Apparatus, methods and computer programs relating to multi registration

Abstract

An apparatus, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment; and sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS RELATING TO MULTI

[0002] REGISTRATION

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to communication systems and in particular but not exclusively to apparatus, methods and computer programs relating to multi registration.

[0005] Background

[0006] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless network is one example of a communication system.

[0007] Such communication systems operate in according with standards such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 5G (5thGeneration) standards provided by 3GPP.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0010] According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: means for receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment; and means for sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0011] The indication may indicate the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type.

[0012] The indication may indicate the network does support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type.

[0013] The registration request may comprise information indicating that the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type.

[0014] The apparatus may comprise means for determining if the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type, and when the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for the same access type, the sending means may be for sending the registration response to the user equipment.

[0015] The apparatus may comprise means for determining if the registration request is a first active request for registration with the network for a first access type from the user equipment.

[0016] When the registration request is determined to be a first active request for registration with the network for the first access type, the registration response may comprise a registration accept response.

[0017] When the registration request is determined not to be a first active request for registration with the network for the first access type, and the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type, the registration response may comprise a registration reject response.

[0018] The registration request may comprise a registration request for 3GPP access or a registration request for non-3GPP access.

[0019] The network may comprise one of a public land mobile network and a stand-alone nonpublic network.

[0020] According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment; and sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0021] According to an aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment; and sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0022] The indication may indicate the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type.

[0023] The indication may indicate the network does support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type.

[0024] The registration request may comprise information indicating that the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type.

[0025] The method may comprise determining if the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type, and when the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for the same access type, the sending means may be for sending the registration response to the user equipment.

[0026] The method may comprise determining if the registration request is a first active request for registration with the network for a first access type from the user equipment.

[0027] When the registration request is determined to be a first active request for registration with the network for the first access type, the registration response may comprise a registration accept response.

[0028] When the registration request is determined not to be a first active request for registration with the network for the first access type, and the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type, the registration response may comprise a registration reject response.

[0029] The registration request may comprise a registration request for 3GPP access or a registration request for non-3GPP access.

[0030] The network may comprise one of a public land mobile network and a stand-alone nonpublic network.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising: means for sending a first registration request for registration with a network; and means for receiving a registration response to the request with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for the user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0032] The indication may indicate the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

[0033] The indication may indicate the network does support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

[0034] The first registration request may comprise information indicating that the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type.

[0035] The registration response may comprise a registration accept response when the registration request is a first active request for registration with the network for a first access type.

[0036] The registration response may comprise a registration reject response when the first registration request is not a first active request for registration for a first access type with the network and the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

[0037] The first registration request may comprise a registration request for 3GPP access or a registration request non-3GPP access. The user equipment may comprise means for determining if a second registration request for registration with the network for a same access type as the first registration request is to be sent, said determining based on the indication received in the registration response.

[0038] The user equipment may comprise means for selecting a network to which a second registration request for a same access type as the first registration request is to be sent, said selecting based on one or more of the indication or a local network selection policy.

[0039] According to another aspect, there is provided a user equipment, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform: sending a first registration request for registration with a network; and receiving a registration response to the request with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for the user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0040] According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: sending a first registration request for registration with a network; and receiving a registration response to the request with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0041] The indication may indicate the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

[0042] The indication may indicate the network does support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

[0043] The first registration request may comprise information indicating that the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type.

[0044] The registration response may comprise a registration accept response when the registration request is a first active request for registration with the network for a first access type.

[0045] The registration response may comprise a registration reject response when the first registration request is not a first active request for registration for a first access type with the network and the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

[0046] The first registration request may comprise a registration request for 3GPP access or a registration request non-3GPP access.

[0047] The method may comprise determining if a second registration request for registration with the network for a same access type as the first registration request is to be sent, said determining based on the indication received in the registration response. The method may comprise selecting a network to which a second registration request for a same access type as the first registration request is to be sent, said selecting based on one or more of the indication or a local network selection policy.

[0048] The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be a user equipment.

[0049] According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods set out previously.

[0050] According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed cause any of the methods set out previously to be performed.

[0051] According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run cause any of the methods set out previously to be performed.

[0052] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0053] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods set out previously.

[0054] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which when executed cause any of the methods set out previously to be performed.

[0055] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0056] As described above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0057] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the claims.

[0058] Description of Figures

[0059] Some embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0060] Figure 1 shows an overview of a system in which some embodiments may be provided;

[0061] Figure 2 shows a first method of some embodiments; Figure 3 shows an overview of a 5G system in which some embodiments may be provided;

[0062] Figure 4 shows a second method of some embodiments, provided in a 5G system;

[0063] Figures 5a and 5b shows an example registration procedure;

[0064] Figure 6 shows an apparatus;

[0065] Figure 7 shows a user equipment (UE);

[0066] Figure 8 shows a third method of some embodiments; and

[0067] Figure 9 shows a fourth method of some embodiments.

[0068] Detailed Description

[0069] Multi registration is where a UE is able to register two or more times with one or more networks. With multi registration, the two or more registrations may be in parallel. In other words, a UE can have two or more active registrations at the same time (e.g., concurrently or simultaneously). With multi registration, one UE with a common USIM (universal subscriber identity module) or similar identity may be configured to register more than once with one or more networks. The UE may be thus registered two or more times, with one or more networks, at the same time. The access type of the different registrations may be the same or different.

[0070] Currently, a UE is not informed about whether or not a network that generally supports multi registration would allow a further parallel registration for the UE of the same access type. The UE may request a further parallel registration for the same access type, even if the network would not permit the UE to have more than one registration with that network for that access type.. Under current UE policy on network selection, the UE is configured to keep attempting to register to that same network. This can waste energy and / or radio resources.

[0071] One case of multi registration is dual registration. Some examples of dual registration with the same access type are as follows:

[0072] 1. Two registrations from the UE for 3GPP access (NR (new radio)) in the same serving PLMN (public land mobile network) / SNPN (stand alone non-public network).

[0073] 2. Two registrations from the UE for 3GPP access (NR) in different PLMNs

[0074] 3. Two registrations from the UE for 3GPP access (NR), one registration in a PLMN and a second registration to a SNPN.

[0075] Dual or multi deployments to the same serving network for the same type of access, for example PLMN or SNPN, that is example 1 above may not be supported. However, examples 2 or 3 mentioned above may be supported. In some situations, dual or multi registration may be supported only where the two registrations are not the same network such as in examples 2 or 3 mentioned above.

[0076] In other embodiments, dual or multi registrations may only be supported where the dual or multi registrations are for different access types. In other words, none of the examples 1 to 3 are supported by the network and the network only supports dual or multi registrations for different access types.

[0077] Currently, when the UE registers to the network, if the network supports dual or multi registration, the network will accept the information (registration ID) provided by the UE. In a reply to the UE (such as a registration accept message), the network will indicate to the UE the registration ID. From indicated registration ID, the UE is configured to infer that the network supports dual or multi registration feature, and / or store an indication thereof. However, the network may not allow the UE to make two registrations to the same serving network using the same access type. For example, the network may only support the dual or multi registration cases of examples 2 and 3 above, and not example 1. In another example, the network may only support dual or multi registrations where the dual or multi registrations are for different access types. The UE may not be aware if the serving network supports the UE registering twice to the same network through the same access type.

[0078] Some embodiments will now be further described. Some embodiments may address the issue as to how a UE knows that the serving network supports multi registration, but can only accept a single registration from a given UE. This is so that the UE does not try a second or further registration using the same access type, with that same network, while a first registration is still active. The UE may, for example, select a different network for the second or further registration.

[0079] The network may be a PLMN, a SNPN, or any other suitable network.

[0080] In some embodiments, a network function is provided to support registration of a UE with a network. The network function is responsible for determining if a registration request from a UE is to be allowed or not. The network function may support multi registrations, but only in certain circumstances. In some embodiments, two or more registrations from the same UE from the same access type may not be supported where those registrations are active at the same time.

[0081] Figure 1 shows an example of a system in which some embodiments may be provided. AUE 300 connects to a network. The UE may connect to the network 100 via an access network 102 of the network 100. The access network may be a radio access network (RAN). In other embodiments, any other suitable access network may alternatively or additionally be used.

[0082] The network 100 may comprise a registration function 104. The registration function 104 may be a network function of the network. In some embodiments, the registration function 104 may be provided in a core network of the network. The registration function 104 may receive a registration request from the UE, via the access network 102. It should be noted that in some embodiments, there may be one or more further network functions provided between the access network 102 and the registration function 104. The registration function 104 may provide a response to the UE 300.

[0083] In some embodiments, with the response to a registration request, the network will send an indication regarding allowance of further parallel registrations for the UE using the same access type.

[0084] The UE may provide a registration identity (ID) in the registration request. The registration function 104 may maintain the UE context with the registration ID. The registration ID may be provided to a data store 108. The data store 108 may be a network function of the network. In some embodiments, the data store 108 may be provided in the core network of the network. The data store may store the relationship between the registration function with the registration ID.

[0085] The registration ID may be used to differentiate between different registrations of the UE. These different registrations are different active registrations of the UE from the same access type. For example, the UE may be configured to add “1” to its first registration, “2” to the second, and so on, so that the network can differentiate between the multiple registrations by the same UE / USIM. The data store 108 may receive the registration ID from each of the registration functions of the serving networks. The presence of a registration ID itself may indicate to the network that the UE is capable of multi registration.

[0086] In other embodiments, the information that the UE is capable of multi registrations may be provided in any other suitable way by the UE, or may be retrieved by the registration function from a user data store. The user data store may be the data store 108 or any other suitable data store.

[0087] Figure 2 shows a method of some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method may be carried out by the system shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the method may be carried out by another suitable system.

[0088] As referenced SI, the UE sends a registration request to the registration function 104 of the network 100. The registration request may indicate if the UE is capable of supporting multi registrations.

[0089] As referenced S2, the registration function 104 sends an indication regarding allowance of further parallel registrations using the same access type for the UE. The indication may be that the network supports multi registration or does not support multi registration. In other words, an indication is sent to the UE - either that multi registration using same access type to the same network is supported or multi registration using same access type to the same network is not supported.

[0090] In some embodiments, the indication may only be sent when no further parallel registrations by the UE with the network are allowed using same the same access type. An absence of any indication from the registration function would, in such case, mean that the network does support further parallel registrations by the UE with the network using the same access type.

[0091] As referenced S3, the UE stores the indication, if received. The UE will store this indication so that the UE can take a decision later on when the UE is to perform a further registration. While selecting the network for the further registration, the UE uses local policy along with this indication to determine which network is to be selected for a further registration.

[0092] When an indication is received that no further parallel registration is allowed using the same access type, the UE does not attempt a further parallel registration with this network through the same access type. This would be in the case where there is a current active registration with the network for a given access type. The UE may make further registration attempts for that given access type with other networks supporting multi registration.

[0093] When an indication is received that further parallel registration is allowed using the same access type or no such indication is received, the UE may attempt a further parallel registration with this network using the same access type. This may be based on local policy and priority. The UE may have policies for network selection and UE may prioritize or deprioritize network selection rule / policy based on determining if further parallel registrations are permitted.

[0094] In some embodiments, the UE is configured to store information as to whether or not further parallel registration using the same access type with this network is permitted or not. This information may be stored in a list.

[0095] In some embodiments, the UE is configured to store information only if the parallel registrations using the same access type with a given network is not permitted. The UE may, in the absence of any stored information, be configured to infer that parallel registrations using the same access type with the given network are permitted.

[0096] In some embodiments, the network may provide an update to this indication.

[0097] It should be appreciated that embodiments may be implemented in any suitable system. By way of example only, some embodiments may be implemented in a 5G system, 6G system, or beyond. Some embodiments implemented in a 5G system (5GS) will now be described with reference to Figure 3 which shows part of a 5GS, and Figure 4 which shows a method provided by a 5GS. The 5GS may comprise a PLMN or a SNPN.

[0098] Referring first to Figure 3, a UE 300 connects to a 5GS 100’. The 5GS may comprise a (radio) access network (RAN) 102’ or more generally a 5G access network that may e.g. correspond to a (radio) access network (RAN), to a wireline access gateway (W-AGF), to a N3IWF (non 3GPP interworking function), etc. In the example shown in Figure 3, the access network is a RAN. The 5G RAN may comprise one or more base stations or radio access network (RAN) nodes, such as a gNodeB (gNB). A base station or RAN node may comprise one or more distributed units connected to a central unit. In other embodiments, the access network may be another access network.

[0099] The 5GS may comprise a 5G core. In the 5G core, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 104’ is provided. The AMF 104’ may receive connection and session related information from the UE, and may be responsible for handling connection and mobility management tasks. The AMF 104’ provides a registration function in a 5GS. The AMF 104’ may receive a registration request from the UE, via the RAN 102’. It should be noted that in some embodiments, there may be one or more further 5G network functions provided between the RAN 102’ and the AMF 104’. One or more of those 5G network functions may be provided in the 5G core. The AMF 104’ may provide a response to the UE 300.

[0100] The response may be as described in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2.

[0101] This response may be a registration accept response. This may be sent in response to a first registration request from the UE. When the serving PLMN does not support more than one 3GPP access registration from a single UE, during the first 3GPP access registration from the UE, if the UE has indicated that it is capable of multiple 3GPP access registration the AMF includes an information element / parameter in the response message indicating to the UE that the PLMN does not support / allow more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., concurrently or simultaneously).

[0102] The UE may indicate to the AMF that it is capable of multi registration by including an indication, such as a registration ID or any other suitable indication, in the registration request. The registration ID may be as previously discussed.

[0103] The AMF 104’ may maintain the UE context with the registration ID. The registration ID may be provided to a UDM (unified data management) function 108’. The data store may store the relationship between the registration function with the registration ID. The UDM 108’ may be provided in the 5G core. In other embodiments, the information that the UE is capable of multi registrations may be provided in any other suitable way by the UE or may be retrieved by the AMF 104’ from a user data store. This may be the UDM 108’ and / or any other suitable data store.

[0104] The response may be a registration reject message.

[0105] If the UE sends a second access registration request for 3GPP access to the same serving PLMN (e.g. due to manual PLMN selection by user), if the serving PLMN does not support more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or concurrently) from a single UE, the AMF sends a rejection message. The rejection message may be a registration reject message. The message may provide information which indicates the reason for the rejection. For example, the message may comprise an indication that the PLMN does not support / allow more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or concurrently).

[0106] When the UE receives an indication from the network (AMF) that the PLMN does not support / allow more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or concurrently), the UE may store the PLMN in a list of forbidden PLMNs for more than one 3GPP access registration.

[0107] For an automatic selection case, the UE then does not consider this PLMN for a second 3GPP access registration, if there is at least one 3GPP access registration already performed and active for the UE, in this PLMN.

[0108] For a manual selection case, the UE then does not present (e.g., refrains from presenting) this PLMN for user selection (or displays this PLMN as forbidden) for a second 3GPP access registration, if there is at least one 3GPP access registration already performed and active for the UE, in this PLMN.

[0109] In some embodiments, the AMF will send an indication to the UE. The indication may be that the network supports multi registration with the same network using the same / single access type or does not support multi registration with the same network using the same / single access type. In other words, an indication is sent to the UE - either that multi registration to the same network is supported using the same / single access type or multi registration to the same network is not supported using the same / single access type.

[0110] In some embodiments, the indication may only be sent by the AMF when no further parallel registrations by the UE with the network are allowed. An absence of any indication from the AMF would, in this case, mean that the network does support further parallel registrations with the network using the same / single access type. Reference is made to Figure 4 which shows a method of some embodiments provided in a 5G system for 3GPP access type.

[0111] As referenced Tl, the UE sends a registration request to the AMF.

[0112] As referenced T2, the AMF checks if the UE supports more than one 3 GPP access registration at the same time.

[0113] If not, then as referenced T4, the usual registration procedure is followed.

[0114] If the UE supports more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time, then as referenced T3, the AMF checks if the PLMN supports more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time from one UE.

[0115] If so, then as referenced T4, the usual registration procedure is followed.

[0116] If not, then as referenced T5, the AMF checks if this is the first access registration request from the UE in this PLMN which is active.

[0117] If so, then as referenced T6, the AMF sends a registration accept message with an indication that the PLMN does not support more than one 3GPP access registration, from the same UE, at the same time.

[0118] If not, then as referenced T7, the AMF sends a registration reject message with an indication that the PLMN does not support more than one 3GPP access registration from the same UE at the same time.

[0119] Both T6 and T7 are followed by T8, where the UE stores the PLMN ID in a list of forbidden PLMNs for more than one 3GPP access registration from the same UE. In other embodiments, the UE may store the indication that more than one registrations to the PLMN is not permitted in any other suitable way, for example as discussed in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2.

[0120] In the example discussed in relation to Figures 3 and 4, the registration request is for 3GPP access. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the registration may be a request for non-3GGP access or any other suitable request for access.

[0121] In some embodiments, the registration call flow such as described in TS 23.502, clause 4.2.2.2.2 may be modified to support embodiments such as previously described. In this regard, reference is made to Figures 5a and 5b which show the registration call flow. Various modifications to that registration call procedure to provide support for some embodiments will now be discussed. The parts of the procedure which may be modified to support some embodiments are indicated in Figures 5a and 5b by asterisks:

[0122] Step 1 : The UE provides an indication of support for more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or concurrently). This may be a separate indication or the indication of support may be implicitly derived from the presence of a “Registration ID” in the Registration request.

[0123] Step 3: The AMF checks if the UE supports more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time. This could be based on a new indication or based on the presence of “Registration ID” in the Registration request.

[0124] If the UE supports more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or concurrently), the AMF further checks (based on local configuration and policy) whether more than one 3 GPP access registration for a single UE is supported / allowed. If more than one 3 GPP access registration for a single UE is not supported / allowed, the AMF further checks if this is the first 3GPP access registration request from the UE.

[0125] If this is not the first 3GPP access registration request from the UE, then the AMF sends a registration reject (not shown in Figures 5a and 5b) with an indication that the PLMN does not support more than one 3GPP access registration from a single UE

[0126] If it is the first 3 GPP access registration request from the UE, then the AMF continues with further processing of the registration request as per TS 23.502, clause 4.2.2.2.2, with changes in relation to step 21.

[0127] Step 21 : In Registration Accept, the AMF also includes an indication that the PLMN does not support more than one 3GPP access registration at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or concurrently) from a single UE.

[0128] Step 22: The UE stores the PLMN ID in a new list “forbidden PLMNs for more than one 3GPP access registration”.

[0129] If the UE is in automatic network selection mode, then the UE then does not consider this PLMN for second 3GPP (NR) access registration, if there is at least one 3GPP (NR) access registration already performed by the UE and active, in this PLMN.

[0130] If the UE is in manual network selection mode, the UE then does not present (e.g., refrains from presenting) this PLMN for user selection (or displays this PLMN as forbidden) for second 3GPP (NR) access registration, if there is at least one 3GPP (NR) access registration already performed by the UE and active, in this PLMN.

[0131] Figure 6 illustrates an example of an apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may comprise or implement a registration function or AMF, such as previously described. The apparatus 200 may have at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of a registration function or AMF that, when executed by at least one of the at least one processor cause operations or actions of the respective function to be performed. In this example, the apparatus 200 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, and / or at least one read only memory (ROM) 211b. The apparatus 200 may comprise at least one processor 212, 213 and / or a network interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the at least one memory, which in this example is the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may, for example, include software code of a registration function or AMF, including software, which allows the apparatus to perform one or more operations of one or more of the present aspects.

[0132] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a communication device 300 or UE. The communication device 300 may be any device capable of or configured for sending and receiving signals. The communication device may be a wireline device or a wireless device. Where the communication device is a wireless device, the signals may be wireless signals such as radio signals. The communication device 300 may comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular Internet of things (CIoT) device or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device may be an XR (extended reality) device such as a headset or may be capable of supporting an XR application (e.g., capable of executing or running an XR application). The headset may be a VR headset. The communication device may be or part of a vehicle. The communication device 300 may be a user equipment, such as the user equipment shown in previous Figures. The communication device 300 may be configured to send or receive wireless signals, for example, radio signals carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on.

[0133] Where the communication device 300 is a wireless device, the communication device may be configured to send and / or receive wireless signals, for example, radio signals, over an air or radio interface 307 via a transceiver apparatus 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may comprise, for example, a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The radio part may convert the base band signal to the radio frequency and / or vice versa. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device and may include a single antenna or multiple antennas. The antenna arrangement may be an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements.

[0134] The communication device 300 may comprise at least one processor 301, and / or at least one memory. The at least one memory may be at least one ROM 302a, and / or at least one RAM 302b. Other possible components 303 may be provided for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access networks, such as the RAN. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute instructions of software code 308. Execution of the instructions of the software code 308 may, for example, cause the communication device 300 to perform one or more operations. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, any other suitable memory may be alternatively or additionally used.

[0135] The at least one processor 301, the at least one ROM 302a, and / or the at least one RAM 302b can be provided on an appropriate circuit board, in an integrated circuit, and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304.

[0136] The communication device 300 may optionally have a user interface, such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally, the communication device may have one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone.

[0137] As provided herein, the term UE or user equipment is used. This term encompasses any of the example of communication device 300 previously discussed and / or any other communication device.

[0138] Reference is made to Figure 8 which shows a method of some embodiments.

[0139] This method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may provide or implement a network function. The network function may be a registration function or an AMF.

[0140] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Figure 6.

[0142] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0143] The method may comprise as referenced Al, receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment.

[0144] The method may comprise as referenced A2, sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0145] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Figure 8 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0146] Reference is made to Figure 9 which shows a method of some embodiments. This method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may a user equipment. The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0147] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Figure 7.

[0148] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0149] The method may comprise as referenced Bl, sending a first registration request for registration with a network.

[0150] The method may comprise as referenced B2, receiving a registration response to the request with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

[0151] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Figure 9 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0152] Computer program code may be downloaded and stored in one or more memories of the apparatus described herein.

[0153] Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example, with reference to certain example architectures for communication systems operated by mobile network operators, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein. For example, although some embodiments have been described in relation to a 5G system (5GS), other embodiments may be implemented in relation to a 6G system (6GS) or beyond.

[0154] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0155] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of this disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting and illustrative examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0156] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following examples:

[0157] (a) hardware-only circuit(s) (such as only analog and / or digital circuit(s)) and

[0158] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0159] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0160] (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions), hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor s) or a portion of a microprocessor s), that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0161] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term “means” herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, an integrated circuit, such as a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0162] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Further in this regard, it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on physical media (such as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor), magnetic media (such as, hard disks or floppy disks), and optical media (such as, DVD and the data variants thereof, CD). The physical media is a non-transitory media.

[0163] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (e.g., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0164] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting and illustrative examples.

[0165] Embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0166] The foregoing description has provided, by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples, a full and informative description of embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims. Indeed, there are further embodiments comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed. The scope of protection sought for some embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the claims. The embodiments and features thereof, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples, useful for understanding various embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that different claims with differing claim scope may be pursued in related applications, such as divisional or continuation applications.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment; and sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication indicates the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication indicates the network does support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the registration request comprises information indicating that the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine if the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type, and when the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for the same access type, sending the registration response to the user equipment.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine if the registration request is a first active request for registration with the network for a first access type from the user equipment.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the registration request is determined to be a first active request for registration with the network for the first access type, the registration response comprises a registration accept response.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein when the registration request is determined not to be a first active request for registration with the network for the first access type, and the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for a user equipment for the same access type, the registration response comprises a registration reject response.

9. A user equipment, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform: sending a first registration request for registration with a network; and receiving a registration response to the request with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for the user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

10. The user equipment as claimed in claim 9, wherein the indication indicates the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

11. The user equipment as claimed in claim 9, wherein the indication indicates the network does support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

12. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first registration request comprises information indicating that the user equipment supports, at the same time, more than one registration for a same access type.

13. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first registration response comprises a registration accept response when the registration request is a first active request for registration with the network for a first access type.

14. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the registration response comprises a registration reject response when the first registration request is not a first active request for registration for a first access type with the network and the network does not support, at the same time, more than one registration for the user equipment for the same access type.

15. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the registration request comprises a registration request for 3GPP accessor a registration request non-3GPP access.

16. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the user equipment is caused to determine if a second registration request for registration with the network for a same access type as the first registration request is to be sent, said determining based on the indication received in the registration response.

17. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16, wherein the user equipment is caused to select a network to which a second registration request for a same access type as the first registration request is to be sent, said selecting based on one or more of the indication or a local network selection policy.

18. A method comprising: receiving a registration request for registration with a network from a user equipment; and sending a registration response to the request to the user equipment with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

19. A method comprising: sending a first registration request for registration with a network; and receiving a registration response to the request with an indication, the indication indicating if more than one registration for a user equipment for a same access type is supported, at the same time.

20. A computer program comprising computer executable code that when run causes the method of claim 18 or claim 19 to be performed.

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