireless device and indicates not to update the ProSe discovery identifier.

26. 21. The method of claim 20, The method of claim 1, wherein the indication is included in a NAS message indicating not to update the ProSe discovery identifier associated with the wireless device.

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