Method and device for managing MT service information

Abstract

A method is provided for managing mobile terminated (MT) service information associated with a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) user equipment (UE) via non-3rd Generation Partnership Project (N3GPP) access in a wireless communication network, the method including: determining, by the multi-SIM UE, a service ongoing on a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE via 3GPP access; and managing, by the multi-SIM UE, MT service information associated with a second SIM of the multi-SIM UE using the N3GPP access based on the service ongoing on the 3GPP access of the first SIM of the multi-SIM UE.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to wireless communications networks using non-3 generation partnership projects (NGPPs). rd The present invention relates to a method for managing mobile terminated (MT) service information over a New Generation Partnership Project (N3GPP) access and a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE). [Background technology]

[0002] After the commercialization of fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, efforts are being made to develop advanced fifth-generation (5G) systems or pre-5G communication systems to meet the demands of ever-increasing wireless data traffic. For this reason, 5G systems or pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as beyond 4G network communication systems or post-LTE (long term evolution) systems.

[0003] Implementations of 5G communication systems using ultra-frequency millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, such as the 60 GHz band, are expected to achieve even higher data transmission rates. In ultra-high frequency bands, techniques such as beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and large-scale antennas are under discussion to reduce radio wave loss and extend the transmission range.

[0004] To improve the system network, technologies for next-generation small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communications, wireless backhaul, moving networks, cooperative communications, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), and receiver-end interference cancellation are also being developed in 5G / NR communications systems. Furthermore, advanced coding modulation (ACM), such as hybrid fQAM (frequency-shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)), sliding window superposition coding (SWSC), and advanced access techniques, such as filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA), are being developed in 5G systems.

[0005] Meanwhile, the Internet is evolving from a human-centric, connected network in which people generate and consume information to the Internet of Things (IoT), in which decentralized entities such as things send, receive, and process information without human intervention. For example, the Internet of Everything (IoE) has emerged, which is combined with big data processing technology through connections to cloud servers and IoT. To realize IoT, various technologies such as sensing technology, wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interfacing technology, and security technology are required, and recently, technologies for sensor networks, M2M (machine-to-machine), and MTC (machine-type communication) for connecting things are also being researched.

[0006] Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent internet technology (IT) services that create new value in human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. Through the convergence and combination of existing information technology (IT) with various industrial applications, IoT is also applied to diverse fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected vehicles, smart grids, healthcare, smart home appliances, and next-generation medical services. In connection with this, various attempts are being made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies related to sensor networks, M2M, MTC, etc. will be realized by 5G communication technologies, namely beamforming, MIMO, and array antenna schemes. Even the application of cloud radio access network (cloud RAN) as the aforementioned big data processing technology can be seen as an example of the convergence of 5G and IoT technologies.

[0007] Generally, with the advancement of technology, multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) is commonly used to obtain service benefits from various operators. Consider a multi-SIM user equipment (UE) with a single receiver and transmitter, or a multi-SIM UE with dual receivers and a single transmitter. The multi-SIM UE is in a connected mode using services on a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE via 3GPP access. A multi-SIM UE receives paging from the network for the second SIM. A multi-SIM UE has no knowledge of what kind of service is pending for the second SIM. Thus, the multi-SIM UE responds to the paging via 3GPP access and enters connected mode via 3GPP access by suspending the ongoing service on the first SIM. After entering connected mode, the multi-SIM UE finds that the service on the second SIM has no priority compared to the service that was ongoing on the first SIM.

[0008] Therefore, the multi-SIM UE must abandon the service on the second SIM and fall back to the service on the first SIM via 3GPP access. It will have a significant impact on the service on the first SIM at the UE side (eg, throughput reduction). At the same time, the network will face considerable resource waste. Furthermore, since the service is ongoing on the first SIM, the multi-SIM UE may not be able to read the paging in case of a multi-SIM UE with one receiver and one transmitter. Even if a multi-SIM UE has two receivers and therefore can read the paging message, it may not be able to respond to the paging message via 3GPP access because it only has one transmitter. This may have a significant impact on network resources since the network is paging the multi-SIM UE and the multi-SIM UE is unable to respond to the paging message. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, or other shortcomings, or at least provide a useful alternative. A main objective of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for managing Mobile Terminated (MT) service information and a Multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) over Non-3 Generation Partnership Project (N3GPP) access in a wireless communication network. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to determine an ongoing service on a first SIM of a multi-SIM UE via 3GPP access. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to determine, via 3GPP access, whether the priority of a service type pending for a second SIM is higher than the priority of a service in progress on a first SIM. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to manage MT service information related to a second SIM of a multi-SIM UE using an N3GPP access based on an ongoing service for a 3GPP access of a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to transmit a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message indicating that the multi-SIM UE does not intend to respond to a "NOTIFICATION" message related to the second SIM to the AMF controller via 3GPP access when the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM via 3GPP access is not higher than the priority of the service ongoing on the first SIM via 3GPP access. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to automatically transmit a NAS message with paging filtering rules to an AMF controller of a second SIM of a multi-SIM UE via N3GPP access. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a method for managing Mobile Terminated (MT) service information over Non-3rd Generation Partnership Project (N3GPP) access in a wireless communication network.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for a multi-SIM subscriber identity module (hereinafter referred to as "SIM") user equipment (hereinafter referred to as "UE") in a wireless communication network comprises: determining ongoing services on a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE via a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (hereinafter referred to as "3GPP") access; and managing mobile terminated (MT) service information associated with a second SIM of the multi-SIM UE using a non-3rd Generation Partnership Project (hereinafter referred to as "N3GPP") access based on the ongoing services for the 3GPP access of the first SIM of the multi-SIM UE.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) for a wireless communication network includes at least one processor configured to determine ongoing services on a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE via 3 Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access, and manage MT service information associated with a second SIM of the multi-SIM UE using Non-3 Generation Partnership Project (N3GPP) access based on the ongoing services associated with the 3GPP access of the first SIM of the multi-SIM UE. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The method and apparatus for managing MT service information according to the present invention utilizes an alternative route to reach a multi-SIM UE using non-3GPP access, which solves the aforementioned problems related to the waste of network resources via 3GPP access and increases the throughput of the multi-SIM UE. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views throughout. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description and with reference to the drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multi-SIM UE for managing MT service information via N3GPP access in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1 is a flowchart for illustrating and explaining a method for managing MT service information via N3GPP access in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 10 is another flowchart for illustrating and explaining a method for managing MT service information via N3GPP access in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario of resource wastage due to a multi-SIM UE being unable to recognize the service type pending for a second SIM, according to the prior art; [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario of managing MT service information received from a second SIM network via N3GPPA using a notification message (including an MT cause) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario of managing MT service information received from a second SIM network via 3GPPA using a paging message according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] A diagram for explaining an example of a notification (or NAS) message from an AMF transmitted via N3GPP access (Wi-fi access) to a multi-SIM UE used to manage MT service information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] A diagram for explaining an example in which N1 signaling connection via N3GPPA from AMF to multi-SIM UE is used to manage MT service information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a signaling diagram illustrating and explaining a scenario in which a multi-SIM UE automatically transmits a NAS message with paging filtering rules to an AMF of a second SIM of the multi-SIM UE via N3GPP access according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a signaling diagram illustrating and explaining a scenario in which a wireless communication network discontinues an active data connection in a multi-SIM UE, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a core network entity according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Embodiments of the invention, their various features and advantageous details will be explained more fully with reference to non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure embodiments of the present invention. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments may be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. As used herein, the term "or" refers to a non-exclusive term unless otherwise indicated. The examples used in this disclosure are merely intended to facilitate understanding of how embodiments of the present invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] As is common in the art, the present embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of described functions or blocks that perform those functions. The blocks, as they may be referred to in the present invention as units or modules, are physically embodied by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, and are optionally driven by firmware and software. The circuitry may be implemented, for example, in one or more semiconductor chips, or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuitry constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some of the functions of the block and a processor that performs other functions of the block. Each block of this embodiment may also be physically separated into two or more interacting and separate blocks without departing from the scope of the present invention. Likewise, the blocks of this embodiment may be physically combined into more composite blocks without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] The accompanying drawings are used to help facilitate understanding of various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented in the present invention are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the invention should be construed as extending to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutions other than those specifically set forth in the accompanying drawings. For example, although terms such as first and second may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. The terms are only used generically to distinguish one element from another.

[0018] The proposed method uses non-3GPP access (non-3rd generation partnership project: N3GPPA) and attempts to utilize an alternative route to reach multi-SIM (multi-subscriber identity module) user equipment (UE). The access and mobility management function (AMF) serves both 3GPP accesses (3GPPA) and non-3GPP accesses (N3GPPA) in the same public land mobile network (PLMN). That is, when the UE is registered with the same PLMN and also with both 3GPPA and N3GPPA.

[0019] Therefore, when the AMF receives downlink data for 3GPP access, a notification message or a non-access stratum (NAS) message from the AMF is also transmitted to the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPPA (an exemplary Wi-Fi access) when the "N3GPPA CM" state is "5GMM_REGISTERED" and "CM_CONNECTED" for N3GPP access and the CM state is "IDLE" for 3GPPA. This alternative path to reach multi-SIM UEs is explored in the present invention to solve the aforementioned problems associated with wasting network resources over 3GPP access and to increase the throughput of multi-SIM UEs.

[0020] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for managing mobile terminated (MT) service information associated with a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) 100 over a non-3rd generation partnership project (N3GPP) access in a wireless communication network. The method includes determining, by the multi-SIM UE100, via 3GPP access, an ongoing service on a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE100; and managing, by the multi-SIM UE100, using N3GPP access, MT service information related to a second SIM of the multi-SIM UE100 based on the ongoing service on the 3GPP access of the first SIM of the multi-SIM UE100.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of managing, by the multi-SIM UE 100, MT service information related to the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 using the N3GPP access based on an ongoing service for the 3GPP access of the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 includes receiving, by the multi-SIM UE 100, via the N3GPP access, a “NOTIFICATION” message from an AMF controller of the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 to initiate an MT service on the second SIM 160 via the 3GPP access. The 'NOTIFICATION' message includes information on the type of MT service to be initiated via the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access.

[0022] The method further includes determining, by the multi-SIM UE 100, a priority of a service type to be initiated via 3GPP access of the second SIM 160 and a priority of a service in progress on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access; and determining, by the multi-SIM UE 100, whether a priority of a service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is higher than a priority of a service in progress on the first SIM 150. The method further includes a step of performing, by the multi-SIM UE 100, one of triggering a service request or registration request for the second SIM 160 using an AMF controller via 3GPP access in response to a determination that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is higher than the priority of the service ongoing on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access, transitioning to a connected mode via the second SIM 160, and, in response to a determination that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is not higher than the priority of the service ongoing on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access, transmitting a “NOTIFICATION RESPONSE” message to the AMF controller via N3GPP indicating that the multi-SIM UE 100 does not intend to respond to the “NOTIFICATION” message related to the second SIM 160.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 is in a "CM-CONNECTED" state associated with the N3GPP access and a "CM-IDLE" state associated with the 3GPP access. In one embodiment, the service type is indicated using one of a mobile terminated (MT) cause and a paging cause.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of managing, by the multi-SIM UE 100, using N3GPP access based on an ongoing service on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100, MT service information related to the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 includes the step of automatically transmitting, by the multi-SIM UE 100, via the N3GPP access, a NAS message having paging filtering rules to an AMF controller of the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100. The paging filtering rules include at least one of a rejection cause value, a timer value, a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 wants to receive paging via 3GPP access, a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 wants to receive notifications via non-N3GPP access, a list of paging causes and services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to receive paging via 3GPP, and a list of paging causes and services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to receive notifications via N3GPP.

[0025] In one embodiment, the paging filtering rules are determined based on the service that is ongoing on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 . Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a multi-SIM UE 100 for managing mobile terminated (MT) service information in a wireless communication network via Non-3 Generation Partnership Project (N3GPP) access. The multi-SIM UE 100 includes a communicator 110 , a memory 120 , a processor 130 , and an MT service management controller 140 . The MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine an ongoing service on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via the 3GPP access, and manage MT service information related to the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 using the N3GPP access based on the ongoing service for the 3GPP access of the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100.

[0026] These and other aspects of embodiments of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments of the present disclosure include all such modifications.

[0027] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for managing mobile terminated (MT) service information associated with a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) 100 over a non-3rd generation partnership project (N3GPP) access in a wireless communication network. The method includes determining, by the multi-SIM UE 100, via 3GPP access, an ongoing service on a first SIM of the multi-SIM UE 100; and managing, by the multi-SIM UE, using N3GPP access based on the ongoing service on the 3GPP access of the first SIM of the multi-SIM UE, MT service information related to a second SIM of the multi-SIM UE.

[0028] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-10, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding features consistently throughout the views, there is shown a preferred embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multi-SIM UE 100 for managing MT service information via N3GPP access in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Consider a wireless communication network including a multi-SIM UE 100 and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) controller at the wireless communication network edge.

[0029] Consider multi-SIM UE 100 as including two SIMs, first SIM 150 and second SIM 160. In general, in terms of a multi-SIM UE 100, the first SIM 150 and the second SIM 160 may belong to the same device or to different networks. However, from the perspective of the wireless communication network, the first SIM 150 and the second SIM 160 are also considered to be two separate pieces of user equipment (UE). Thus, the term first SIM 150 refers to the first UE including the first wireless protocol stack, the first SIM 150 card, and portions of the application hierarchy. Similarly, the term second SIM 160 refers to a second UE including a second wireless protocol stack, a second SIM 160 card, and the remainder of the application hierarchy. Therefore, from the perspective of the wireless communication network, the first SIM 150 may be referred to as the first UE 150, and the second SIM 160 may be referred to as the second UE 160.

[0030] 1, the multi-SIM UE 100 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a wearable device, etc. The multi-SIM UE 100 includes a communicator 110, a memory 120, a processor 130, a mobile termination (MT) service management controller 140, a first SIM 150, and a second SIM 160.

[0031] In one embodiment, the communicator 110 is configured to enable communication between various hardware elements of the multi-SIM UE 100 . The memory 120 may include a non-volatile storage element. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or forms of erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Additionally, memory 120 may, in some instances, also be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the recording medium is not embodied by a carrier wave or propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be construed as meaning that memory 120 is non-movable. In some examples, memory 120 is also configured to store a larger amount of information than memory. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that may change over time (eg, in random access memory (RAM) or a cache).

[0032] In one embodiment, processor 130 is configured to execute various instructions stored in memory 120 . In one embodiment, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine an ongoing service on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via the 3GPP access, and manage MT service information related to the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 using the N3GPP access based on the ongoing service for the 3GPP access of the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100.

[0033] In one embodiment, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to manage MT service information associated with the second SIM 160 using N3GPP access. For example, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to receive a "NOTIFICATION" message from the AMF controller of the second SIM 160 via the N3GPP access to initiate an MT service on the second SIM 160 via the 3GPP access. The 'NOTIFICATION' message includes information on the type of MT service to be initiated for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access. Furthermore, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine the priority of the service type initiated via the 3GPP access of the second SIM 160 and the priority of the service in progress on the first SIM 150 via the 3GPP access, and to determine whether the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 via the 3GPP access is higher than the priority of the service in progress on the first SIM 150. The service type is indicated using one of the following causes: Mobile Terminated (MT) Cause and Paging Cause.

[0034] When it is determined that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is higher than the priority of the service in progress on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to trigger a service request or registration request to the second SIM 160 using the AMF controller via 3GPP access and move to a connected mode via the second SIM 160. Upon determining that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is not higher than the priority of the service ongoing on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to transmit a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message to the AMF controller via N3GPP access, indicating that the multi-SIM UE 100 does not intend to respond to the "NOTIFICATION" message related to the second SIM 160. The second SIM 160 is in a "connection management (CM)-CONNECTED" state associated with the N3GPP access and a "CM-IDLE" or "radio receive control (RRC)_INACTIVE" state associated with the 3GPP access.

[0035] In another embodiment, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to manage MT service information related to the second SIM 160 using N3GPP access. For example, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to automatically transmit a NAS message with paging filtering rules to an AMF controller of the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access. The paging filtering rules include at least one of a rejection cause value, a timer value, a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 wants to receive paging via 3GPP access, a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 wants to receive notifications via non-N3GPP access, a list of paging causes and services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to receive paging via 3GPP, and a list of paging causes and services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to receive notifications via N3GPP. The paging filtering rules are determined based on the service that is ongoing on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100.

[0036] Although only the dual SIM case is discussed, the proposed method is also applicable to the USIM (multi universal subscriber identity module) case. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the hardware elements of a multi-SIM UE 100, it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the multi-SIM UE 100 may include fewer or more elements. Furthermore, any labels or names of elements are used for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components may be combined together to perform the same or substantially similar functions.

[0037] FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating and explaining a method 200a for managing MT service information via N3GPP access in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2A, at step 202a, the multi-SIM UE 100 determines the services ongoing on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via 3GPP access. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine the services ongoing on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via 3GPP access.

[0038] In step 204a, the multi-SIM UE 100 receives a "NOTIFICATION" message from an AMF controller of the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access to initiate an MT service on the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 , the MT service management controller 140 is configured to receive a “NOTIFICATION” message from the AMF controller of the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access to initiate an MT service on the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access.

[0039] In step 206a, the multi-SIM UE 100 determines the priority of service types initiated via 3GPP access on the second SIM 160 and the priority of services ongoing on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine the priority of service types initiated via 3GPP access on the second SIM 160 and the priority of services ongoing on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access.

[0040] At step 208 a, the multi-SIM UE 100 determines whether the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 is higher than the priority of the service in progress on the first SIM 150 via 3GPP access. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine whether the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is higher than the priority of the service in progress on the first SIM 150.

[0041] In step 210a, when the multi-SIM UE 100 determines via 3GPP access that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 is higher than the priority of the service in progress on the first SIM 150, it triggers a service request or registration request to the second SIM 160 using the AMF controller via 3GPP access and moves to a connected mode via the second SIM 160. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, when the MT service management controller 140 determines that the priority of a service type pending for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access is higher than the priority of a service in progress on the first SIM 150, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to trigger a service request or registration request for the second SIM 160 via 3GPP access using the AMF controller, and transition to a connected mode via the second SIM 160.

[0042] In step 212a, when the multi-SIM UE 100 determines via 3GPP access that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 is not higher than the priority of the service ongoing on the first SIM 150, the multi-SIM UE 100 transmits a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message to the AMF controller via N3GPP access indicating that the multi-SIM UE 100 does not intend to respond to the "NOTIFICATION" message related to the second SIM 160. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, when the MT service management controller 140 determines via 3GPP access that the priority of the service type pending for the second SIM 160 is not higher than the priority of the service ongoing on the first SIM 150, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to transmit a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message indicating that the multi-SIM UE 100 does not intend to respond to the "NOTIFICATION" message related to the second SIM 160 to the AMF controller via N3GPP access. The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, etc. in the methods may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 2B is another flowchart (200b) for illustrating and explaining a method for managing MT service information via N3GPP access in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2B, at step 202b, the multi-SIM UE 100 determines the services ongoing on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via 3GPP access. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to determine the services ongoing on the first SIM 150 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via 3GPP access.

[0044] In step 204b, the multi-SIM UE 100 automatically transmits a NAS message with the paging filtering rule to an AMF controller of the second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access. For example, in the multi-SIM UE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the MT service management controller 140 is configured to automatically transmit a NAS message with paging filtering rules to an AMF controller of a second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access. The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, etc. in the methods may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario of resource wastage due to a multi-SIM UE 100 being unable to recognize the type of service pending for a second SIM 160, according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 3, consider a multi-SIM UE 100 (generally, a MULTI USIM UE) that includes a single receiver and a single transmitter, or dual receivers and a single transmitter. At stage 302, the multi-SIM UE 100 is in connected mode using service 1 on the first SIM 150. At stage 306, the multi-SIM UE 100 receives a page from the network via 3GPPA relating to the second SIM 160 indicating a pending service (Service 2) waiting to be initiated on the second SIM 160. A multi-SIM UE 100 with a single receiver and a single transmitter will not be able to receive the paging message.

[0046] A multi-SIM UE 100 with two receivers and a single transmitter will be able to receive the paging message. At stage 308, because the multi-SIM UE 100 is using the service on the first SIM 150, the multi-SIM UE 100 will not be able to respond to the paging message via 3GPP access. The inability of the multi-SIM UE 100 to respond to a page associated with the second SIM 160 while a service is ongoing on the first SIM 150 is primarily due to the hardware limitations of a single transmitter. However, since the second SIM network cannot be aware of the hardware limitations of the single transmitter of the multi-SIM UE 100 and the ongoing services, the second SIM network will continue to expand the paging over an even wider area, which will lead to a waste of network resources.

[0047] FIG. 4A is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario of managing MT service information received from a second SIM network via N3GPPA using a notification message (including an MT cause) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4A, in step 404a, the multi-SIM UE 100 receives either a notification message (including an MT cause) via non-3GPP access (N3GPPA) or a paging message via 3GPP access (3GPPA) with a paging cause.

[0048] In step 406a, the multi-SIM UE 100 determines that the current operation on the first SIM 150 is of higher priority compared to the pending MT service received (or initiated) via the second SIM 160, whereby the multi-SIM UE 100 further responds with a notification response message to the network via N3GPPA, as can be seen from step 408a. Once N3GPPA is in registered connected mode (if N3GPPA is not in connected mode, once multi-SIM UE 100 goes into connected mode), multi-SIM UE 100 may transmit a notification response message carrying one or all of the following information along with the parameters (or information) indicated above:

[0049] The multi-SIM UE 100 is not in a position to initiate any pending MT services or actions via 3GPPA. A set of services for which it is desired that the multi-SIM UE 100 receive notifications (via N3GPPA) or paging (via 3GPPA), i.e. the multi-SIM UE 100 initiates a service request and enters connected mode for those services via 3GPPA. A timer indicating the duration that the multi-SIM UE 100 is not ready to accept paging messages via 3GPPA or notification messages via N3GPPA for the indicated service. An indication to the network that the multi-SIM UE 100 is not interested in listening to any MT data / signaling until further notice. In this case, the multi-SIM UE 100 is required to transmit a NAS message to the network indicating when it is more likely to receive MT data.

[0050] FIG. 4B is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario of managing MT service information received using a paging message via 3GPPA from a second SIM network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4B, at step 404b, the multi-SIM UE 100 receives a paging message (via 3GPP access) with a paging cause value (service type).

[0051] Further, in step 406b, the multi-SIM UE 100 checks the priority of ongoing services on other SIMs and based on USIM configuration or user preferences, or both, and if the multi-SIM UE 100 determines that current paging does not have priority over services on other SIMs, the multi-SIM UE 100 transmits a NAS message to the network via N3GPP access (step 408b).

[0052] In the NAS message transmitted over N3GPP access, the multi-SIM UE 100 may include a rejection cause value, a timer value, and a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 wants to receive paging (over 3GPPA) or notifications (over non-3GPP access), and / or a list of paging causes / services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to receive paging (over 3GPPA) or notifications (over non-3GPP). The NAS message causes the network to suspend transmission of additional paging (over 3GPP access) / notification messages (over non-3GPP access) to the multi-SIM UE 100 for the duration of the given transaction (optionally until a provided timer expires).

[0053] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification (or NAS) message from an access and mobility management function (AMF) transmitted via N3GPP access (Wi-Fi access) to a multi-SIM UE 100 used to manage MT service information in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The same AMF in the 5G system serves both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses in the same public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0054] When the AMF receives downlink data for 3GPP access, when the N3GPPA CM state is "5GMM_REGISTERED" and "CM_CONNECTED" (or other) for the N3GPP access and the CM state is "IDLE" for 3GPPA, a notification (or NAS) message from the AMF is transmitted to the multi-SIM UE 100 via the N3GPP access (Wi-Fi access).

[0055] Furthermore, the notification message (or NAS message) may convey information to the multi-SIM UE 100 relating to one type of traffic / data / signaling that is pending to be conveyed to the multi-SIM UE 100 via the 3GPP access. The information is also referred to as paging cause, service category, service category ID, application service category ID, MT cause, etc. Typically, the information corresponds to a set of services / NAS or Radio Receive Control (RRC) messages that are at the same priority level as the multi-SIM UE 100 . As such, the multi-SIM UE 100 knows that one of the service sets / sets of NAS or RRC messages is pending to be delivered to the multi-SIM UE 100 via the 3GPP access.

[0056] If a notification message comes from the operator of the first SIM 150, N3GPPA (Non-3GPP Access), and depending on the current activity (or operation) on the second SIM 160, the multi-SIM UE 100 makes one of the following decisions based on the ME cause received in the notification message: The first SIM 150 responds to the notification message with a service request message via the operator's 3GPP access. In that case, the multi-SIM UE 100 is suspended on the second SIM 160 for the 3GPP part of the operation or service, i.e., RF is not provided to the SIM-2 stack. Ignore the notification message, or The first SIM stack of the multi-SIM UE 100 further responds to the operator of the first SIM 150 via N3GPPA and indicates why it cannot initiate a service request via 3GPPA due to higher priority operation on the second SIM 160, i.e., the multi-SIM UE 100 cannot receive the incoming service while in use.

[0057] Upon receiving the notification message, the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates that MT traffic via the first SIM 150 operator has higher priority when compared to the second SIM 160 operation, or, if the second SIM 160 is in idle or detached mode, responds to the notification message with a service request message via the first SIM 150 operator's 3GPP access. In that case, the 3GPP access portion of the second SIM 160 service is discontinued. This suspension can be of two types, network or local, but is limited to 3GPP access. Upon receiving the notification message, the multi-SIM UE 100 does not respond to the notification message if the current activity on the second SIM 160 is of higher priority compared to that pending on the first SIM 150 .

[0058] FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining an example in which an N1 signaling connection via N3GPPA from an AMF to a multi-SIM UE 100 is used to manage MT service information according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5B, in that approach, each time the multi-SIM UE 100 initiates a service on the first SIM 150, the multi-SIM UE 100 instructs the second SIM 160 operator on N3GPPA:

[0059] 1. Whether the multi-SIM UE 100 can accept MT paging, optionally together with a timer. 2. If the multi-SIM UE 100 can accept paging or notifications (via N3GPPA), what kind of services the multi-SIM UE 100 can accept via SIM-2, optionally together with a timer.

[0060] The proposed method is applicable to both cases where the MUSIM UE is registered in a single PLMN and cases where the UE is registered in different PLMNs. The terms first SIM 150 / (SIM-1) and second SIM 160 / (SIM-2) refer to their respective protocol stacks. In the proposed method, the terms notification and notification response are used. The names are merely descriptive and may be any NAS or RRC message, but the concept remains the same. The proposed method also applies to MUSIM (multi-USIM, i.e., more than one USIM) UEs. In one embodiment, the multi-SIM UE 100 can only receive or transmit NAS messages if the multi-SIM UE 100 is in the registered and "CM-CONNECTED" state.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a signaling diagram illustrating a scenario in which a multi-SIM UE 100 automatically transmits a NAS message with paging filtering rules to an AMF controller of a second SIM 160 of the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, in step 602, considering that the multi-SIM UE 100 desires to initiate a service or operation via one SIM, in step 604 the multi-SIM UE 100 transmits a NAS message via non-3GPPA to the network of the other SIM.

[0062] In the NAS or message, the multi-SIM UE 100 may include a rejection cause value, a timer value, and a list of services for which the UE wants to receive paging (via 3GPPA) or notifications (via non-3GPP access), and / or a list of paging causes / services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to receive paging (via 3GPPA) or notifications (via non-3GPPA). The multi-SIM UE 100 may also explicitly indicate that it does not wish to receive the associated paging in all cases. Due to the NAS message, in stage 606 the network suspends (optionally until a provided timer expires) transmitting additional paging (via 3GPPA) / "NOTIFICATION" (via N3GPPA) messages to the multi-SIM UE 100. The multi-SIM UE 100 takes into account that the multi-SIM UE 100 has provided the network with a timer value indicating the duration during which the multi-SIM UE 100 is not ready to receive MT notifications, i.e., paging in 3GPPA or notification messages via N3GPPA (optionally for a serving set).

[0063] Now, if the multi-SIM UE 100 wants to change the timer value or stop the timer on the network side, the UE transmits a further NAS message (via 3GPP or non-3GPP access) to instruct the network of the new timer value or to stop the timer. When the multi-SIM UE 100 receives a paging message (via 3GPPA) containing a paging cause or a "NOTIFICATION" message (via N3GPPA) containing an MT cause via the SIM-2 operator, the multi-SIM UE 100 is implemented based on user consent or priority of the incoming service.

[0064] The multi-SIM UE 100 decides to suspend the 3GPPA portion of the service or operation that is ongoing on the (SIM-1) network (which is also in connected mode). Therefore, the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates the same to the (SIM-1) network. The (SIM-1) network will thereby interrupt any ongoing services and move the multi-SIM UE 100 to an "IDLE" or "INACTIVE" state. The terms MT cause or paging cause as used in this embodiment refer to information provided to the multi-SIM UE 100 via one of 3GPPA access and non-3GPP access regarding MT signaling or data pending for 3GPPA.

[0065] MT signaling or data may also be one or more sets of service or NAS signaling messages that are pending to be conveyed to the UE via 3GPPA. In this embodiment, the terms paging cause, MT cause, or service are information that is also in the form of an ID that can indicate an APN / DNN (i.e., PDU Session ID), QCI, 5QI, packet filter, slice ID, NSSAI, S-NSSAI, a service of the same priority, or a signaling message of equal priority. The message names used in this embodiment are only representative to indicate that they are one of the NAS message and the RRC message.

[0066] In one embodiment, if a timer value is indicated as being provided to the network, in the same situation, if the timer value is not provided to the network, the network assumes a value of "0" and the network also pages or transmits a notification to the multi-SIM UE 100 after a network implementation-dependent time. In one embodiment, if the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates to the network a set of services for which it does not want to be paged or notified, the network is allowed to page or notify the multi-SIM UE 100 for other services. In one embodiment, if the UE indicates to the network a set of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to be paged or notified, the network must page or notify the multi-SIM UE 100 for the other services.

[0067] In one embodiment, when the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates to the network the set of services for which it wishes to be paged, the multi-SIM UE 100 may also indicate to the network that it does not wish to be paged or notified for its MT signaling or data. In one embodiment, the terms operation, service, and service set refer to a protocol data unit (PDU) session data packet (eg, which may be represented by a service) or signaling message. In one embodiment, the terms operation, service, and service set may refer to a downlink data packet of a PDU session (e.g., which may be represented by a service), may refer to a signaling message, or may be any procedure (or action) performed by the multi-SIM UE 100.

[0068] In one embodiment, the description herein considers the example to be 5G, but the proposed method is applicable to 4G technology with appropriate modifications. In one embodiment, the indication (or information) is transmitted to the multi-SIM UE 100 by the network via non-3GPP access. The information indicates that a type of signaling or data is pending to be conveyed to the multi-SIM UE 100 via 3GPPA. Based on the information, the multi-SIM UE 100 performs one of the following:

[0069] 1. The multi-SIM UE 100 aborts the 3GPPA portion of other SIM operations or services that are in progress based on user consent, UE configuration, or USIM configuration. This discontinuation may be local to the multi-SIM UE 100 (without notifying the network), or the multi-SIM UE 100 may use a NAS message or an AS message as discussed in the embodiments to indicate to the network that operation is to be discontinued. Additionally, the multi-SIM UE 100 transmits a service request message (or any NAS message) over 3GPPA to the network that provided the instruction (or information) via N3GPPA. 2. The multi-SIM UE 100 decides to ignore the received incoming message. 3. The multi-SIM UE 100 further responds to the network transmitting the information via N3GPPA using 3GPPA (e.g., using a 3GPP-defined early data transmission mechanism), or N3GPPA where the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to respond to the information via 3GPPA.

[0070] Further information may be provided indicating the duration for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to respond via 3GPPA, a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to respond via 3GPPA, and a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does want to respond via 3GPPA. The further information may also indicate to the network that the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to be paged or "NOTIFIED" for any incoming data or signaling via 3GPPA, in which case the multi-SIM UE 100 must further indicate to the network when it is ready to accept incoming data or signaling via 3GPPA.

[0071] The network operates based on the information received. The network transmits further instructions to the UE only if the UE indicates that it will react via 3GPPA, or the network transmits further instructions to the UE only for services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates that it will react via 3GPPA, or the network transmits further instructions to the UE if the multi-SIM UE 100 waits until a timer provided by the multi-SIM UE 100 expires before transmitting further information to the multi-SIM UE 100, or the network transmits the further instructions to the UE for any combination of the above three types. The technical term "react via 3GPPA" means that the UE further responds to an NAS message for a notification or paging message coming in via 3GPPA.

[0072] In one embodiment, the instruction (or information) is transmitted to the multi-SIM UE 100 by the network via 3GPP access. The information indicates that a type of signaling or data is pending to be conveyed to the multi-SIM UE 100 via 3GPPA. Based on the information, the multi-SIM UE 100 performs one of the following:

[0073] 1. The multi-SIM UE 100 aborts the 3GPPA portion of other SIM operations or services that are in progress based on user consent, UE configuration, or USIM configuration. This discontinuation may be local to the multi-SIM UE 100 (without notifying the network), or the multi-SIM UE 100 may indicate to the network that operation is to be discontinued using a NAS or AS message (same parameters as in 3. below) as discussed in that embodiment. 2. The multi-SIM UE 100 decides to ignore the received incoming message. 3. The multi-SIM UE 100 further responds to the network transmitting the information via N3GPPA using 3GPPA (e.g., using a 3GPP-defined early data transmission mechanism) or N3GPPA where the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to respond to the information via 3GPPA.

[0074] Further information includes a duration for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to respond via 3GPPA, a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to respond via 3GPPA, and a list of services for which the multi-SIM UE 100 does want to respond via 3GPPA. The further information may also indicate to the network that the multi-SIM UE 100 does not want to be paged or "NOTIFIED" for any incoming data or signaling via 3GPPA, in which case the multi-SIM UE 100 must further indicate to the network when it is ready to accept incoming data or signaling via 3GPPA.

[0075] The network operates based on the information received. The network transmits further instructions to the UE only if the multi-SIM UE 100 has indicated that it will react via 3GPPA, the network transmits further instructions to the UE only for services that the multi-SIM UE 100 has indicated that it will react via 3GPPA, or the network transmits further instructions to the UE if it waits until a timer provided by the multi-SIM UE 100 expires before transmitting further information to the multi-SIM UE.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the multi-SIM UE 100 itself accepts and indicates to the network the set of services it desires to initiate, these are sets of services that are of higher or equal priority when compared to ongoing services on other USIMs. In one embodiment, the other SIM is one or more SIMs that are not in the network of the SIM for which the paging or notification message is received.

[0077] The operator or network of a USIM or SIM is the PLMN through which the respective USIM information is registered to the network. That is, it is a general term used to indicate the case where a normal MUSIM, for example, a dual SIM UE is registered with two operators, one associated with SIM1 and the other associated with SIM2. The respective registered networks are denoted as (SIM-1) network and (SIM-2) network. In one embodiment, the term "abort" is also interpreted as removing RF from the particular stack being aborted.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a signaling diagram illustrating and explaining a scenario in which an active data connection in a multi-SIM UE 100 is discontinued by a wireless communication network, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, assume that at step 704, the multi-SIM UE 100 receives a paging message (via 3GPPA) containing a paging cause or a "NOTIFICATION" message (via N3GPPA) containing an MT cause.

[0079] In step 706, the multi-SIM UE 100 based on user consent or UE implementation based on the priority of the incoming service decides to suspend the 3GPPA portion of the ongoing service on the network in connected mode (SIM-1). To do so, the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates its identity to the network (SIM-1) via N3GPPA with a NAS message (as shown at step 708). The (SIM-1) network will thereby discontinue any ongoing services and move the multi-SIM UE 100 to an "IDLE" or "INACTIVE" state per 3GPPA.

[0080] The network will not page or transmit any further "NOTIFICATION" messages to the UE for the service list provided by the UE until the time given by the UE. The network releases the signaling connection and moves the UE to an "IDLE" or "INACTIVE" state (step 710). Furthermore, in step 712, if there is incoming data, the (SIM-1) network does not page / notify the multi-SIM UE 100 (as shown in step 714) and in step 716 provides a rejection message to the requesting node with a cause, a timer, or stores the received data.

[0081] In the embodiment discussed in which the AMF includes an MT cause and transmits a "NOTIFICATION" message to the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access, the AMF decides to transmit the "NOTIFICATION" message to the multi-SIM UE 100 via N3GPP access if:

[0082] a. When the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates to the network via 3GPPA (optionally for a sub-service set) using a NAS message or an AS message that it will not respond to the paging message. That is, when the UE is in suspended state for 3GPPA (optionally only for a specific service). b. The AMF knows that the UE is a MUSIM UE (or, more precisely, that the UE is 1Rx / Tx or 2Rx / Tx), and therefore the AMF knows that the UE cannot respond to paging via 3GPPA. The AMF identifies that the UE is a MUSIM UE based on information provided in the NAS / AS message by the network or UE, which stores its subscription information, etc.

[0083] In one embodiment, the multi-SIM UE 100 may instruct the AMF in a NAS message or AS message (such as a registration request message or a service request message) to force the transmission of a notification message over N3GPPA because the multi-SIM UE 100 cannot respond to paging over 3GPPA. If the AMF accepts the request, the AMF further instructs the multi-SIM UE 100 in a NAS message or an AS message (such as a registration acceptance or a service acceptance).

[0084] With the acceptance indication from the AMF, the multi-SIM UE 100 stops monitoring the paging channel over 3GPPA to receive mobile terminated (MT) services, and the multi-SIM UE 100 expects to receive all pending MT service notifications over N3GPPA rather than via paging procedures over 3GPPA. The multi-SIM UE 100 forcing the AMP to transmit a notification via N3GPPA may also be implicitly understood by the network when the multi-SIM UE 100 instructs the network via 3GPPA to discontinue an ongoing service and requests the network to disconnect resources, i.e., RRC and NAS signaling (or move the UE to an inactive state). In the NAS message, the multi-SIM UE 100 indicates (optionally for a service set and for a particular duration) that it does not want to receive paging. In that case, the multi-SIM UE 100 also stops monitoring paging messages related to the MT service.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a base station 800 includes a processor 810, a transceiver unit 820, and a memory 830. However, none of the illustrated components are required. Base station 800 may be implemented with more or fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, the processor 810, transceiver 820, and memory 830 may be implemented as a single chip in other embodiments. The aforementioned components will now be described in more detail.

[0086] Processor 810 includes one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes and / or methods. The operation of base station 800 is also implemented by processor 810 . The transceiver unit 820 includes an RF transmitter that upconverts and amplifies signals to be transmitted, and an RF receiver that downconverts the frequency of received signals. However, according to other embodiments, the transceiver unit 820 may be implemented with more or fewer components than those shown. The transceiver unit 820 is coupled to the processor 810 and transmits and / or receives signals. The signal may include control information and data. The transceiver 820 also receives signals via a wireless channel and outputs the signals to the processor 810 . The transceiver 820 transmits the signal output from the processor 810 via a wireless channel.

[0087] The memory 830 stores control information or data contained in signals acquired by the base station 800 . The memory 830 is coupled to the processor 810 and stores at least one instruction, protocol, or parameter for the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. The memory 830 may include read only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM) and / or hard disk and / or CD-ROM and / or DVD and / or other storage devices.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The above-mentioned multi-SIM UE 100 corresponds to the UE 900 . Referring to FIG. 9, the UE 900 includes a processor 910, a transceiver 920, and a memory 930. However, none of the illustrated components are required. The UE 900 may be embodied with more or fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, the processor 910, transceiver 920, and memory 930 may be implemented as a single chip in other embodiments. The aforementioned components will now be described in more detail.

[0089] Processor 910 includes one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes and / or methods. The operation of the UE 900 is also embodied by the processor 910. The transceiver unit 920 includes an RF transmitter that upconverts and amplifies signals to be transmitted, and an RF receiver that downconverts the frequency of received signals. However, according to other embodiments, the transceiver 920 may be implemented with more or fewer components than those shown. The transceiver unit 920 is coupled to the processor 910 and transmits and / or receives signals. The signal may include control information and data. The transceiver 920 also receives signals via a wireless channel and outputs the signals to the processor 910 . The transceiver 920 transmits the signal output from the processor 910 via a wireless channel.

[0090] The memory 930 stores control information or data included in signals acquired by the UE 900. The memory 930 is coupled to the processor 910 and stores at least one instruction, protocol, or parameter for the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. The memory 930 may include ROM and / or RAM and / or hard disk and / or CD-ROM and / or DVD and / or other storage devices.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a core network entity according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned AMF corresponds to the core network entity 1000. Referring to FIG. 10, a core network entity 1000 includes a processor 1010, a transceiver unit 1020, and a memory 1030. However, none of the illustrated components are required. The core network entity 1000 may be embodied with more or fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, the processor 1010, the transceiver 1020, and the memory 1030 may be implemented as a single chip in other embodiments. The aforementioned components will now be described in more detail.

[0092] The transceiver 1020 provides an interface for communicating with other devices in the network. In other words, the transceiver 1020 converts a bit stream to be transmitted from the core network entity 1000 to another device into a physical signal, and converts a physical signal received from another device into a bit stream. In other words, the transceiver unit 1020 transmits and receives signals. The transceiver 1020 may refer to a modem, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication unit, and a communication module. The transceiver unit 1020 allows the core network entity 1000 to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection or other connectivity method.

[0093] The memory 1030 stores basic programs, application programs, and configuration information related to the operation of the core network entity 1000 . The memory 1030 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory 1030 provides data upon request from the processor 1010 . The processor 1010 controls the overall operation of the core network entity 1000 . For example, the processor 1010 transmits and receives signals via the transceiver unit 1020 . The processor 1010 may include at least one processor. The processor 1010 controls the core network entity 1000 to perform operations according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] The disclosed embodiments of the present invention may also be embodied through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device to perform network management functions and control elements. An element includes a block, element, action, act, step, etc. that is at least one of a hardware device or a combination of a hardware device and a software module.

[0095] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully illustrates the general nature of the embodiments in the present disclosure such that others, by applying their current knowledge, may readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for a variety of applications without departing from the general concept; therefore, such adaptations and modifications must and are intended to be understood within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments herein may be modified and implemented within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 Multi-SIM UE 110 Communication Device 120 memory 130 processors 140 MT Service Management Controller 150 1st SIM 160 2nd SIM

Claims

1. 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication network, comprising: receiving a "NOTIFICATION" message indicating 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access and associated with a service type from an access and mobility management function (AMF) via a non-3GPP access; wherein the UE identifies that it supports MUSIM (multiple universal subscriber identity modules); Identifying that the UE supporting the MUSIM is unable to initiate a service request procedure over the 3GPP access in response to a "NOTIFICATION" message related to the service type; transmitting a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message to the AMF via the non-3GPP access, indicating that the UE cannot initiate the service request procedure; The initiation of the service request procedure is associated with transmitting a service request message to the AMF, The method performed by the user equipment, wherein the service request procedure is related to a mobile terminated (MT) service.

2. A method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) in a wireless communication system, comprising: transmitting a "NOTIFICATION" message indicating 3GPP access and associated with a service type to a user equipment (UE) via a non-3GPP access; If the UE supporting multiple universal subscriber identity modules (MUSIM) is unable to initiate a service request procedure on the 3GPP in response to a "NOTIFICATION" message related to the service type, receiving a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message from the UE via the non-3GPP access, the "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message indicating that the UE is unable to initiate the service request procedure, Initiating the service request procedure involves receiving a service request message from the UE; The service request procedure is performed by an AMF, wherein the service request procedure is related to a mobile terminated (MT) service.

3. In a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, The UE receives a "NOTIFICATION" message indicating 3GPP access and associated with a service type from an access and mobility management function (AMF) via non-3GPP access; wherein the UE identifies that it supports MUSIM (multiple universal subscriber identity modules); Identifying that the UE supporting the MUSIM cannot initiate a service request procedure over the 3GPP access in response to a "NOTIFICATION" message related to the service type; At least one processor for transmitting a "NOTIFICATION RESPONSE" message indicating that the UE cannot initiate the service request procedure to the AMF via the non-3GPP access; The initiation of the service request procedure is associated with transmitting a service request message to the AMF, The service request procedure is related to MT (mobile terminated) services. A UE characterized by:

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