NSACF Methods and NSACF

Abstract

The present disclosure solves the problem of service continuity associated with inter-system changes (e.g., EPS and 5GS inter-system changes) by reducing the number of interactions with the NSACF during inter-system changes. A method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device includes sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC). The method includes, if the first message includes the information, storing a second message for sending to the NSACF for the NSAC.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a Session Management Function (SMF) related device method, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device method, an SMF related device, and an AMF device. [Background technology]

[0002] The features of network slicing were defined in the 3GPP Release 15 and Release 16 specifications. GSMA 5GJA introduced the concept of Generic network slice template (GST) in 3GPP 5GJA ... [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TR 21.905: "Vocabulary for 3GPP Specifications". V17.0.0 (2020-07) [Non-Patent Document 2] 3GPP TS 23.501: "System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)". V17.0.0 (2021-03) [Non-Patent Document 3] 3GPP TS 23.502: "Procedures for the 5G System (5GS)". V17.0.0 (2021-03) [Non-Patent Document 4] 3GPP TS 23.700-40: "Study on enhancement of network slicing". V17.0.0 (2021-03) [Non-Patent Document 5] Generic Network Slice Template, https: / / www.gsma.com / newsroom / wp-content / uploads / NG.116-v2.0.pdf [Non-Patent Document 6] eNS_Ph2 exceptions sheet submitted to SAP#92E,ftp: / / ftp.3gpp.org / tsg_sa / TSG_SA / TSGs_92E_Electronic_2021_06 / Docs / SP-210316.zip Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are still open issues regarding RAT interworking and mobility (such as EPS and 5GS interworking and mobility). For example, according to the latest 3GPP design, there is an issue that the Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) is contacted at least twice during a system change between EPS and 5GS. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-associated device includes sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC). The method includes, if the first message includes the information, storing a second message for sending to the NSACF for the NSAC.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device includes sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, and if the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC), sending a second message for the NSACF device to the NSACF device.

[0007] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method in an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC). The method includes, if the first message includes the information, storing a second message for sending to the NSACF for the NSAC.

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method in an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the method including, if the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC), sending a second message for the NSAC to the NSACF device.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device includes communicating with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device. The method includes sending a first message to the AMF device. The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC.

[0010] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method in an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC, the method includes, if the first message includes the first information and the second information, storing a second message for sending to the NSACF for the NSAC.

[0011] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method in an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the method including, if the first message does not include first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC, sending a second message to the NSACF device for the NSAC.

[0012] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device. The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. The method includes sending a second message to the device. The second message includes the first information and the second information.

[0013] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device includes sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device. The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. The method includes, when the device sends the first message to the AMF device, retaining a second message for the NSAC to send to the NSACF.

[0014] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device includes sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the method including, if the first message does not include first information indicating that an SMF associated second device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information related to an interaction between the second device and a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC, sending a second message to the AMF device for the NSAC.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device includes means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC). The device includes means for holding a second message for sending to the NSACF for the NSAC if the first message includes the information.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device includes means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the device including means for sending a second message for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to the NSACF device if the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC.

[0017] In one aspect of the disclosure, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC). The AMF device includes means for holding a second message for sending to the NSACF for the NSAC if the first message includes the information.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, and means for sending a second message for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to the NSACF device if the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC.

[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device includes means for communicating with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device. The device includes means for sending a first message to the AMF device. The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. AMF The apparatus includes means for the NSAC to hold a second message for sending to the NSACF if the first message includes the first information and the second information.

[0021] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device. AMF The apparatus includes means for sending a second message for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device if first information indicating that the apparatus is capable of NSAC and second information indicating that the apparatus has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC are not included in the first message.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device includes means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device. The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. The AMF device includes means for sending a second message to the device. The second message includes the first information and the second information.

[0023] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF)-associated device includes means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device. The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. The device includes means for holding a second message for the NSAC to send to the NSACF when the device sends the first message to the AMF device.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device includes means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the device including means for sending a second message for a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to the AMF device if the first message does not include first information indicating that a SMF associated second device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information related to an interaction between the second device and a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC.

[0025] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of a first device includes communicating with a second device, the method including receiving a first parameter from the second device related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status, the second device transmitting a second parameter to a third device, the second parameter increasing a number of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions based on the first parameter.

[0026] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of a second device includes transmitting a first parameter related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status to a first device, the method including, if the first parameter does not include information indicating that the second device communicates with the third device with respect to a number of communication devices registered in the network slice parameter, increasing the number of the communication devices.

[0027] In one aspect of the disclosure, the method of the first device includes receiving a third parameter from a second device related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status, and transmitting a message to the second device to reduce a number of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions based on the third parameter.

[0028] In one aspect of the disclosure, the method of the first device includes receiving a third parameter from the second device related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status, and transmitting a fourth parameter to the third device, the fourth parameter decreasing a number of communication devices registered for the network slice parameter based on the third parameter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the service continuity use case. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows Efficient Network Slice Admission Control in a handover from EPS to 5GS in aspect 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates Efficient Network Slice Admission Control in a handover from 5GS to EPS in aspect 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an overview of the system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a User Equipment (UE). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an (R)AN node. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a system overview of an (R)AN node 5 based on the O-RAN architecture. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a radio unit (RU). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a distributed unit (DU). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the centralized unit (CU). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the AMF. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the SMF. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the UDM. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the NSACF. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows handover from 5GS to EPS in single registration mode using the N26 interface. [Figure 16]Figure 16 shows the EPS to 5GS handover execution phase using the N26 interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present disclosure and aspects relate to a Session Management Function (SMF) related device method, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device method, an SMF related device, and an AMF device, etc.

[0031] Each aspect and element included in each aspect described below may be implemented independently or in combination with others. These aspects include different novel features. As such, these aspects contribute to achieving different objectives or solving different problems and to obtaining different advantages.

[0032] The 3GPP SA2 working group will continue to address open issues within the Rel-17 standardization effort, as planned in Non-Patent Document 6.

[0033] One of the open issues is how to control the number of UEs registered in a network slice and the number of PDU sessions established on the network slice in the case of EPS and 5GS interworking and mobility. In Non-Patent Document 6, SA2 stated its intention to finalize support for EPC interworking during 3GPP Rel-17 standardization work.

[0034] Figure 1 below shows the difference between UE mobility within 5GS and UE mobility between EPS and 5GS in terms of the number of UE registrations per network slice and the number of PDU sessions in network slices controlled by the NSACF.

[0035] 0. At the start, the UE is in connected mode and has either a PDN connection in EPS or an active PDU session in 5GS.

[0036] 1. Use case A: UE handover within 5GS (e.g., from AMF1A to AMF1B in PLMN1, i.e., 5GS intra-PLMN1 handover). If the UE remains on the same network slice, no interaction with the Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) is required for the number of UEs per network slice or the number of PDU sessions per network slice. In this case, the UE remains registered on the network slice in which it existed before the handover, and the UE keeps the PDU sessions active after the handover, regardless of whether the number of registered UEs or the number of PDU sessions established on the network slice has reached a maximum value. The PDU sessions are not dropped, i.e., the service continuity of 5GS intra-mobility is maintained.

[0037] 2. Use Case B: UE handover from EPS (MME) to 5GS (AMF1A). If Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC), i.e., the number of UEs per network slice control or the number of PDU sessions per network slice control, is supported in EPS (i.e., 4G) as a valid deployment option in an inter-system change from EPS to 5GS (e.g., handover from EPS to 5GS), the SMF+PGW-C interacts with the NSACF to decrease at least one of the number of UEs per network slice and the number of PDU sessions per network slice. When the UE registers with a new AMF, the new AMF interacts with the NSACF to increase at least one of the number of UEs per network slice and the number of PDU sessions per network slice control.

[0038] It is clear that use case B involves too much signaling to the NSACF compared to use case A, which may lead to signaling congestion with network slice admission control, potentially impacting overall system performance in both EPS and 5GS.

[0039] <abbreviation> For the purposes of this document, the abbreviations listed in Non-Patent Document 1 and below apply. If the same abbreviation is defined in Non-Patent Document 1, the abbreviation defined in this document takes precedence over the same abbreviation in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0040] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 4G-GUTI 4G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity 5G 5th Generation 5GC 5G Core Network 5GLAN 5G Local Area Network 5GS 5G System 5G-AN 5G Access Network 5G-AN PDB 5G Access Network Packet Delay Budget 5G-EIR 5G-Equipment Identity Register 5G-GUTI 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier 5G-BRG 5G Broadband Residential Gateway 5G-CRG 5G Cable Residential Gateway 5G GM 5G Grand Master 5G-RG 5G Residential Gateway 5G-S-TMSI 5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier 5G VN 5G Virtual Network 5QI 5G QoS Identifier AF Application Function AMF Access and Mobility Management Function AS Access Stratum ATSSS Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting ATSSS-LL ATSSS Low-Layer AUSF Authentication Server Function AUTN Authentication token BMCA Best Master Clock Algorithm BSF Binding Support Function CAG Closed Access Group CAPIF Common API Framework for 3GPP northbound APIs CHF Charging Function CN PDB Core Network Packet Delay Budget CP Control Plane DAPS Dual Active Protocol Stacks DCN Dedicated Core Network DL Downlink DN Data Network DNAI DN Access Identifier DNN Data Network Name DRX Discontinuous Reception DS-TT Device-side TSN translator ePDG evolved Packet Data Gateway EBI EPS Bearer Identity EPS Evolved Packet System EUI Extended Unique Identifier FAR Forwarding Action Rule FN-BRG Fixed Network Broadband RG FN-CRG Fixed Network Cable RG FN-RG Fixed Network RG FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name GFBR Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Centre GPSI Generic Public Subscription Identifier GSMA Global System for Mobile Communications GUAMI Globally Unique AMF Identifier GUTI Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity HR Home Routed (roaming) IAB Integrated access and backhaul IMEI / TAC IMEI Type Allocation Code IPUPS Inter PLMN UP Security I-SMF Intermediate SMF I-UPF Intermediate UPF LADN Local Area Data Network LBO Local Break Out (roaming) LMF Location Management Function LoA Level of Automation LPP LTE Positioning Protocol LRF Location Retrieval Function LTE Long Term Evolution MCC Mobile country code MCX Mission Critical Service MDBV Maximum Data Burst Volume MFBR Maximum Flow Bit Rate MICO Mobile Initiated Connection Only MITM Man In The Middle MNC Mobile Network Code MPS Multimedia Priority Service MPTCP Multi-Path TCP Protocol N3IWF Non-3GPP Inter Working Function N5CW Non-5G-Capable over WLAN NAI Network Access Identifier NAS Non-Access Stratum NEF Network Exposure Function NF Network Function NGAP Next Generation Application Protocol NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network NID Network identifier NPN Non-Public Network NR New Radio NRF Network Repository Function NSAC Network Slice Admission Control NSACF Network Slice Admission Control Function NSI ID Network Slice Instance Identifier NSSAA Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization NSSAAF Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization Function NSSAI Network Slice Selection Assistance Information NSSF Network Slice Selection Function NSSP Network Slice Selection Policy NSSRG Network Slice Simultaneous Registration Group NW-TT Network-side TSN translator NWDAF Network Data Analytics Function PCF Policy Control Function PDB Packet Delay Budget PDN Packet Data Network PDR Packet Detection Rule PDU Protocol Data Unit PEI Permanent Equipment Identifier PER Packet Error Rate PFD Packet Flow Description PLMN Public Land Mobile Network PNI-NPN Public Network Integrated Non-Public Network PPD Paging Policy Differentiation PPF Paging Proceed Flag PPI Paging Policy Indicator PSA PDU Session Anchor PTP Precision Time Protocol QFI QoS Flow Identifier QoE Quality of Experience RACS Radio Capabilities Signalling optimisation (R)AN (Radio) Access Network RG Residential Gateway RIM Remote Interference Management RQA Reflective QoS Attribute RQI Reflective QoS Indication RSN Redundancy Sequence Number SA NR Standalone New Radio SBA Service Based Architecture SBI Service Based Interface SCP Service Communication Proxy SD Slice Differentiator SEAF Security Anchor Functionality SEPP Security Edge Protection Proxy SMF Session Management Function SMSF Short Message Service Function SN Sequence Number SN name Serving Network Name. SNPN Stand-alone Non-Public Network S-NSSAI Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information SSC Session and Service Continuity SSCMSP Session and Service Continuity Mode Selection Policy SST Slice / Service Type SUCI Subscription Concealed Identifier SUPI Subscription Permanent Identifier SV Software Version TMSI Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity TNAN Trusted Non-3GPP Access Network TNAP Trusted Non-3GPP Access Point TNGF Trusted Non-3GPP Gateway Function TNL Transport Network Layer TNLA Transport Network Layer Association TSC Time Sensitive Communication TSCAI TSC Assistance Information TSN Time Sensitive Networking TSN GM TSN Grand Master TSP Traffic Steering Policy TT TSN Translator TWIF Trusted WLAN Interworking Function UCMF UE radio Capability Management Function UDM Unified Data Management UDR Unified Data Repository UDSF Unstructured Data Storage Function UE User Equipment UL Uplink UL CL Uplink Classifier UPF User Plane Function URLLC Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication URRP-AMF UE Reachability Request Parameter for AMF URSP UE Route Selection Policy VID VLAN Identifier VLAN Virtual Local Area Network VPLMN Visited PLMN V-SMF Visited SMF W-5GAN Wireline 5G Access Network W-5GBAN Wireline BBF Access Network W-5GCAN Wireline 5G Cable Access Network W-AGF Wireline Access Gateway Function

[0041] <Definition> For the purposes of this document, the abbreviations listed in Non-Patent Document 1 and below apply. If the same abbreviation is defined in Non-Patent Document 1, the abbreviation defined in this document takes precedence over the same abbreviation in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0042] <General> Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Additionally, due to the structure of the device, one or more components of the device may be represented in the figures with conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only certain details relevant to understanding aspects of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0043] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will be understood, however, that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is intended. Such changes and further modifications in the illustrated system, and further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art, are to be construed as being within the scope of the disclosure.

[0044] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method comprising a list of steps may include not only those steps, but also other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, a reference to one or more devices, entities, subsystems, elements, structures, or components preceded by "comprises ... a" does not preclude the presence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components, absent further constraints. The appearance of the phrases "in an Aspect", "in another Aspect", and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same aspect.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0046] In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings: The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0047] As used herein, information is associated with data and knowledge, since data is meaningful information and represents values ​​attributed to parameters. Further knowledge refers to understanding of abstract or concrete concepts. It should be noted that this exemplary system is simplified to facilitate explanation of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other devices, systems, and configurations may be used in addition to or instead of the system to implement aspects disclosed herein, and all such aspects are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] The principles of the following aspects are also applicable to the idle mode mobility procedure between 5GS and EPS.

[0049] <Aspect 1: Efficient Network Slice Admission Control in EPS to 5GS Handover> Aspect 1 is a solution to the service continuity problem described in use case B of FIG. 1 where the UE has an active PDN connection during handover from EPS to 5GS.

[0050] This solution enables network slice admission control with minimal interaction with the NSACF, as shown in Figure 2.

[0051] 1. The UE is in connected mode with an active PDN connection via the MME in EPS (i.e. 4G).

[0052] 2. E-UTRAN decides to handover to NG-RAN.

[0053] 3. The E-UTRAN sends a Handover Required message to the MME.

[0054] 4. The MME sends a Forward Relocation Request message to the AMF.

[0055] 5. The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message including the SM Context ID to the SMF+PGW-C.

[0056] 6. The SMF+PGW-C that receives the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message to the AMF.

[0057] The SMF+PGW-C may include in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message an "NSACF status granted" parameter or other representation, for example, an NSAC counting indicator parameter, to indicate that Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC), i.e. quota control, is supported by the EPS, that the EPS has already granted NSAC status for at least one of UE registration count control and PDN connection count, i.e., the EPS (e.g., SMF+PGW-C) has already interacted with the NSACF, and that the NSACF has been authorized. The "NSACF status granted" parameter may also be referred to as information related to the interaction between the SMF+PGW-C and the NSACF for NSAC.

[0058] For example, when the SMF+PGW-C interacts with the NSACF, the SMF+PGW-C includes the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message. For example, the SMF+PGW-C may interact with the NSACF of the NSAC before step 6 or before sending the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message in step 6.

[0059] The "NSACF status granted" parameter can be split into two parts or two separate parameters: one for network slice admission control of the UE registration to the S-NSSAI and another for network slice admission control of the PDN connection or PDU session established with the S-NSSAI. If the SMF+PGW-C manages multiple PDU sessions, the SMF+PGW-C can include multiple "NSACF status granted" parameters for the PDU sessions per S-NSSAI.

[0060] If the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message does not contain the "NSACF status granted" parameter, it means either that the EPS does not support NSAC or that the EPS does not allow NSAC, i.e., at least one of the UE registrations and PDN connections was not registered with the NSACF for at least one of the maximum registered UEs on the network slice control and the maximum number of established PDU sessions on the network slice control.

[0061] 7. The AMF sends a handover request message to the NG-RAN to reserve resources in the NG-RAN, and the NG-RAN responds to the AMF by sending a Handover Request Acknowledge message.

[0062] 8. The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message to the SMF+PGW-C to update the N3 tunnel information.

[0063] 9. Upon receiving the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message, the SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message to the AMF. If the SMF+PGW-C has not yet provided this parameter to the AMF during the EPS to 5GS handover procedure, the SMF+PGW-C may include the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message.

[0064] For example, if the SMF+PGW-C does not include the “NSACF status granted” parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message in step 6, the SMF+PGW-C may include the “NSACF status granted” parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 9. For example, the SMF+PGW-C may interact with the NSACF of the NSAC before step 9 or before sending the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 9.

[0065] 10. The AMF sends a Forward Relocation Response message to the MME.

[0066] 11. The MME sends a Handover command message to the E-UTRAN.

[0067] 12. The E-UTRAN sends a Handover command message to the UE.

[0068] 13.When the UE receives the Handover command message, it sends a Handover confirm message to the NG-RAN.

[0069] 14. NG-RAN sends a Handover notify message to the AMF.

[0070] 15. The AMF sends a Forward relocation Complete Notification message to the MME to notify the UE that the UE has successfully handed over 5GS. The MME then sends a Forward relocation Complete notification Acknowledge message to the AMF.

[0071] 16. The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message to the SMF+PGW-C to notify the completion of the handover.

[0072] 17. Upon receiving the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message, the SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message to the AMF. If the SMF+PGW-C has not yet provided this parameter to the AMF during the EPS to 5GS handover procedure, the SMF+PGW-C may include the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message. For example, if the SMF+PGW-C did not include the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message of step 6 and the SMF+PGW-C did not include the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message of step 9, the SMF+PGW-C may include the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message of step 17. For example, the SMF+PGW-C may interact with the NSACF of the NSAC before step 17 or before sending the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 17.

[0073] 18. Upon receiving a Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message with Handover Complete Indication for the PDU Session ID or after sending a Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 17, the SMF+PGW-C may decide whether to send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF to increment the number of PDU sessions established for the S-NSSAI. For example, the increment process is one of the NSAC processes.

[0074] For example, if the SMF-PGW-C includes the “NSACF status granted” parameter in at least one of the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message in step 6, the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 9, and the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 17, the SMF+PGW-C does not send an Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate Request to the NSACF.

[0075] That is, if the SMF+PGW-C has already interacted with the NSACF to increase the number of PDU sessions established for the S-NSSAI while the UE was in EPS, or if the SMF+PGW-C included the “NSACF status granted” parameter in at least one of the messages in steps 6, 9, and 17, the SMF+PGW-C does not send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0076] Furthermore, if the SMF+PGW-C does not include the "NSACF status granted" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message in step 6, the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 9, and the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message in step 17, the SMF+PGW-C may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF to increase the number of PDU sessions established for the S-NSSAI.

[0077] That is, if the SMF+PGW-C has not interacted with the NSACF to increase the number of PDU sessions established for the S-NSSAI while the UE was in EPS, or if the SMF+PGW-C does not include the “NSACF status granted” parameter in all messages of steps 6, 9 and 17, the SMF+PGW-C may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0078] The Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req includes a UE ID (or a UE identifier), a PDU session ID (or a PDU session identifier), and an S-NSSAI.

[0079] The SMF+PGW-C may include an indication parameter to the Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req. The indication parameter indicates that this increment request is due to a handover to 5GS.

[0080] As an example, the SMF+PGW-C sends a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF based on the local configuration of the SMF+PGW-C.

[0081] In another example, the SMF+PGW-C sends a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF during the EPS to 5GS Mobility Registration Procedure that is performed after step 17.

[0082] In yet another example, the SMF+PGW-C may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF to increase the number of UEs registered in the S-NSSAI.

[0083] 19. Based on the “NSACF status granted” parameter received in step 6, 9, or 17, the AMF may decide whether to send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF to increase the number of UEs registered in the S-NSSAI.

[0084] For example, if the received "NSACF status granted" parameter indicates that the SMF+PGW-C interacted with the NSACF while the UE was in EPS to increase the number of UEs registered in the S-NSSAI, or if at least one of the messages in steps 6, 9, and 17 contains the "NSACF status granted" parameter, the AMF does not send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0085] Furthermore, if the received "NSACF status granted" parameter indicates that the SMF+PGW-C has not interacted with the NSACF to increase the number of UEs registered in the S-NSSAI while the UE was in EPS, or if all messages in steps 6, 9, and 17 did not contain the "NSACF status granted" parameter, the AMF may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0086] The Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req includes the UE ID and S-NSSAI.

[0087] The AMF may include an indication parameter in the Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate request message, which indicates that this increment request is due to a handover to 5GS.

[0088] As an example, the AMF sends a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF during the EPS to 5GS mobility registration procedure that occurs after step 17.

[0089] <Aspect 2: Efficient Network Slice Admission Control in Handover from 5GS to EPS> Aspect 2 is a solution to the service continuity problem described in use case B of Figure 1. This solution solves the problem of the UE having an active PDU session during handover from 5GS to EPS.

[0090] This solution enables network slice admission control with minimal interaction with the NSACF, as shown in Figure 3.

[0091] 1. The UE is in connected mode with an active PDU session over 5GS (i.e. 5G) AMF.

[0092] 2. The NG-RAN decides to handover to the E-UTRAN.

[0093] 3. The NG-RAN sends a Handover Required message to the AMF.

[0094] 4. AMF sends the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request message to SMF+PGW-C.

[0095] For example, the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request message includes the SM Context ID.

[0096] 5. Upon receiving the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request message, the SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response message including the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter to the AMF.

[0097] The "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter may be set to the "supported" or "not supported" status. If the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter is set to the "supported" status, it indicates that the SMF+PGW-C supports network slice admission control in EPS and has already performed (or executed) network slice admission control in EPS for the S-NSSAI associated with the received SM context ID.

[0098] If the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter is set to the "not supported" status, it indicates that the SMF+PGW-C does not support network slice admission control in EPS or has not yet performed (or has not yet performed) network slice admission control in EPS for the S-NSSAI associated with the received SM context ID. For example, the SMF+PGW-C can interact with the NSACF of the NSAC before step 5 or before sending the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response message in step 5.

[0099] The "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter can be divided into two parts: one for network slice admission control for UE registration to the S-NSSAI, and the other for network slice admission control for PDN connections or PDU sessions established in the S-NSSAI.

[0100] If the SMF+PGW-C manages multiple PDU sessions, the SMF+PGW-C may include multiple "NSAC supported in EPS" parameters for the PDU session per S-NSSAI.

[0101] In addition, since network slice admission control can be activated on an S-NSSAI basis, some "NSAC supported in EPS" parameters of the PDU session may indicate a "supported" status, while other "NSAC supported in EPS" parameters of the PDU session may indicate "not supported".

[0102] Furthermore, the absence of the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter in the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response message is interpreted by the AMF as "not supported", which typically occurs when the SMF+PGW-C is built based on a version of the 3GPP standard prior to Release 16.

[0103] 6. The AMF sends a Relocation Request to the MME.

[0104] 7. The MME sends a Create Session Request message to the SGW-C to configure resources in the EPC, and the SGW-C returns a Create Session Response (Create The MME responds by sending a Session Response message.

[0105] 8. The MME sends a Handover Request message to the E-UTRAN to reserve resources in the E-UTRAN, and the E-UTRAN responds to the MME by sending a Handover Response message.

[0106] 9. The MME sends a Relocation Response message to the AMF.

[0107] 10.AMF sends a Handover command message to NG-RAN.

[0108] 11. The NG-RAN sends a Handover command message to the UE.

[0109] 12. Upon receiving the Handover command message, the UE sends a Handover confirm message to the E-UTRAN.

[0110] 13. E-UTRAN sends a Handover notify message to the MME.

[0111] 14. The MME sends a Relocation Complete Notification to the AMF to notify the UE that the EPS has been successfully handed over. The AMF then sends a Relocation Complete Notification Acknowledge message to the MME.

[0112] 15. The AMF sends a Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Request message to the SMF+PGW-C via the V-SMF to request the deletion of resources in 5GS. This message may include the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter, which is built based on the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter received in step 5.

[0113] For example, if the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter received in step 5 is set to "supported" status, the AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Request message to the SMF+PGW-C including the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter set to "supported" status.

[0114] For example, if the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter received in step 5 is set to "not supported" status, the AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Request message to the SMF+PGW-C including the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter set to "not supported" status.

[0115] The SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Response message to the AMF.

[0116] 16. Upon receiving the Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Request message, the SMF+PGW-C may decide whether to send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF to reduce the number of PDU sessions established for the S-NSSAI.

[0117] If the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter received in step 15 indicates the "supported" status, the SMF+PGW-C does not send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0118] If the “NSAC supported in EPS” parameter received in step 15 indicates a “not supported” status, the SMF+PGW-C may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0119] The Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req includes the UE ID, the PDU Session ID, and the S-NSSAI.

[0120] The SMF+PGW-C may include an indication parameter to the Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req. The indication parameter indicates that this decrement request is due to a handover to the EPS.

[0121] As an example, the SMF+PGW-C sends a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF based on the local configuration of the SMF+PGW-C.

[0122] In another example, the SMF+PGW-C sends a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF during the Mobility Registration Procedure from 5GS to EPS that is performed after step 15.

[0123] In one example, if the SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response message to the AMF including the “NSAC supported in EPS” parameter set to “supported” status in step 5, the SMF+PGW-C does not send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0124] In one example, if the SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response message to the AMF including the “NSAC supported in EPS” parameter set to “not supported” status in step 5, the SMF+PGW-C may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0125] In one example, if the SMF+PGW-C sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response message to the AMF that does not include the “NSAC supported in EPS” parameter in step 5, the SMF+PGW-C may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfPDUsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0126] 17. The MME sends a Modify bearer request message to the SMF+PGW-C to update the S1-U tunnel information, and the SMF+PGW-C responds to the MME by sending a Modify bearer response message.

[0127] 18. Based on the “NSAC supported in EPS” parameter received in step 5, the AMF may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF to decide whether to reduce the number of UEs registered in the S-NSSAI.

[0128] If the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter received in step 5 indicates "supported" status, the AMF does not send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0129] If the "NSAC supported in EPS" parameter received in step 5 indicates a "not supported" status, the AMF may send a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF.

[0130] The Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req message includes the UE ID and the S-NSSAI. The AMF may include an indication parameter in the Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate request message. The indication parameter indicates that this decrement request is due to a handover to EPS.

[0131] As an example, the AMF sends a Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceAvailabilityCheckUpdate req to the NSACF during the Mobility Registration Procedure from 5GS to EPS that occurs after step 15.

[0132] The present disclosure and aspects can solve the problem of service continuity between EPS and 5GS due to inter-system changes. For example, the present disclosure and aspects can reduce the number of interactions with the NSACF when changing between EPS and 5GS systems. Furthermore, for example, the present disclosure and aspects can provide an efficient system design even when system changes between EPS and 5GS occur frequently, especially when 5GS is introduced in addition to EPS coverage.

[0133] <System Overview> FIG. 4 illustrates diagrammatically a mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system 1 to which the above aspects are applicable.

[0134] The telecommunication system 1 represents an overview of a system capable of end-to-end communication, e.g., a UE 3 (or user equipment, "mobile device" 3) communicating with other UEs 3 or service servers in a data network 20 via respective (R)AN nodes 5 and a core network 7.

[0135] The (R)AN node 5 supports any radio access, including 5G radio access technology (RAT), E-UTRA radio access technology, Beyond 5G RAT, 6G RAT, and non-3GPP RAT including wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

[0136] The (R)AN node 5 can be divided into a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), and a Centralized Unit (CU). In some aspects, the units are connected to each other and the (R)AN node 5 can be configured by adopting an architecture defined by the Open RAN (O-RAN) Alliance, where the units are referred to as O-RU, O-DU, and O-CU, respectively.

[0137] The (R)AN node 5 may be split into control plane functions and user plane functions. Additionally, multiple user plane functions may be allocated to support communications. In some aspects, user traffic may be distributed across multiple user plane functions, with user traffic across each user plane function being aggregated to both the UE 3 and the (R)AN node 5. This split architecture may be referred to as "dual connectivity" or "Multi connectivity."

[0138] The (R)AN node 5 may also support communications using satellite access. In some aspects, the (R)AN node 5 may support satellite and terrestrial access.

[0139] The (R)AN node 5 may also be called an access node for non-wireless access, which includes fixed-line access defined by the Broadband Forum (BBF) and optical access defined by the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN).

[0140] The core network 7 may include logical nodes (or "functions") for supporting communications in the telecommunications system 1. For example, the core network 7 may be a 5G Core Network (5GC) including, among other things, control plane functions and user plane functions. Each function within a logical node may be considered as a network function. The network functions may be provided to another node by applying a Service Based Architecture (SBA).

[0141] By adopting Network Functions Virtualization (ETSI NFV), a network virtualization technology defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, network functions can be deployed as distributed, redundant, stateless, and scalable functions, delivering services from multiple locations with multiple running instances at each location.

[0142] The core network 7 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0143] As is known, when the UE 3 is moving within the geographic area covered by the telecommunication system 1, it may move in and out of areas (i.e. radio cells) served by the (R)AN nodes 5. To track the UE 3 and facilitate movement between different (R)AN nodes 5, the core network 7 comprises at least one access and mobility management function (AMF) 70. The AMF 70 communicates with the (R)AN nodes 5 connected to the core network 7. In some core networks, instead of the AMF 70, a mobility management entity (MME), a mobility management node for beyond 5G, or a mobility management node for 6G may be used.

[0144] The core network 7 also includes, among others, a Session Management Function (SMF) 71, a User Plane Function (UPF) 72, a Policy Control Function (PCF) 73, a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 74, a Unified Data Management (UDM) 75, a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 76, and a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) 77. The core network 7 may also include an SMF+PGW-C, and a V-SMF.

[0145] When UE3 is roaming in a visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), the home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) of UE3 provides UDM75 and at least some of the functions of SMF71, UPF72, and PCF73 to the roaming-out UE3.

[0146] The UE 3 and the respective serving (R)AN node 5 are connected via a suitable air interface (such as the so-called "Uu" interface). Adjacent (R)AN nodes 5 are connected to each other via suitable (R)AN node 5 to (R)AN node interfaces (so-called "Xn" interfaces). Each (R)AN node 5 is also connected to nodes in the core network 7 (such as the so-called core network nodes) via suitable interfaces (such as the so-called "N2" / "N3" interfaces). From the core network 7, a connection is also provided to a data network 20. The data network 20 may be the Internet, a public network, an external network, a private network, or an internal network of the PLMN. If the data network 20 is provided by a PLMN operator or a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services may be provided by that data network 20. The UE 3 may connect to the data network 20 using IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, Ethernet, or an unstructured data type.

[0147] The "Uu" interface may include a control plane of the Uu interface and a user plane of the Uu interface.

[0148] The user plane of the Uu interface is responsible for carrying user traffic between the UE 3 and the serving (R)AN node 5. The user plane of the Uu interface may have a hierarchical structure with SDAP, PDCP, RLC and MAC sublayers over the physical connection.

[0149] The control plane of the Uu interface is responsible for establishing, modifying and releasing the connection between the UE 3 and the serving (R)AN node 5. The control plane of the Uu interface may have a hierarchical structure with RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC sublayers over the physical connection.

[0150] For example, the following messages are communicated via the RRC layer to support AS signaling: - RRC Setup Request message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the (R)AN node 5. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be included together in the RRC Setup Request message: -establishmentCause and ue-Identity: ue-Identity may have the value of ng-5G-S-TMSI-Part1 or randomValue. - RRC Setup message: This message is sent from the (R)AN node 5 to the UE 3. The RRC Setup message may include the following parameters together in addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure: -masterCellGroup and radioBearerConfig RRC Setup Complete message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the (R)AN node 5. The RRC Setup Complete message may include the following parameters together in addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure: -guami-Type, iab-NodeIndication, idleMeasAvailable, mobilityState, ng-5G-S-TMSI-Part2, registeredAMF, selectedPLMN-Identity

[0151] The UE 3 and the AMF 70 are connected via a suitable interface, such as the so-called N1 interface. The N1 interface is responsible for providing communication between the UE 3 and the AMF 70 to support NAS signaling. The N1 interface can be established over 3GPP access and over non-3GPP access. For example, the following messages are communicated over the N1 interface:

[0152] Registration Request message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. The Registration Request message may include the following parameters together with the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure: - 5GS registration type, ngKSI, 5GS mobile identity, Non-current native NAS key set identifier, 5GMM capability, UE security capability, Requested NSSAI, Last visited registered TAI, S1 UE network capability, Uplink data status, PDU session status, MICO indication, UE status, Additional GUTI, Allowed PDU session status, UE's usage setting, Requested DRX parameters, EPS NAS message container, LADN indication, Payload container type, Payload container container, Network slicing indication, 5GS update type, Mobile station classmark 2, Supported codecs, NAS message container, EPS bearer context status, Requested extended DRX parameters, T3324 valueThe requested NB-N1 mode DRX parameters include requested NB-N1 mode Identification number, requested UE mode Identification number, requested NB-N1 ...

[0153] - Registration Accept message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters disclosed in the aspects of the present disclosure, the registration accept message may also include the following parameters: -5GS registration result, 5G-GUTI, Equivalent PLMNs, TAI list, Allowed NSSAI, Rejected NSSAI, Configured NSSAI, 5GS network feature support, PDU session status, PDU session reactivation result, PDU session reactivation result error cause, LADN information, MICO indication, Network slicing indication, Service area list, T3512 value, Non-3GPP de-registration timer value, T3502 value, Emergency number list number list, Extended emergency number list, SOR transparent container, EAP message, NSSAI inclusion mode, Operator-defined access category definitions, Negotiated DRX parameters, Non-3GPP NW policies, EPS bearer context status, Negotiated extended DRX parametersparameters, T3447 value, T3448 value, T3324 value, UE radio capability ID, UE radio capability ID deletion indication, Pending NSSAI, Ciphering key data, CAG information list, Truncated 5G-S-TMSI configuration, Negotiated WUS assistance information, Negotiated NB-N1 mode DRX parameters, and Extended rejected NSSAI).

[0154] - Registration Complete message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. The Registration Complete message may include the following parameters together in addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure: -SOR transparent container.

[0155] -Authentication Request message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. The Authentication Request message may include the following parameters together with the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure: -ngKSI, ABBA, Authentication parameter RAND (5G authentication challenge), Authentication parameter AUTN (5G authentication challenge), and EAP message.

[0156] -Authentication Response message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the authentication response message: -Authentication response message identity, Authentication response parameter, and EAP message.

[0157] -Authentication Result message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the Authentication Result message: -ngKSI, EAP message, and ABBA.

[0158] -Authentication Failure message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the authentication failure message: Authentication failure message identity, 5GMM cause, and Authentication failure parameter.

[0159] -Authentication Reject message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the authentication reject message: -EAP message.

[0160] - Service Request message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be entered together in the Service Request message: -ngKSI, Service type, 5G-S-TMSI, Uplink data status, PDU session status, Allowed PDU session status, NAS message container.

[0161] -Service Accept message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the Service Accept message: -PDU session status, PDU session reactivation result, PDU session reactivation result error cause, EAP message, and T3448 value.

[0162] - Service Reject message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the Service Reject message: -5GMM cause, PDU session status, T3346 value, EAP message, T3448 value, and CAG information list.

[0163] -Configuration Update Command message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the Configuration Update Command message: -Configuration update indication, 5G-GUTI, TAI list, Allowed NSSAI, Service area list, Full name for network, Short name for network, Local time zone, Universal time and local time zone, Network daylight saving time, LADN information, MICO indication, Network slicing indication, Configured NSSAI, Rejected NSSAI, Operator-defined access category definitions, SMS indication, T3447 value, CAG information list, UE radio capability ID, UE radio capability ID deletion indication indication, 5GS registration result, Truncated 5G-S-TMSI configuration, Additional configuration indication, and Extended rejected NSSAI.

[0164] -Configuration Update Complete message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters disclosed by the aspects of the present disclosure, the following parameters may be populated together in the Configuration Update Complete message: -Configuration update complete message identity.

[0165] <User Equipment (UE)> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main components of a UE 3 (mobile device 3). As shown, the UE 3 includes a transceiver circuit 31 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from connected nodes via one or more antennas 32. The UE 3 may also include a user interface 34 for inputting and outputting information from the outside. Although not necessarily shown in the figures, the UE 3 may include all the usual functions of a conventional mobile device, which may be provided by any one or any combination of hardware, software, and firmware, as appropriate. The software may be pre-installed in the memory and / or downloaded over a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The controller 33 controls the operation of the UE 3 according to software stored in the memory 36. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 361 and a communication control module 362 having at least a transceiver control module 3621. The communication control module 362 (using the transceiver control module 3621) controls the UE 3, the (R)AN node 5, and the AMF. 70The controller 33 is responsible for signaling between the UE 3 and other nodes such as the UE 4 and processing (generation / transmission / reception) of uplink / downlink data packets. Such signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages related to access and mobility management procedures (for the UE 3) (e.g., registration request messages and associated response messages). The controller 33 interacts with one or more Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (USIMs) 35. If equipped with multiple USIMs 35, the controller 33 may activate only one USIM 35 or may activate multiple USIMs 35 simultaneously.

[0166] The UE 3 may, for example, support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0167] The UE3 may be, for example, an item of equipment for production or manufacturing and / or an item of energy related machinery (e.g. plant or machinery such as boilers, engines, turbines, solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, thermal generators, nuclear power plants, batteries, nuclear systems and / or associated equipment, heavy electrical machinery, pumps including vacuum pumps, compressors, fans, blowers, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, metal processing machinery, manipulators, robots and / or application systems thereof, tools, moulds or dies, rolls, conveying equipment, lifting equipment, material handling equipment, textile machinery, sewing machines, printing and / or associated machinery, paper processing machinery, chemical machinery, mining and / or construction machinery and / or associated equipment, machinery and / or implements for agriculture, forestry and / or fishing, safety and / or environmental protection equipment, tractors, precision bearings, chains, gears, power transmission equipment, lubrication equipment, valves, pipe fittings and / or application systems of such plant or machinery etc).

[0168] UE 3 may be, for example, an item of transportation equipment (e.g., rail cars, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, buses, carts, rickshaws, ships and other water vehicles, aircraft, rockets, satellites, drones, balloons, etc.).

[0169] The UE 3 may be, for example, an information and communication device (eg, an information and communication device such as an electronic computer and related device, a communication and related device, an electronic component, etc.).

[0170] The UE3 may be, for example, a refrigerator, a refrigerator application product, trade and / or service industry equipment, a vending machine, an automatic service machine, an office machine or equipment, a household appliance and an electronic device (e.g., a household appliance such as an audio device, a video device, a loud speaker, a radio, a television, a microwave oven, a rice cooker, a coffee machine, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer, an electronic fan or related equipment, a vacuum cleaner, etc.).

[0171] The UE 3 may be, for example, an electrical application system or device (eg, an electrical application system or device such as an x-ray system, a particle accelerator, a radioisotope device, an acoustic device, an electromagnetic application device, a power application device, etc.).

[0172] UE3 may be, for example, a light, a lighting fixture, a measuring instrument, an analyzer, a tester, or a surveying instrument or detector (e.g., a smoke alarm, a motion sensor, a radio tag, or other surveying or sensing instrument), a clock, laboratory equipment, optical equipment, medical equipment and / or systems, a weapon, a blade, a hand tool, etc.

[0173] UE 3 may be, for example, a wireless equipped personal digital assistant or related equipment (such as a wireless card or module designed to be connected to or inserted into another electronic device (eg, personal computer, electrical measuring instrument)).

[0174] The UE 3 may be part of a device or system that utilizes various wired and / or wireless communication technologies to provide the applications, services, and solutions described below with respect to the "internet of things" (IoT).

[0175] Internet of Things devices (or "things") may be equipped with appropriate electronics, software, sensors, network connectivity, etc., enabling them to collect data and exchange data with each other or with other communicating devices. IoT devices may consist of automated equipment that follows software instructions stored in their internal memory. IoT devices may operate without the need for human supervision or interaction. IoT devices may remain stationary or inactive for long periods of time. IoT devices may be implemented as part of (generally) fixed equipment. IoT devices may be embedded in non-fixed equipment (such as vehicles) or attached to animals or people being monitored / tracked.

[0176] It will be understood that IoT technologies may be implemented on any communication device capable of connecting to a communication network to transmit and receive data, regardless of whether such communication device is controlled by human input or by software instructions stored in memory.

[0177] It will be appreciated that an IoT device may also be referred to as a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, a Machine to Machine (M2M) communication device, or a Narrowband IoT UE (NB-IoT UE). It will be appreciated that a UE 3 may support one or more IoT or MTC applications.

[0178] The UE 3 may be a smartphone or a wearable device (e.g., smart glasses, a smart watch, a smart ring, or a hearable device).

[0179] The UE3 may be an automobile, a connected car, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle device, a motorcycle, or a Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication module (e.g., a vehicle-to-vehicle communication module, a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication module, a vehicle-to-people communication module, or a vehicle-to-network communication module).

[0180] <(R)AN node> FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an exemplary (R)AN node 5, e.g., a base station (LTE "eNB", 5G "gNB", 5G and beyond base station, 6G base station). As shown, the (R)AN node 5 includes transceiver circuitry 51 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from connected UEs 3 via one or more antennas 52, and to transmit and receive signals (directly or indirectly) to and from other network nodes via a network interface 53. A controller 54 controls the operation of the (R)AN node 5 according to software stored in memory 55. The software may be pre-installed in the memory and / or downloaded over a communications network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 551 and a communications control module 552 having at least a transceiver control module 5521.

[0181] The communication control module 552 (using the transceiver control sub-module) processes (e.g., directly or indirectly) the signaling (generation / transmission / reception) between the (R)AN node 5 and other nodes such as the UE 3, another (R)AN node 5, the AMF 70, and the UPF 72. The signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages related to the radio connection and the connection to the core network 7 (for a specific UE 3), in particular, those related to the establishment and maintenance of the connection, such as RRC connection establishment and other RRC messages, NG application protocol (NGAP) messages (i.e., messages via the N2 reference point), and Xn application protocol (XnAP) messages (messages via the Xn reference point). Such signaling may also include, for example, broadcast information (such as master information and system information) in the case of transmission. The controller 54 is also configured (by software or hardware) to process related tasks such as UE mobility estimation and / or movement trajectory estimation when implemented.

[0182] (R)AN node 5 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0183] <System Overview of (R)AN Node 5 Based on the O-RAN Architecture> Figure 7 schematically shows the (R)AN node 5 based on the O-RAN architecture to which the aspect of the (R)AN node 5 is applicable.

[0184] The (R)AN node 5 based on the O-RAN architecture represents a system overview in which the (R)AN node is divided into a radio unit (RU) 60, a distributed unit (DU) 61, and a centralized unit (CU) 62. In some aspects, each unit can be combined. For example, the RU 60 can be combined / combined with the DU 61 as a combined / combined unit, and the DU 61 can be combined / combined with the CU 62 as another combined / combined unit. Any functionality in the description of the units (e.g., one of the RU 60, DU 61, and CU 62) can be implemented in the combined / combined unit above. Furthermore, the CU 62 can be separated into two functional units, such as a CU Control plane (CP) and a CU User plane (UP). The CU CP has a control plane function in the (R)AN node 5. The CU UP has a user plane function in the (R)AN node 5. Each CU CP is connected to a CU UP via an appropriate interface (such as a so-called "E1" interface).

[0185] The UEs 3 and the respective serving RUs 60 are connected via an appropriate air interface (such as the so-called "Uu" interface). Each RU 60 is connected to a DU 61 via an appropriate interface (such as the so-called "Front haul", "Open Front haul", "F1" interface). Each DU 61 is connected to a CU 62 via an appropriate interface (such as the so-called "Mid haul", "Open Mid haul", "E2" interface). Each CU 62 is also connected to nodes in the core network 7 (such as the so-called core network nodes) via an appropriate interface (such as the so-called "Back haul", "Open Back haul", "N2" / "N3" interface). Furthermore, the user plane part of the DU 61 may also be connected to the core network nodes 7 via an appropriate interface (such as the so-called "N3" interface).

[0186] Depending on the functionality divided among the RU 60, DU 61, and CU 62, each unit provides a part of the functionality provided by the (R)AN node 5. For example, the RU 60 may provide functionality for communicating with the UE 3 over the air interface, the DU 61 may provide functionality for supporting the MAC and RLC layers, and the CU 62 may provide functionality for supporting the PDCP, SDAP, and RRC layers.

[0187] <Radio Unit (RU)> FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an exemplary RU 60, e.g., the RU portion of a base station (LTE "eNB", 5G "gNB", 5G and beyond base station, 6G base station). As shown, the RU 60 includes one or more antennas 602 and a transceiver circuit 601 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from a connected UE 3 via the one or more antennas 602, and to transmit and receive signals to and from other network nodes or units (directly or indirectly) via a network interface 603. A controller 604 controls the operation of the RU 60 according to software stored in memory 605. The software may be pre-installed in the memory and / or downloaded over a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 6051 and a communication control module 6052 having at least a transceiver control module 60521.

[0188] The communication control module 6052 (using a transceiver control sub-module) handles (e.g., directly or indirectly) the handling (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the RU 60 and other nodes, such as a UE 3, another RU 60, a DU 61, etc. The signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages related to the radio connection and the connection with the RU 60 (for a particular UE 3), in particular the MAC and RLC layers.

[0189] The controller 604, if implemented, is also configured (by software or hardware) to handle related tasks such as UE mobility estimation and / or motion trajectory estimation.

[0190] The RU 60 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0191] As mentioned above, RU60 can be integrated / combined with DU61 as an integrated / combined unit.

[0192] Any of the functions described for RU 60 can be implemented in the integration / combination unit described above.

[0193] <Distributed Unit (DU)> FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an exemplary DU 61, e.g., the DU portion of a base station (LTE "eNB", 5G "gNB", 5G and beyond base station, 6G base station). As shown, the device includes a transceiver circuit 611 operable to transmit and receive signals to and from other nodes or units (including the RU 60) via a network interface 612. A controller 613 controls the operation of the DU 61 according to software stored in a memory 614. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 614 and / or downloaded via a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 6141 and a communication control module 6142 having at least a transceiver control module 61421. The communication control module 6142 (using its transceiver control module 61421) handles the processing (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the DU 61 and other nodes and units, such as the RU 60 and other nodes and units.

[0194] The DU 61 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0195] As mentioned above, the RU 60 can be integrated / combined with the DU 61 or the CU 62 as an integrated / combined unit. Any of the functions described for the DU 61 can be implemented in the integrated / combined unit.

[0196] <Centralized Unit (CU)> FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an exemplary CU 62, e.g., the CU portion of a base station (LTE "eNB", 5G "gNB", 5G and beyond base station, 6G base station). As shown, the device includes a transceiver circuit 621 operable to transmit and receive signals to and from other nodes or units (including the DU 61) via a network interface 622. A controller 623 controls the operation of the CU 62 according to software stored in a memory 624. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 624 and / or downloaded via a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 6241 and a communication control module 6242 having at least a transceiver control module 62421. The communication control module 6242 (using its transceiver control module 62421) handles the processing (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the CU 62 and other nodes and units, such as the DU 61 and other nodes and units.

[0197] The CU 62 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0198] As mentioned above, the CU 62 can be integrated / combined with the DU 61 as an integrated / combined unit.

[0199] Any of the functions described for CU62 may be implemented in the integration / combination unit described above.

[0200] <amf> FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the AMF 70. As shown, the device includes a transceiver circuit 701 operable to transmit and receive signals to and from other nodes or units (including the UE 3) via a network interface 702. A controller 703 controls the operation of the AMF 70 according to software stored in a memory 704. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 704 and / or downloaded via a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7041 and a communication control module 7042 having at least a transceiver control module 70421. The communication control module 7042 (using its transceiver control module 70421) handles the handling (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the AMF 70 and other nodes such as the UE 3 (e.g. via the (R)AN node 5) as well as other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3 if the UE 3 is roaming in). Such signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages related to access and mobility management procedures (for the UE 3) (e.g., registration request messages and associated response messages).

[0201] The AMF 70 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0202] <smf> 12 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the SMF 71. As shown, the device includes a transceiver circuit 711 operable to transmit and receive signals to and from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 712. A controller 713 controls the operation of the SMF 71 according to software stored in a memory 714. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 714 and / or downloaded via a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7141 and a communication control module 7142 having at least a transceiver control module 71421. The communication control module 7142 (using its transceiver control module 71421) handles the handling (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the SMF 71 and other nodes such as the UPF 72 as well as other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3 if the UE 3 is roaming in). Such signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages related to session management procedures (to the UE 3) (e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) restful methods based on service-based interfaces).

[0203] SMF 71 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0204] The SMF+PGW-C may have the same components as the SMF 71. For example, the SMF+PGW-C is a device or node having the functions of the SMF 71 and the PGW-C. The functions of the PGW-C can be realized by the components of the SMF+PGW-C.

[0205] The V-SMF may have the same components as the SMF 71. The functions of the V-SMF can be realized by the components of the SMF+PGW-C.

[0206] <udm> 13 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the UDM 75. As shown, the device includes a transceiver circuit 751 operable to transmit and receive signals to and from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 752. A controller 753 controls the operation of the UDM 75 according to software stored in a memory 754. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 754 and / or downloaded via a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7541 and a communication control module 7542 having at least a transceiver control module 75421. The communication control module 7542 (using its transceiver control module 75421) handles the handling (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the UDM 75 and other nodes such as the AMF 70 as well as other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the VPLMN of the UE 3 if the UE 3 is roaming out). Such signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages (e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) restful methods based on service-based interfaces) related to mobility management procedures (to the UE 3).

[0207] The UDM 75 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0208] <nsacf> 14 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the NSACF 77. As shown, the device includes a transceiver circuit 771 operable to transmit and receive signals to and from other nodes (including the AMF 70 and the SMF 71) via a network interface 772. A controller 773 controls the operation of the NSACF 77 in accordance with software stored in a memory 774. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 774 and / or downloaded via a communication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7741 and a communication control module 7742 having at least a transceiver control module 77421. The communication control module 7742 (using its transceiver control module 77421) handles the processing (generation / transmission / reception) of signaling between the NSACF 77 and other nodes such as the AMF 70 as well as other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3 if the UE 3 is roaming in).

[0209] Such signaling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signaling messages (e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) restful methods based on service-based interfaces) related to network data analytics function procedures (to the UE 3).

[0210] The NSACF 77 may support a Non-Public Network (NPN), which may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0211] <Modifications and Alternatives> Detailed embodiments have been described above. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many modifications and alternatives may be made to the above embodiments while still benefiting from the disclosure embodied herein. By way of example, some of these alternatives and modifications are now described.

[0212] In the above description, for ease of understanding, the UE 3 and the network device have been described as having a number of separate modules (such as a communication control module). While these modules may be provided in this manner for a particular application, for example when an existing system is being modified to implement the disclosure, in other applications, for example in a system designed from the beginning with the inventive functionality in mind, these modules may be incorporated into the overall operating system or code, and these modules may not be recognizable as separate entities. These modules may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0213] Each controller may comprise any suitable form of processing circuitry, including, but not limited to, for example, one or more hardware-implemented computer processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), input / output (IO) circuitry, internal memory / cache (program and / or data), processing registers, communications buses (e.g., control buses, data buses, address buses, etc.), direct memory access (DMA) facilities, hardware or software implemented counters, pointers, and / or timers, and / or the like.

[0214] In the above embodiment, a number of software modules have been described. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the software modules may be provided in compiled or uncompiled form and provided to the UE 3 and the network device as a signal over a computer network or on a recording medium. Furthermore, the functions performed by some or all of this software may be performed using one or more dedicated hardware circuits. However, the use of software modules is preferred as it facilitates updating the UE 3 and the network device to update their functionality.

[0215] In the above embodiment, 3GPP wireless communication (radio access) technology is used. However, other wireless communication technologies (e.g., WLAN, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, etc.) and other fixed line communication technologies (e.g., BBF access, cable access, optical access, etc.) may also be used in accordance with the above embodiment.

[0216] Items of user equipment may include communication devices such as, for example, mobile phones, smartphones, user equipment, personal digital assistants, laptop / tablet computers, web browsers, e-book readers, etc. Such mobile (or generally fixed) devices are typically operated by a user, although so-called "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices and similar machine-type communication (MTC) devices may also be connected to the network. For simplicity, the present application refers to mobile devices (or UEs) in the description. However, it will be understood that the described techniques may be implemented on any communication device (mobile and / or generally fixed) that can be connected to a communication network to transmit and receive data, regardless of whether such communication device is controlled by human input or by software instructions stored in a memory.

[0217] Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

[0218] Although the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by this specification. For example, the above embodiments are not limited to 5GS, but are also applicable to communication systems other than 5GS.

[0219] All or a part of the exemplary aspects disclosed above can be expressed as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0220] <5.15.11.14 Support for Network Slice Admission Control and cooperation with EPC> If EPS counting is required for a network slice, in case of EPC interworking, network slice admission control for the maximum number of UEs and / or the maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice is performed during PDN connection establishment. To support NSAC for the maximum number of UEs and / or the maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice in the EPC, the SMF+PGW-C is configured with information indicating which network slices are subject to NSAC. During PDN connection establishment in the EPC, the SMF+PGW-C selects an S-NSSAI associated with the PDN connection as described in section 5.15.7.1. If the S-NSSAI selected by the SMF+PGW-C is subject to NSAC, the SMF+PGW-C triggers interaction with the NSACF to check the availability of the network slice before the SMF+PGW-C provides the selected S-NSSAI to the UE. If the network slice is available, the SMF+PGW-C continues the PDN connection establishment procedure.

[0221] The NSACF performs the following to check the availability of the network slice before returning a response to the SMF+PGW-C: if: -The UE ID is already included in the list of UE IDs registered in the network slice (if network slice admission control for the maximum number of UEs applies) and the current number of PDU sessions is below the maximum number (if network slice admission control for the maximum number of sessions applies), or -The UE ID is not included in the list of UE IDs registered in the network slice, and the current number of UE registrations does not reach the maximum number (when network slice admission control for the maximum number of UEs is applied), and the current number of PDU sessions does not reach the maximum number (when network slice admission control for the maximum number of sessions is applied); The NSACF then responds to the SMF+PGW-C with information that a network slice is available. The NSACF includes the UE ID in the list if it is not already there, increases the number of current UE registrations (if network slice admission control for maximum number of UEs applies), and increases the number of current PDU sessions (if network slice admission control for maximum number of sessions applies).

[0222] When a UE with an ongoing PDN connection moves from EPC to 5GC, the SMF+PGW-C indicates an NSAC status granted indication to the AMF. Unless the AMF receives an NSAC status granted indication, the AMF triggers a request to increase the UE registration count in the NSACF when the UE registers with the new AMF.

[0223] Note 1: As long as both 5GS and EPS support network slice admission control, the SMF+PGW-C or AMF does not interwork with the NSACF for network slice admission control of the UE.

[0224] NOTE 2: As long as both 5GS and EPS support network slice admission control, the SMF+PGW-C does not interact with the NSACF for network slice admission control of PDU sessions.

[0225] When a UE with an ongoing PDN connection moves from EPC to 5GC or from 5GC to EPC, session continuity is guaranteed since permission was given when the PDN connection was established, i.e. the number of PDU sessions is not counted again in 5GC.

[0226] When the PDN connections associated with the S-NSSAI are released in the EPC, the SMF+PGW-C triggers a request to the NSACF for the maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice control (i.e., a decrease). The NSACF decides to decrease the current registration count and remove the UE ID from the list of UE IDs if all PDN connections associated with the S-NSSAI are released in the EPC.

[0227] Editor's Note: Depending on the deployment scenario, it is FFS whether one NSACF is responsible for registration and session admission control or there is a separate NSCAF for registration and session admission control.

[0228] NOTE 3: Network slice admission control in the EPC is not performed for attachments without a PDN connection.

[0229] If EPS counting is not required for the network slice, network slice admission control for the maximum number of UEs and / or the maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice is performed when the UE moves from EPC to 5GC. The SMF+PGW-C is configured with information indicating that the network slice is subject to NSAC only in 5GS.

[0230] In the case of network slice admission control of PDU sessions, when a UE performs a mobility registration procedure from EPC to 5GC (network slice admission control for maximum number of UEs per network slice) and / or when a PDN connection is handed over from EPC to 5GC (network slice admission control for maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice), the SMF+PGW-C interacts with the NSACF to register PDU sessions from the network slice as described in section 5.15.11.2. The PDN connection interworking procedure is performed as described in section 5.15.7.1.

[0231] In the case of network slice admission control of a UE, when the UE performs a mobility registration procedure from EPC to 5GC (network slice admission control for maximum number of UEs per network slice) and / or when the PDN connection is handed over from EPC to 5GC (network slice admission control for maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice), the SMF+PGW-C notifies the AMF of an NSAC counting indicator indicating that the network slice admission control for the UE has been performed in the EPS. As long as the AMF does not receive an NSAC counting indicator, the AMF interacts with the NSACF to register the UE from the network slice as described in section 5.15.11.1.

[0232] Editor's note: It is up to FFS whether and how to support session continuity when the number of current UE registrations or the number of current PDU sessions reaches the maximum number when the UE moves from EPC to 5GC.

[0233] <4.11.1.2.1 Handover from 5GS to EPS using N26 interface> Figure 4.11.1.2.1-1 shows the handover procedure from 5GS to EPS when N26 is supported.

[0234] In case of a handover to a shared EPS network, the source NG-RAN determines the PLMN to be used in the target network as specified in TS 23.501 [2]. The source NG-RAN must indicate to the AMF the selected PLMN ID to be used in the target network as part of the TAI sent in the HO Required message.

[0235] In case of handover from a shared NG-RAN, the AMF may provide an indication to the MME that the 5GS PLMN is the preferred PLMN when the UE is later changed to a 5GS shared network.

[0236] As specified in clause 4.9.1.3.1, during the handover procedure, the source AMF shall reject any SMF+PGW-C initiated N2 requests received since the start of the handover procedure and include an indication that the request is temporarily rejected because the handover procedure is in progress.

[0237] Upon receiving a rejection for an SMF+PGW-C initiated N2 request indicating that the request is temporarily rejected due to an ongoing handover procedure, the SMF+PGW-C shall act as specified in TS 23.401

[13] .

[0238] Figure 4.11.1.2.1-1: 5GS to EPS handover in single registration mode using the N26 interface (see Figure 15)

[0239] This procedure includes handover to the EPC and setup of default EPS bearers and dedicated bearers for QoS flows that have been assigned an EBI in the EPC in steps 1 to 16, and re-activation of dedicated EPS bearers, if necessary, for non-GBR QoS flows that do not have an EBI assigned in step 19. This procedure can be triggered, for example, by new radio conditions, load balancing, or the presence of normal voice or IMS emergency voice QoS flows, and the source NG-RAN node may trigger a handover to the EPC.

[0240] For Ethernet and Unstructured PDU session types, in EPS, PDN Types Ethernet and non-IP are used, respectively, if supported.

[0241] If EPS supports PDN type non-IP but not PDN type Ethernet, PDN type non-IP is also used for Ethernet PDU sessions. In this case, SMF also sets the PDN type of EPS Bearer Context to non-IP. After handover to EPS, the PDN type of PDN connection becomes non-IP but is locally associated with PDU Session Type Ethernet or Unstructured in UE and SMF, respectively.

[0242] In the roaming home routed case, the SMF+PGW-C always provides the EPS Bearer ID and the mapped QoS parameters to the UE. The V-SMF caches the EPS Bearer ID and the mapped QoS parameters obtained from the H-SMF for this PDU session. This is also true when the HPLMN performs the interworking procedure without N26.

[0243] NOTE 1: If the SMF+PGW-C in the HPLMN does not provide mapped QoS parameters, IP address retention cannot be supported.

[0244] If NSAC is not supported in the EPS of the PDU session, the AMF interacts with the NSACF to deregister the UE from the network slice, and the SMF+PGW-C interacts with the NSACF to deregister the PDU session from the network slice if it is subject to NSAC in 5GS.

[0245] 1. The NG-RAN determines that the UE needs to be handed over to the E-UTRAN. If the NG-RAN is configured to perform inter RAT mobility with IMS voice fallback triggered by QoS flow setup and a request to set up a QoS flow for IMS voice is received, the NG-RAN returns a response indicating rejection of the QoS flow establishment with mobility with IMS voice fallback via N2SM information and triggers a handover to the E-UTRAN. The NG-RAN sends a handover request (Target eNB ID, Direct Forwarding Path Availability, Source to Target Transparent Container, inter system handover indication) message to the AMF. The NG-RAN indicates the bearer corresponding to the 5G QoS flow for data transfer in the Source to Target Transparent Container.

[0246] If the source NG-RAN and the target E-UTRAN support RACS as defined in TS 23.501 [2], the Source to Target Transparent Container does not need to carry the UE's radio access capabilities (instead, the UE Radio Capability ID is provided to the target E-UTRAN by the CN). However, if the source NG-RAN knows that the target E-UTRAN may not have a local copy of the Radio Capability corresponding to the UE Radio Capability ID (i.e., because the source NG-RAN itself needs to obtain the UE's radio capabilities from the AMF), the source NG-RAN may also send some (or all) of the UE's Radio Capability to the target E-UTRAN (size limit based on configuration). In case of inter-PLMN handover, if the source NG-RAN and the target E-UTRAN support RACS as defined in TS 23.501 [2] and TS 23.401

[13] , and the source NG-RAN determines based on its local configuration that the target PLMN does not support the UE Radio Capability ID assigned by the source PLMN, the source NG-RAN shall include the UE radio access capabilities in the Source to Target transparent container.

[0247] The direct forwarding path availability indicates whether a direct forwarding from the NG-RAN to the E-UTRAN is available. This indication from the NG-RAN can be based, for example, on the existence of IP connectivity and security associations between the NG-RAN and the E-UTRAN.

[0248] If the handover is triggered by emergency fallback, the NG-RAN can forward an emergency indication to the target eNB in ​​the Source to Target Transparent Container, and the target eNB will allocate radio bearer resources taking into account the received indication.

[0249] 2a-2c. The AMF determines from the "Target eNB Identifier" IE that the type of handover is a handover to E-UTRAN. The AMF selects the MME as described in clause 4.3.8.3 of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0250] The AMF decides whether to obtain the context including the mapped UE EPS PDN Connection for a PDU session from the V-SMF (in the case of HR roaming) or from the SMF+PGW-C (in the case of non roaming or LBO roaming) as follows:

[0251] -If the AMF determines that it can transfer one or more EBIs, it sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest to the V-SMF or SMF+PGW-C and includes in the message any EBI values ​​that cannot be transferred.

[0252] - If the target MME does not support 15 EPS bearers, i.e. the AMF decides not to forward EBI values ​​in the range 1 to 4 to the EPS, the EBI values ​​that cannot be forwarded are determined by the AMF and if there are more than 8 EBI values ​​associated to the PDU session, the AMF decides not to forward the EBI values ​​to the EPS based on the S-NSSAI and ARP as specified in clause 5.17.2.2.1 of TS 23.501 [2].

[0253] The AMF does not obtain the context of PDU sessions that cannot be transferred to the EPS due to no EBI being assigned, the assigned EBI not being transferable, or a combination of the two.

[0254] When the AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest, the AMF also provides the target MME function to the V-SMF or SMF+PGW-C so that it can decide whether to include an EPS Bearer context of Ethernet PDN Type or non-IP PDN Type.

[0255] When the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request is received by the V-SMF or SMF+PGW-C, the V-SMF or SMF+PGW-C provides a context including the mapped EPS PDN Connection as follows:

[0256] -If there is a not-forwarded EBI list and the list contains the EBI value of the QoS flow associated with the default QoS rule, the V-SMF or SMF+PGW-C shall not return the PDN Connection context (which means that the entire PDU session will not be forwarded to EPS), otherwise, if the EBI value of the QoS flow associated with the default QoS rule is not included in the not-forwarded EBI list, the V-SMF or PGWC+SMF shall not provide the EPS bearer context mapped from the QoS flow associated with the not-forwarded EBI list.

[0257] -For PDU Sessions with PDU Session Type Ethernet, if the UE and target MME support Ethernet PDN type, the V-SMF or PGWC+SMF provides a context of Ethernet PDN type, otherwise, if the target MME does not support Ethernet type but supports non-IP type, the V-SMF or PGWC+SMF provides a context of non-IP PDN type. For PDU Sessions with PDU Session Type Unstructured, the V-SMF or SMF+PGW-C provides a context of non-IP PDN type.

[0258] As described in step 8 of section 4.11.1.4.1, in case of non roaming or LBO roaming, when Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest is received at PGWC+SMF, if SMF+PGW-C determines that EPS Bearer Context can be transferred to EPS and CN Tunnel Info for EPS bearer(s) is not previously assigned, SMF+PGW-C sends N4 Session Change to PGW-U+UPF to establish CN tunnel for each EPS bearer and provide EPS bearer context to AMF. PGW-U+UPF is ready to receive uplink packets from E-UTRAN. This step is performed with all SMF+PGW-C corresponding to PDU sessions of UE associated to 3GPP access and having at least one EBI determined to be transferred to EPS.

[0259] NOTE 2: The AMF is aware that the MME functionality supporting 15 EPS bearers, Ethernet PDN type and / or non-IP PDN type is not supported through local configuration.

[0260] In a Home Routing Roaming scenario (Small Data Rate Control), the EPS PDN Contexts of the UE are obtained from the V-SMF. If Small Data Rate Control is applied to a PDU Session, the V-SMF obtains the SM context including Small Rate Control Status information from the H-SMF using the Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request.

[0261] If the EPS supports NSAC for the PDU session, the SMF+PGW-C includes an NSAC support indicator in the Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextResponse.

[0262] 3. The AMF sends a Forward Relocation Request, similar to step 3 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] , with the following amendments and clarifications: The parameter "Return preferred" may be included. Return preferred is an optional indication by the MME indicating the UE's return preference to the 5GS PLMN upon a subsequent change of access to the 5GS shared network. The MME may use this information as specified in TS 23.501 [2]. -The SGW addresses and TEIDs of both the control plane or EPS bearers in the message are provided so that the target MME selects a new SGW. -The AMF determines a Direct Forwarding Flag that notifies the target MME whether direct data forwarding is applicable based on configuration and Direct Forwarding Path Availability. -The AMF contains mapped SM EPS UE Contexts for PDU sessions with and without active UP connections. -If the secondary RAT access restriction conditions are the same in EPS and 5GS, the AMF may set the EPS secondary RAT access restriction conditions based on the UE's subscription data according to the operator policy.

[0263] 4-5. Steps 4 and 4a of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0264] 6. Make the following change to step 5 (Handover Request) of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based Handover, Normal) of TS 23.401

[13] : The handover request may include Handover Restriction List information including information on PLMN IDs as specified in TS 23.251

[35] , clause 5.2a of the eNodeB functionality. The target eNB must establish an E-RAB indicated by the list of EPS bearers to be set up provided by the MME, even if it is not included in the source to target container.

[0265] 7-9. Steps 5a to 7 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0266] 10a. If data forwarding applies, the AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request (data forwarding information) to the SMF+PGW-C. If multiple SMF+PGW-Cs serve the UE, the AMF maps the EPS bearer for data forwarding to the SMF+PGW-C address based on the association of the EPS bearer ID and the PDU session ID. In case of home-routed roaming, if indirect forwarding applies, the AMF requests the V-SMF to create an indirect forwarding tunnel.

[0267] 10b. If indirect data forwarding is applied, the SMF+PGW-C can select an intermediate PGW-U+UPF for data forwarding. The SMF+PGW-C maps the EPS bearer for data forwarding to the 5G QoS flow based on the association between the EPS bearer ID and QFI of the QoS flow in the SMF+PGW-C, and then sends the QFI, Serving GW address, and TEID for data forwarding to the PGW-U+UPF. The CN Tunnel Info is provided to the SMF+PGW-C by the PGW-U+UPF in this response. In case of home routing roaming, the V-SMF selects the V-UPF for data forwarding.

[0268] 10c. SMF+PGW-C returns Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response(Cause, Data Forwarding tunnel Info, QoS flows for Data Forwarding). Based on the correlation between the QFI, the Serving GW address and the TEID for data forwarding, the PGW-U+UPF maps the QoS flow to a data forwarding tunnel in the EPC.

[0269] 11. The AMF sends a handover command to the source NG-RAN (Transparent container (radio aspect parameters set by the target eNB in ​​the preparation phase), Data forwarding tunnel info, QoS flows for Data Forwarding). The source NG-RAN commands the UE to handover to the target access network by sending an HO command. The UE associates ongoing QoS Flows with the EPS Bearer IDs specified to be set up in the HO command. If the QoS flows associated with the default QoS rule in the PDU session have no EPS Bearer IDs assigned, the UE locally deletes the PDU session. If the QoS flows associated with the default QoS rule have EPS Bearer IDs assigned, the UE maintains the PDU session (PDN connection), and for the remaining QoS flows that do not have EPS Bearer IDs assigned, the UE locally deletes the QoS rules and QoS flow level QoS parameters if associated with those QoS flows and informs the affected applications that the dedicated QoS resources have been released. The UE deletes the UE derived QoS rules. The EPS bearer ID assigned to the QoS flow of the default QoS rule in a PDU session becomes the EPS bearer ID of the default bearer in the corresponding PDN connection.

[0270] When indirect data forwarding is applied, the data forwarding tunnel information includes the CN tunnel information of data forwarding per PDU session. For the QoS flows shown in "QoS Flows for Data Forwarding", the NG-RAN initiates data forwarding via the PGW-U+UPF based on the CN tunnel information of data forwarding per PDU session. The PGW-U+UPF then maps the data received from the 5GS data forwarding tunnel to the EPS data forwarding tunnel and sends the data to the target eNodeB via the Serving GW.

[0271] When direct data forwarding is applied, the data forwarding tunnel info includes E-UTRAN tunnel info for data forwarding per EPS bearer. The NG-RAN initiates data forwarding to the target E-UTRAN based on the data forwarding tunnel info for data forwarding per EPS bearer.

[0272] The following explanation has been added to steps 13 and 14 of section 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of 12-12c.TS 23.401

[13] : The AMF requests the release of PDU sessions associated with the 3GPP access but not expected to be transferred to the EPC, i.e., the AMF requests the release of the following: - PDU sessions for which the corresponding SMF+PGW-C is not contacted by AMF for the SM context because the AMF determined in step 2a that none of the PDU session's EBIs can be forwarded to EPS. - Any PDU session that failed to get SM context in step 2c.

[0273] 12d. The AMF acknowledges the MME with a Relocation Complete Ack message. A timer in the AMF is started to monitor when the NG-RAN resources are released.

[0274] 12e. In case of home routed roaming, the AMF invokes Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Request (V-SMF only indication) to the V-SMF. This service operation requests the V-SMF to delete only the SM context in the V-SMF, i.e., not release the PDU session context in the SMF+PGW-C.

[0275] If indirect forwarding tunnel(s) were previously established, the V-SMF starts a timer and releases the SM context upon expiry of the timer. If no indirect forwarding tunnel(s) were established, the V-SMF immediately releases the SM context of this PDU session and its UP resources locally in the V-UPF.

[0276] 13. Step 15 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0277] The following explanation has been added to step 16 (Modify Bearer Requests) of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1 based handover, normal) of 14a.TS 23.401

[13] : -If the PDU session (PDN connection) contains QoS flows for which no EPS bearer ID is assigned or whose mapped EPS bearer is not included in the Modify Bearer Request, the SMF+PGW-C deletes the PCC rules associated with those QoS flows and notifies the PCF about the deleted PCC rules.

[0278] NOTE 4: When a QoS flow is deleted, if there is no assigned TFT, the IP flow of the deleted QoS rule continues to flow on the default EPS bearer. If the default EPS bearer has an assigned TFT, the IP flow of the deleted QoS flow may be suspended until step 19, when a request from the PCF triggers activation of a dedicated bearer.

[0279] The SMF+PGW-C may need to report subscribed events to the PCF by running the SMF initiated SM Policy Association Modification procedure as defined in clause 4.16.5.

[0280] 15. The SMF+PGW-C initiates the N4 Session Modification procedure towards the UPF+PGW-U and updates the User Plane path. That is, the downlink User Plane of the indicated PDU session is switched to E-UTRAN. The SMF+PGW-C releases the CN tunnel resources of the UPF+PGW-U PDU session.

[0281] 16. Step 16a (Modification of Bearer Response) of TS 23.401

[13] clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal). At this stage, the User Plane path is established for the default and dedicated EPS bearers between the UE, the target eNodeB, the Serving GW, and the PGW-U+UPF. The SMF+PGW-C uses the EPS QoS parameters assigned to the dedicated EPS bearers during QoS flow establishment. The SMF+PGW-C maps all other IP flows to the default EPS bearers (see Note 4).

[0282] If indirect forwarding tunnel(s) were previously established, the SMF+PGW-C starts a timer that is used to release the resources used for indirect data forwarding.

[0283] 17. Step 17 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0284] 18. The UE initiates the Tracking Area Update procedure as specified in step 18 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1 based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0285] This involves deregistration of the old AMF for 3GPP access from HSS+UDM as specified in clause 4.11.1.5.3. Registrations associated with non-3GPP access in the old AMF are not deleted (i.e., the AMF that served the UE in both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses does not consider the UE deregistered in non-3GPP access, but remains registered and subscribed to subscription data updates in UDM).

[0286] NOTE 5: The behavior of the HSS+UDM to cancel the location of another type of CN node, i.e. AMF, is similar to the HSS behavior for MME and Gn / Gp SGSN registration (see TS 23.401

[13] ). The target AMF that receives the cancel location from the HSS+UDM is the AMF associated with the 3GPP access.

[0287] When the UE decides to deregister via non-3GPP access or the old AMF decides not to maintain the UE's registration for non-3GPP access, the old AMF deregisters from the UDM by sending a Nudm_UECM_Deregistration service operation, unsubscribes from subscription data updates by sending a Nudm_SDM_Unsubscribe service operation to the UDM, and releases all AMF and AN resources associated with the UE.

[0288] Unless the AMF receives an NSAC support indicator in step 2c, the AMF interacts with the NSACF to deregister the UE from the network slice if subject to NSAC in 5GS.

[0289] If it is subject to NSAC in 5GS but not in EPS, the SMF+PGW-C may interact with the NSACF to deregister the PDU session from the network slice.

[0290] 19. If PCC is deployed, the PCF may decide to provide the previously deleted PCC rules again to the SMF+PGW-C, which may trigger the SMF+PGW-C to start the dedicated bearer activation procedure. This procedure is specified in clause 5.4.1 of TS 23.401

[13] with modifications described in clause 4.11.1.5.4. This procedure is applicable for PDN types IP or Ethernet, but not for non-IP PDN types.

[0291] 20. Step 21 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0292] 21. In case of home routing roaming, upon expiry of the V-SMF's timer started in step 12e, the V-SMF locally releases the UP resources of the SM context and the PDU session, including the resources used for the indirect forwarding tunnel allocated in step 10.

[0293] In non-roaming or local breakout roaming, if the SMF+PGW-C started the timer in step 16, upon expiry of the timer, the SMF+PGW-C sends an N4 Session Modification Request to the PGW-U+UPF to release the resources used for the indirect forwarding tunnel(s) allocated in step 10.

[0294] When the timer set in step 12d expires, the AMF also sends a UE Context Release Command message to the source NG RAN, which releases resources associated with the UE and responds with a UE Context Release Complete message.

[0295] <4.11.1.2.2.1 Overview> The N26 interface is used to provide seamless session continuity in single registration mode.

[0296] This procedure includes handover to 5GS and setting up QoS flows on 5GS.

[0297] In case of home routing roaming, the PGW-C+SMF in the HPLMN always receives the PDU Session ID from the UE and provides the UE with 5G QoS parameters and S-NSSAI related to the PDN connection, even if the HPLMN performs the interworking procedure without N26.

[0298] In case of handover to a shared 5GS network, the source E-UTRAN determines the PLMN to use in the target network as specified in clause 5.2a of TS 23.251

[35] for eNodeB functionality. The supporting MME may provide an indication to the AMF via N26 that the source EPS PLMN is the preferred PLMN if the source EPS PLMN is available at a later time when changing the UE to an EPS shared network.

[0299] NOTE 1: If the UE has an active EPS bearer for normal voice or IMS emergency voice, the source E-UTRAN may be configured not to trigger a handover to 5GS.

[0300] If the PDN type of the EPS PDN connection is non-IP and is locally associated with PDU Session Type Ethernet or Unstructured in the UE and SMF, the 5GS PDU Session Type is set to Ethernet or Unstructured, respectively.

[0301] NOTE 2: If a non-IP PDN type is locally associated in the UE and SMF with PDU session type Ethernet, it means that the Ethernet PDN type is not supported by EPS.

[0302] NOTE 3: If the SMF+PGW-C in the HPLMN does not provide mapped QoS parameters, IP address continuity cannot be supported.

[0303] If NSAC is not supported in EPS, the AMF interacts with the NSACF to register the UE to the network slice, and if subject to NSAC in 5GS, the SMF+PGW-C interacts with the NSACF to register a PDU session from the network slice.

[0304] <4.11.1.2.2.3 Execution Phase> Figure 4.11.1.2.2.3-1 shows the EPS to 5GS Single Registration-based Interworking procedure.

[0305] Figure 4.11.1.2.2.3-1: EPS to 5GS handover using N26 interface, execution phase (see Figure 16)

[0306] NOTE: For simplicity, the diagram does not show step 6 P-GW-C+SMF registration to UDM.

[0307] 1-2. Steps 9-11 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] . Unlike step 9a of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1 based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] , after receiving the handover command the UE keeps in the NG-RAN the QoS Flow contexts for which it has not received corresponding radio resources until these QoS flows are released by the network using the PDU Session Modification procedure of clause 4.3.3. If a QoS flow with default QoS rule of a PDU session has no corresponding radio resources in the NG-RAN, the UE considers the user plane of this PDU session to be deactivated.

[0308] 3. Handover Confirm: The UE confirms the handover to the NG-RAN.

[0309] The UE moves out of the E-UTRAN and synchronizes with the target NG-RAN. The UE may resume uplink transmission of user plane data only for those QFIs and session IDs that have radio resources allocated in the NG-RAN.

[0310] E-UTRAN sends DL data to the data forwarding address received in step 1. If indirect data forwarding is applied, E-UTRAN forwards DL data to NG-RAN via SGW and v-UPF. v-UPF uses N3 tunnel information for data forwarding, adds QFI information and forwards data packets to NG-RAN. Target NG-RAN prioritizes forwarded packets over new packets of QoS flows that accepted data forwarding.

[0311] When direct data forwarding is applied, the E-UTRAN forwards DL data packets to the NG-RAN via a direct data forwarding tunnel.

[0312] 4. Handover notification: The NG-RAN notifies the target AMF that the UE has been handed over to the NG-RAN.

[0313] 5. The target AMF then recognizes that the UE has arrived at the target side and notifies the MME by sending a Forward Relocation Complete Notification message.

[0314] 6. Step 14 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] .

[0315] 7. Target AMF to SMF+PGW-C (V-SMF in case of roaming and home routing):

[0316] NSmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request (Handover Complete Indication of PDU Session ID). In the case of home-routed roaming, the V-SMF calls Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Request (V-CN Tunnel Info, Handover Complete Indication) to the SMF+PGW-C.

[0317] A Handover Complete Indication is sent to the corresponding SMF+PGW-C for each PDU session (sent by the V-SMF in case of roaming and home routing) to indicate the success of the N2 handover.

[0318] If indirect forwarding is used, a timer in the SMF+PGW-C (or V-SMF in case of roaming and home routing) is started to monitor when the UPF resources (for indirect data forwarding) are released.

[0319] 8. In the case of roaming in the case of home routing, the SMF+PGW-C updates the UPF+PGW-U with the V-CN tunnel information indicating that the downlink user plane of the indicated PDU session is switched to the NG-RAN or V-UPF, and can release the CN tunnel of the EPS bearer corresponding to the PDU session.

[0320] For each EPS bearer, immediately after the path switching, one or more "end markers" are sent by the UPF+PGW-U to the serving GW. The UPF+PGW-U starts sending downlink packets to the V-UPF.

[0321] 9. If the PCC infrastructure is used, the SMF+PGW-C informs the PCF about changes in e.g. RAT type or UE location.

[0322] 10. From SMF+PGW-C to target AMF: Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response (PDU Session ID, NSAC counting indicator).

[0323] SMF+PGW-C confirms receipt of Handover Complete. - If the SMF has not already registered for this PDU Session ID, the SMF registers with the UDM using Nudm_UECM_Registration(SUPI, DNN, PDU Session ID) for a particular PDU Session as per step 4 of the PDU Session Establishment Procedure in clause 4.3.2.

[0324] 11. For home routing roaming scenario: The V-SMF provides the N3 DL AN tunnel information to the v-UPF. This step is performed after step 7.

[0325] 12. The UE performs the 5GS Mobility Registration procedure from the EPS from step 2 of clause 4.11.1.3.3. The UE includes a UE Policy Container containing a list of PSI, an indication of UE support for ANDSP, and OSId if available. If the UE holds a native 5G-GUTI, the Registration Request also includes the native 5G-GUTI as an additional GUTI. The UE selects the 5G-GUTI as an additional GUTI in the following order of priority: - If available, the native 5G-GUTI assigned by the PLMN the UE is trying to register to. - If available, the native 5G-GUTI assigned by the PLMN equivalent to the PLMN the UE is trying to register. - Native 5G-GUTI allocated by other PLMNs (if available).

[0326] The additional GUTI allows the target AMF to find the UE's 5G security context (if available). The target AMF provides the NG-RAN with a list of PLMNs in the handover restriction list, including at least the serving PLMN, taking into account the last used EPS PLMN ID and the Return preferred indication as part of the Registration procedure execution and the target AMF signaling to the NG-RAN. The handover restriction list contains the list of PLMN IDs as specified in TS 23.501 [2].

[0327] Unless the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response in step 10 includes an NSAC counting indicator, the AMF interacts with the NSACF to register the UE in the network slice if it is subject to NSAC in 5GC.

[0328] If it is subject to NSAC in 5GS but not in EPS, the SMF+PGW-C can interact with the NSACF to register a PDU session from the network slice.

[0329] 13. TS 23.401

[13] clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal), step 19. In clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of TS 23.401

[13] , steps 20a to 20b shall be made the following changes:

[0330] In case of a PDN connection that cannot be transferred to 5GS (e.g. the PDN connection is anchored to a standalone PGW), the MME initiates the PDN connection release procedure as specified in TS 23.401

[13] .

[0331] 14. If indirect forwarding is used (V-SMF roaming and home routing case), expiry of the timer started in step 7 triggers the SMF+PGW-C to release the temporary resources used for indirect forwarding allocated in steps 11 to 13 of clause 4.11.1.2.2.2.

[0332] All or part of the embodiments disclosed above can be described as follows, but are not limited to these.

[0333] Supplementary Note 1. A method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC); if said first message contains said information, then a second message for said NSAC to send to said NSACF is maintained. A method comprising:

[0334] Appendix 2. A method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: Sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device; If the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC), send a second message for the NSAC to the NSACF device. A method comprising:

[0335] Supplementary Note 3. A method of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC); if said first message contains said information, then a second message for said NSAC to send to said NSACF is maintained. A method comprising:

[0336] Supplementary Note 4. A method of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device; If the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC), send a second message for the NSAC to the NSACF device. A method comprising:

[0337] Supplementary Note 5. A method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: Communicating with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device; Sending a first message to the AMF device Including, The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. A method comprising:

[0338] Supplementary Note 6. A method of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; If the first message includes the first information and the second information, a second message is stored for the NSAC to send to the NSACF. A method comprising:

[0339] Addendum 7. A method of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device; If the first message does not include first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC, send a second message to the NSACF device for the NSAC. A method comprising:

[0340] Supplementary Note 8. A method of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; Sending a second message to the device; The second message includes the first information and the second information. A method comprising:

[0341] Supplementary Note 9. A method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; Hold a second message for the NSAC to send to the NSACF when the device sends the first message to the AMF device. A method comprising:

[0342] A method for a Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: Sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device; If the first message does not include first information indicating that a second device associated with an SMF is capable of Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) and second information related to an interaction between the second device and a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC, sending a second message to the NSACF device for the NSAC. A method comprising:

[0343] Appendix 11. A Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC); means for the NSAC to hold a second message for sending to the NSACF if the first message contains the information; An apparatus comprising:

[0344] Appendix 12. A Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device; means for transmitting a second message for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device if the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with an NSACF device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC); An apparatus comprising:

[0345] Addendum 13. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC); means for the NSAC to hold a second message for sending to the NSACF if the first message contains the information; An apparatus comprising:

[0346] Addendum 14. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device; means for transmitting a second message for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device if the first message does not include information indicating that the device has interacted with an NSACF device for Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC); An apparatus comprising:

[0347] Appendix 15. A Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: means for communicating with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device; means for transmitting a first message to the AMF device; Including, The first message includes first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC. An apparatus comprising:

[0348] Addendum 16. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; means for the NSAC to hold a second message for sending to the NSACF if the first message includes the first information and the second information; An apparatus comprising:

[0349] Addendum 17. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device; means for transmitting a second message for the Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) to a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device if the first message does not include first information indicating that the device is NSAC capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; An apparatus comprising:

[0350] Addendum 18. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, comprising: means for receiving a first message from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; means for transmitting a second message to the device, the second message including the first information and the second information; An apparatus comprising:

[0351] Appendix 19. A Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, the first message including first information indicating that the device is Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) capable and second information indicating that the device has interacted with a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for the NSAC; means for the NSAC to hold a second message to send to the NSACF when the device sends the first message to the AMF device; An apparatus comprising:

[0352] Appendix 20. A Session Management Function (SMF)-related device, comprising: means for sending a first message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device; means for transmitting a second message for a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) device for an SMF associated second device to the NSACF device if the first message does not include first information indicating that the SMF associated second device is NSAC capable and second information related to an interaction between the second device and the NSACF device for the NSAC; An apparatus comprising:

[0353] Addendum 21. A method of a first device, comprising: communicating with a second device; receiving a first parameter related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status from the second device; The second device transmits a second parameter to a third device, the second parameter increasing a number of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions based on the first parameter. A method comprising:

[0354] Addendum 22. A method of a second device, comprising: Sending a first parameter related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status to the first device; If the first parameter does not include information indicating that the second device communicates with the third device with respect to the number of communication devices registered in the network slice parameter, increase the number of the communication devices. A method comprising:

[0355] Addendum 23. The method of the first device comprises: Sending a third parameter related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status to the second device; Send a message to a fourth device to reduce the number of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions based on the third parameter. A method comprising:

[0356] Addendum 24. The method of the first device comprises: receiving a third parameter from the second device related to a Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) status; and transmitting a fourth parameter to the third device, the fourth parameter decreasing the number of communication devices registered for the network slice parameter based on the third parameter. A method comprising:

[0357] Addendum 25. The first device is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). 25. The method according to claim 21, 22, 23, or 24.

[0358] Addendum 26. The second device includes a Session Management Function (SMF) and a PGW-C. 25. The method according to claim 21, 22, 23, or 24.

[0359] Addendum 27. The third device is a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF). 25. The method of claim 21, 22 or 24.

[0360] Addendum 28. The communication device is User Equipment (UE). 25. The method according to claim 22 or 24,

[0361] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0362] This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202111028663, filed on June 25, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0363] 1. Communication Systems 3. UE 5 (R)AN Node 7 Core network 20 Data network 31 Transmitter / receiver circuit 32 Antenna 33 Controller 34 User Interface 35 USIM 36 Memory 51 Transmitter / receiver circuit 52 Antenna 53 Network Interface 54 Controller 55 Memory 60RU 61DU 62 CU 70 AMF 71 SMF 72 UPF 73 PCF 74 NEF 75 UDM 76 NWDAF 77 NSACF 361 Operating Systems 362 Communication Control Module 551 Operating Systems 552 Communication Control Module 601 Transmitter / receiver circuit 602 Antenna 603 Network Interface 604 Controller 605 Memory 611 Transmitter / receiver circuit 612 Network Interface 613 Controller 614 Memory 621 Transmitter / Receiver Circuit 622 Network Interface 623 Controller 624 Memory 701 Transmitter / receiver circuit 702 Network Interface 703 Controller 704 Memory 711 Transmitter / receiver circuit 712 Network Interface 713 Controller 714 Memory 751 Transmitter / Receiver Circuit 752 Network Interface 753 Controller 754 Memory 771 Transmitter / Receiver Circuit 772 Network Interface 773 Controller 774 Memory 3621 Transceiver Control Module 5521 Transceiver Control Module 6051 Operating System 6052 Communication Control Module 6141 Operating Systems 6142 Communication Control Module 6241 Operating Systems 6242 Communication Control Module 7041 Operating Systems 7042 Communication Control Module 7141 Operating Systems 7142 Communication Control Module 7541 Operating Systems 7542 Communication Control Module 7741 Operating Systems 7742 Communication Control Module 60521 Transceiver Control Module 61421 Transceiver Control Module 62421 Transceiver Control Module 70421 Transceiver Control Module 71421 Transceiver Control Module 75421 Transceiver Control Module 77421 Transceiver Control Module< / nsacf> < / udm> < / smf> < / amf>

Claims

1. A method for counting a number of PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions of a network slice, comprising: receiving a request message from a core network node for session management control and a Packet data network Gateway (PGW) control plane control; When a User Equipment (UE) with an ongoing Protocol Data Network (PDN) connection moves from an Evolved Packet Core network (EPC) to a 5G Core Network (5GC), the number of PDU sessions of the network slice is not counted; A method of a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF).

2. The counting is to increase or decrease the number of the PDU sessions for the network slice.

2. The method of claim 1 .

3. The core network node for session management control and PGW control plane control is SMF (Session Management Function) + PGW-C (Control plane function), A method for the NSACF of claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The movement from the EPC to the 5GC is a handover from the EPC to the 5GC. A method for the NSACF of claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A means for receiving a request message for counting the number of PDU sessions of a network slice from a core network node for session management control and PGW control plane control; When a UE with an ongoing PDN connection moves from an EPC to a 5GC, a means for not counting the number of PDU sessions of the network slice; The NSACF comprises:

6. The counting is to increase or decrease the number of the PDU sessions for the network slice. The NSACF according to claim 5.

7. The core network node for session management control and PGW control plane control is SMF+PGW-C. The NSACF according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The movement from the EPC to the 5GC is a handover from the EPC to the 5GC. The NSACF according to claim 5 or claim 6.

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