Multi-path connectivity from a user equipment to a communication network via vehicle-mounted relay device

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described for dual-access and multi-access to public land mobile networks (PLMNs) via vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access and terrestrial access User equipment (UE) access can be supported by a VMR-UE and a terrestrial access node (gNB). UE can send an initial UE message including User Location Information (ULI) that indicates access type is VMR-Access. PLMNs can manage traffic using Access Type. UE can access a first PLMN via VMR-gNB Access and a second PLMN via Terrestrial New Radio (NR) Access using the same subscriber information. The two PLMNs can establish two different Non-Access Stratum (NAS) security contexts for UE. A packet data unit (PDU) overlay session can be established that is shared by the two PLMNs. Alternatively, each PLMN can establish a different NAS security context and PDU session without being aware of the other NAS security context and PDU session.

Description

MULTI-PATH CONNECTIVITY FROM A USER EQUIPMENT TO A COMMUNICATION NETWORK VIA VEHICLE-MOUNTED RELAY DEVICE Related Applicaitons

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202311073170 filed October 27, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if reproduced in its entirety. Field

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, to techniques multi-path connectivity from a user equipment to a communication network via vehicle-mounted relay device. Background

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, etc. Wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users (e.g., wireless communication devices) by sharing bands of frequencies (e.g., bandwidth). Examples of such multiple-access technologies include time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to enable different wireless communication devices to communicate. New radio (e.g., 5G NR) is an example of an emerging telecommunication standard. NR is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband Internet access by improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving services, making use of new spectrum, and better integrating with other open standards using OFDMA with a cyclic prefix (CP) on the downlink (DL) and on the uplink(UL). To these ends, NR supports beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation.

[0005] However, as the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, there exists a need for further improvements in NR and LTE technology. Preferably, these improvements should be applicable to other multi-access technologies and the telecommunication standards that define these technologies. Summary

[0006] Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described for dual-access and multi-access to public land mobile networks (PLMNs) via vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access and terrestrial access. User equipment (UE) access can be supported by a VMR-UE and a terrestrial access node (gNB). UE can send an initial UE message including User Location Information (ULI) that indicates the access type is VMR-Access. PLMNs can manage traffic using Access Type. UE can access a first PLMN via VMR-gNB Access and a second PLMN via Terrestrial New Radio (NR) Access using the same subscriber information. The two PLMNs can establish two different Non-Access Stratum (NAS) security contexts for UE. A packet data unit (PDU) overlay session can be established that is shared by the two PLMNs.

[0007] The systems, methods, and devices of the disclosure each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure as expressed by the claims which follow, some features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the features of this disclosure provide advantages that include improved communications between (mobile) UEs and vehicle-mounted relays (VMRs).

[0008] According to a first aspect, a first user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first UE to perform at least: receiving, from a second UE associated with a subscriber of a second public land mobile network (PLMN), a first message comprising packet data units (PDUs) and a network identifier associated with the second PLMN; generating a second message comprising the PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that a first PLMN is to relay the PDUs to thesecond PLMN based on the network identifier associated with the second PLMN; and transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN.

[0009] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: requesting the establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface between the first UE and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a first user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first UE to perform at least: receiving non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, from a second UE, after a data connection has been established between the first UE and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the NAS signaling comprising a request for registration of the second UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; generating a message comprising the request for registration of the second UE with the second PLMN and user location information (ULI) associated with the second UE, wherein the message comprises an indication of an access type of the access network by which the NAS signaling is received; and transmitting the message towards an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0011] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: requesting the establishment of the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: relaying a packet data unit (PDU)session establishment request message, received from the second UE, towards the second PLMN by relaying a PDU session establishment request message towards the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU session establishment request message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: receiving, from the second UE, one or more PDUs to be transmitted to the second PLMN; and transmitting a PDU payload message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the PDU payload message comprising the one or more PDUs received from the second UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU payload message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the second UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN.

[0012] In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: requesting the establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said the establishment of the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting the establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0013] According to a third aspect, a second user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second UE to perform at least: receiving an indication that a data connection has been established between a first UE and a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a first access node of the first PLMN, the first access node having a first access node type, the first UE being associated with a first subscriber of the first PLMN; requesting establishment of an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel with a second PLMN via a second access node in the second PLMN, thesecond access node having a second access node type that is different from the first access node type, the second UE being associated with a second subscriber of the second PLMN; transmitting one or more packet data units (PDUs) towards the second PLMN by transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the first UE and causing the first UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first access node having the first access node type comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, said transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second UE to perform: during the PDU session, receiving a radio link failure (RLF) indication that indicates an RLF of a radio link has occurred within the data connection established between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second UE to perform: requesting establishment of a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN over the terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus can be provided that is configured to function as a network entity in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving a message generated by a first user equipment (UE), the message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) for a second UE and an indication that the network node is to relay the one or more PDUs to a second PLMN, the first UE being associated with a first subscriber of the first PLMN, the message further comprising a subscriber identifier for a second subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE; determining, based upon the indication in the message generated by the first UE, to relay the one or more PDUstowards the second PLMN; and providing the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier for the second subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE.

[0016] In some embodiments, said receiving the message generated by the first UE comprises receiving the message generated by the first UE via a first access node having a first access node type. In some embodiments, the first access node having the first access node type comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, said receiving the message generated by the first UE is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred within the data connection established between the first UE and the network entity in the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication towards the first UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the first UE to instruct the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established with the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) configured for communication in the first PLMN.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect, a first user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first UE to perform at least: transmitting a first message towards a first public land mobile network (PLMN) within a first data connection having previously been established between the first UE and the first PLMN via a base station of the first PLMN, the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) from a second UE, a subscriber identifier for a subscriber of a second PLMN associated with the second UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred in the first data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the second UE, the second message indicating that the RLF of the radio link has occurred in the first connection between the first UE and the first PLMN.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second message is operable to cause the second UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the second UE to the second PLMN via a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: receiving a third message generated by the second UE, the third message comprising the one or more PDUs of the second UE and the subscriber identifier for the subscriber associated with the second UE; and generating the first message by inserting, into the first message, the one or more PDUs from the second UE, the subscriber identifier for the subscriber associated with the second UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the first message further comprises a network identifier associated with the second PLMN.

[0019] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: requesting the establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface between the first UE and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first UE to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect, a second user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least: transmitting a first message towards a first UE associated with a first subscriber of a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs)and a subscriber identifier for a second subscriber associated with the second UE, the second subscriber being a subscriber of a second PLMN that is different from the first PLMN; receiving, from the first UE, a second message indicating that a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred in a first data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a third message, over a second data connection between the second UE the second PLMN, towards the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN is established via a first access node having a first access node type. In some embodiments, the first access node comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second UE to perform: requesting the establishment of an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via a second access node in the second PLMN, the second access node having a second access node type that is different from the first access node type. In some embodiments, the second access node is part of a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the first access node type is a VMR-gNB type and the second access node type is a terrestrial radio access network (RAN) type. In some embodiments, the first message is operable to cause the first UE to at least: generate a fourth message comprising at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier for the second subscriber associated with the second UE, and transmit the fourth message towards the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the third message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment request message.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect, an apparatus can be provided that is configured to operate as a second network node in a second public land mobile network (PLMN), the AMF comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF to perform at least: receiving, from a first network node in a first PLMN, a relay message comprising a subscriber identifier of a subscriber of the second PLMN associated with a second user equipment (UE) and a first access network type identifier indicating that a first message was received by the firstPLMN from a first UE via a first access network having a first access network type; requesting establishment of a first non-access stratum (NAS) security context for a first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; receiving, from a second network node in the second PLMN, a second message comprising the subscriber identifier of the subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE and a second access network type identifier indicating that the second message was received at the second PLMN from the second UE over a second access network having a second access network type that is different from the first network access type; and requesting establishment of a second NAS security context for a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN.

[0023] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the first network node in the first PLMN, a packet data unit (PDU) message comprising one or more PDUs from the second UE, the second message being at least partially encrypted or integrity protected using one or more keys associated with the first NAS security context established for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: maintaining the first NAS security context and an associated connection state for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; and maintaining the second NAS security context and an associated connection state for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: mapping the first network access type identifier to the first NAS security context and the associated connection state for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; and mapping the second network access type identifier to the second NAS security context and the associated connection state for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first data connection is a primary data connection for data transfer between the second UE and the second PLMN and / or between the second PLMN and the second UE. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:determining that a handover should be carried out, of the primary data connection for data transfer, from the first data connection to the second data connection. In some embodiments, said determining that the handover should be carried out is based on one or more of: a radio link failure of a radio link occurring over the first data connection, a network traffic condition over the first data connection, a quality of experience (QoS) metric associated with data transfer over the first data connection, or a security concern related with the first access network or the first data connection. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: generating a PDU message to be transmitted to the UE; and determining, based on the first access type identifier associated with the first access network and the second access type identifier associated with the second access network, whether to transmit the PDU message to the UE via the first connection or the second connection.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect, a system can comprise: a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access node; and a VMR user equipment (VMR-UE) collocated with the VMR access node, wherein the VMR-UE comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the VMR-UE to perform at least: establishing a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN); receiving, from a remote user equipment (UE), via the VMR access node, a first message comprising packet data units (PDUs) and a network identifier associated with a second PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the second message comprising the PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDUs from the remote UE to the second PLMN.

[0026] According to a ninth aspect, a system can comprise: a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access node; a VMR user equipment (VMR-UE) collocated with the VMR access node and in operable communication with a first public land mobile network (PLMN); and a user equipment (UE) associated with a subscriber of a second PLMN and in operable communication with the VMR access node, wherein the UE comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least: causing the VMR-UE to establish a connection with the first PLMN; establishing an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel with the second PLMN via an access node in the second PLMN; and transmitting at least one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE towards the second PLMN by: transmitting at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriberidentifier to the VMR access node, causing the VMR access node to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier the VMR-UE; causing the VMR-UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the first PLMN, and causing the first PLMN to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN.

[0027] According to a tenth aspect, a system can comprise: a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access node; and a VMR user equipment (VMR-UE) collocated with the VMR access node, wherein the VMR-UE comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the VMR-UE to perform at least: providing a first message to the VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a first connection having previously been established between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs), a subscriber identifier associated with a remote UE in operable communication with the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to a second PLMN, the remote UE being associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the remote UE, the second message indicating that the radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, the second message being operable to cause the remote UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN via a second connection between the remote UE and an access node within the second PLMN.

[0028] According to an eleventh aspect, a system can comprise: a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access node; a VMR user equipment (VMR-UE) collocated with the VMR access node and in operable communication with a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the VMR access node and the VMR-UE comprising a VMR access network; a terrestrial access node of a second PLMN, the terrestrial access node comprising a terrestrial access network; and a user equipment (UE) associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN and in operable communication with the VMR access node, wherein the UE comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least: providing, to the VMR access node, a first message, the first message being operable to cause the VMR access node to relay the first message to the VMR-UE, the VMR-UE having previously established a first connectionwith the first PLMN, the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier for a subscriber associated with the UE, wherein the first message is operable to cause the VMR-UE to transmit, to the first PLMN, at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the at least one PDUs and the subscriber identifier are to be provided to the second PLMN; receiving, from the VMR access node, a second message indicating that a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR-UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a third message to the second PLMN via the terrestrial access node within the terrestrial access network, over a second connection previously established between the UE and the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE.

[0029] According to a twelfth aspect, a system can comprise: a network node configured for use in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the network node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to perform at least: receiving, from a vehicle- mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), a message comprising packet data units (PDUs) for a remote UE, a subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE, and an indication that the network node is to relay the PDUs to a second PLMN, the second PLMN being different than the first PLMN; determining, based upon the indication in the message, to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN; and providing at least the PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the second PLMN.

[0030] According to a thirteenth aspect, a system can comprise: a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE) in a first public land mobile network (PLMN); a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB) in operable communication with the VMR-UE, the VMR- UE and the VMR-gNB comprising a VMR access network for access to a core network of the first PLMN; a remote UE in operable communication with the VMR-gNB, the remote UE being associated with a subscriber of a second PLMN different from the first PLMN; a terrestrial access node in the second PLMN, the terrestrial access node being in operable communication with the remote UE, the terrestrial access node comprising a terrestrial access network for access to a core network of the second PLMN; an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the second PLMN, the AMF comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF to perform at least: receiving, from the first PLMN, afirst initial user equipment (UE) message comprising a subscriber identifier associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN and an access type identifier indicating that the first initial UE message was received in the first PLMN from the remote UE of the subscriber over the VMR access network; establishing a first non-access stratum (NAS) security context for a first connection with the remote UE via the VMR access network; receiving, from the remote UE, a second initial UE message comprising the subscriber identifier and another access type identifier indicating the second initial UE message was transmitted from the UE to the PLMN over the terrestrial access network; and establishing a second NAS security context for a second connection with the remote UE via the terrestrial access network.

[0031] According to a fourteenth aspect, a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR- UE) can be provided, the VMR-UE comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the VMR-UE to perform at least: establishing a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN); receiving, from a user equipment (UE), via a VMR access node, a first message comprising packet data units (PDUs) and a network identifier associated with a second PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the second message comprising the PDUs received from the UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDUs from the UE to the second PLMN.

[0032] In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE during the establishment of the connection with the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, establishing the connection comprises establishing an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0033] According to a fifteenth aspect, a VMR-UE can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the VMR-UE to perform at least: receiving, from a remote UE, via a VMR access node, after the VMR-UE has established a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN), a non-access stratum (NAS) registration message, the NAS registration message comprising a request for registration of the remote UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; generating an initial UE message comprising the NAS registration message received from the remote UE and user location information(ULI) associated with the remote UE, wherein the initial UE message comprises an indication that an access type associated with the NAS registration message is VMR-gNB access type; and transmitting the initial UE message, via the VMR access node, to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0034] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the VMR-UE to perform: establishing the connection with the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the VMR-UE to perform: facilitating a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment procedure between the remote UE and the second PLMN by relaying a PDU session establishment request message received from the remote UE to the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU session establishment request message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the VMR-UE to perform: receiving, from the remote UE, one or more PDUs to be transmitted to the second PLMN; and transmitting a PDU payload message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the PDU payload message comprising the one or more PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU payload message to the second PLMN.

[0035] In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, during the establishment of the connection with the first PLMN, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the VMR-UE to perform: in an instance in which a radio link failure (RLF) occurs between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, transmitting an RLF indication to the remote UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the remote UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, said establishing the connection between the VMR access network and the first PLMN comprises establishing an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0036] According to a sixteenth aspect, a user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least: causing a vehicle-mounted relay UE (VMR-UE) to establish a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN); establishing an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel with a second PLMN via an access node in the second PLMN; transmitting packet data units (PDUs) towards the second PLMN by transmitting the PDUs to a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, causing the VMR-UE to transmit the PDUs to the first PLMN via the VMR access node, and causing the first PLMN to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN.

[0037] In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, during the establishment of the connection with the first PLMN, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to perform: in an instance in which a radio link failure occurs between the UE and the VMR access node, transmitting the PDUs towards the second PLMN within the IPsec tunnel established between the UE and the access node in the second PLMN. In some embodiments, said causing the VMR-UE to establish the connection comprises causing the VMR-UE to establish an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0038] According to a seventeenth aspect, a network node can be provided that is configured for operation in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the network node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to perform at least: receiving, from a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), a message comprising packet data units (PDUs) for a remote UE, a subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE, and an indication that the network node is to relay the PDUs to a second PLMN; determining, based upon the indication in the message, to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN; and providing at least the PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the second PLMN.

[0039] According to an eighteenth aspect, a VMR-UE can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the VMR-UE to perform at least: providing a first message to a first public land mobile network, a first connection having previously been established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs), a subscriber identifier associated with another UE in operable communication with a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to a second PLMN, the another UE being associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure has occurred in the first connection with the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the another UE, the second message indicating that the radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, the second message being operable to cause the another UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN via a second connection between the another UE and an access node within a terrestrial access network in operable communication with the second PLMN.

[0040] In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the first connection previously established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0041] According to a nineteenth aspect, a UE can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least: providing, to a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access node, a first message, the VMR access node being collocated with a VMR-UE having previously established a first connection to a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier for a subscriber associated with the UE, wherein the first message is operable to cause the VMR-UE to transmit, to the first PLMN, at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the at least one PDUs and the subscriber identifier are to be provided to a second PLMN, the subscriber associated with the UE being a subscriber of the second PLMN; receiving, from the VMR-UE, a second message indicating that a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the firstPLMN; and transmitting a third message to the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network in operable communication with the second PLMN, over a second connection between the UE the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE.

[0042] In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the third message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment request message. In some embodiments, the first connection previously established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0043] According to a twentieth aspect, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) can be provided that is configured for operation in a public land mobile network (PLMN), the AMF comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF to perform at least: receiving, from another PLMN, a first initial user equipment (UE) message comprising a subscriber identifier associated with a subscriber of the PLMN and an access type identifier indicating that the first initial UE message was received by the another PLMN from a remote UE of the subscriber over an access network having an access type of a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access network; establishing a first non-access stratum (NAS) security context for a first connection with the remote UE via the VMR access network; receiving, from the remote UE, a second initial UE message comprising the subscriber identifier and another access type identifier indicating the second initial UE message was transmitted from the UE to the PLMN over a terrestrial access network; and establishing a second NAS security context for a second connection with the remote UE via the terrestrial access network.

[0044] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the AMF to perform: maintaining both the first NAS security context and an associated connection state for the first connection with the UE over the VMR access network and the second NAS security context and associated connection state for the second connection with the UE over the terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed bythe at least one processor, further cause the AMF to perform: generating a message to be transmitted to the UE; and determining, based on the access type identifier associated with the first access network and the another access type identifier associated with the second access network, whether to transmit the message to the UE via the first connection or the second connection.

[0045] According to a twenty-first aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a first user equipment (UE), from a second UE associated with a subscriber of a second public land mobile network (PLMN), a first message comprising packet data units (PDUs) and a network identifier associated with the second PLMN; generating a second message comprising the PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that a first PLMN is to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN based on the network identifier associated with the second PLMN; and transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: requesting establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface between the first UE and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network.

[0047] According to a twenty-second aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a first user equipment (UE), from a second UE, after a data connection has been established between the first UE and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), non-access stratum (NAS) signaling comprising a request for registration of the second UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; generating a message comprising the request for registration of the second UE with the second PLMN and user location information (ULI) associated with the second UE, wherein the message comprises an indication of an access type of the access network by which the NAS signaling is received; and transmitting the message towards an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: requesting establishment of the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: relaying a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message, received from the second UE, towards the second PLMN by relaying a PDU session establishment request message towards the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU session establishment request message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: receiving, from the second UE, one or more PDUs to be transmitted to the second PLMN; and transmitting a PDU payload message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the PDU payload message comprising the one or more PDUs received from the second UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU payload message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the second UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN.

[0049] In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: requesting the establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting the establishment of the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting the establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0050] According to a twenty-third aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a second user equipment (UE), an indication that a data connection has been established between a first UE and a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a first access node of the first PLMN, the first access node having a first access node type, the first UE being associated with a first subscriber of the first PLMN; requesting establishment of an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel with a second PLMN via a second access node in the second PLMN, the second access node having a second access node type that is different from the first access node type, the second UE being associated with a second subscriber of the second PLMN; transmitting one or more packet data units (PDUs) towardsthe second PLMN by transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the first UE and causing the first UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first access node having the first access node type comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, said transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: during the PDU session, receiving a radio link failure (RLF) indication that indicates an RLF of a radio link has occurred within the data connection established between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: requesting the establishment of a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN over the terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0052] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a network entity in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), a message generated by a first user equipment (UE), the message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) for a second UE and an indication that the network node is to relay the one or more PDUs to a second PLMN, the first UE being associated with a first subscriber of the first PLMN, the message further comprising a subscriber identifier for a second subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE; determining, based upon the indication in the message generated by the first UE, to relay the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN; and providing the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier for the second subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE.

[0053] In some embodiments, said receiving the message generated by the first UE comprises receiving the message generated by the first UE via a first access node having a first access node type. In some embodiments, the first access node having the first access node type comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, said receiving the message generated by the first UE is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: during thePDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred within the data connection established between the first UE and the network entity in the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication towards the first UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the first UE to instruct the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established with the apparatus. In some embodiments, the network entity comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) configured for communication in the first PLMN.

[0054] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: transmitting a first message, by a first user equipment (UE), towards a first public land mobile network (PLMN) within a first data connection having previously been established between the first UE and the first PLMN via a base station of the first PLMN, the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) from a second UE, a subscriber identifier for a subscriber of a second PLMN associated with the second UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred in the first data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the second UE, the second message indicating that the RLF of the radio link has occurred in the first connection between the first UE and the first PLMN.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second message is operable to cause the second UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the second UE to the second PLMN via a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: receiving a third message generated by the second UE, the third message comprising the one or more PDUs of the second UE and the subscriber identifier for the subscriber associated with the second UE; and generating the first message by inserting, into the first message, the one or more PDUs from the second UE, the subscriber identifier for the subscriber associated with the second UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the first message further comprises a network identifier associated with the second PLMN.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: requesting establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface between the first UE and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network.

[0057] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, a method can be carried out that comprisess: transmitting a first message, using a second user equipment (UE), towards a first UE associated with a first subscriber of a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier for a second subscriber associated with the second UE, the second subscriber being a subscriber of a second PLMN that is different from the first PLMN; receiving, from the first UE, a second message indicating that a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred in a first data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a third message, over a second data connection between the second UE the second PLMN, towards the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN is established via a first access node having a first access node type. In some embodiments, the first access node comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: requesting establishment of an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via a second access node in the second PLMN, the second access node having a second access node type that is different from the first access node type. In some embodiments, the second access node is part of a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the first access node type is a VMR-gNBtype and the second access node type is a terrestrial radio access network (RAN) type. In some embodiments, the first message is operable to cause the first UE to at least: generate a fourth message comprising at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier for the second subscriber associated with the second UE, and transmit the fourth message towards the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the third message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment request message.

[0059] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a second network node in a second public land mobile network (PLMN), from a first network node in a first PLMN, a relay message comprising a subscriber identifier of a subscriber of the second PLMN associated with a second user equipment (UE) and a first access network type identifier indicating that a first message was received by the first PLMN from a first UE via a first access network having a first access network type; requesting establishment of a first non-access stratum (NAS) security context for a first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; receiving, from a second network node in the second PLMN, a second message comprising the subscriber identifier of the subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE and a second access network type identifier indicating that the second message was received at the second PLMN from the second UE over a second access network having a second access network type that is different from the first network access type; and requesting establishment of a second NAS security context for a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: receiving, from the first network node in the first PLMN, a packet data unit (PDU) message comprising one or more PDUs from the second UE, the second message being at least partially encrypted or integrity protected using one or more keys associated with the first NAS security context established for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: maintaining the first NAS security context and an associated connection state for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; and maintaining the second NAS security context and an associated connection state for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: mapping the first network access typeidentifier to the first NAS security context and the associated connection state for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; and mapping the second network access type identifier to the second NAS security context and the associated connection state for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first data connection is a primary data connection for data transfer between the second UE and the second PLMN and / or between the second PLMN and the second UE. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: determining that a handover should be carried out, of the primary data connection for data transfer, from the first data connection to the second data connection. In some embodiments, said determining that the handover should be carried out is based on one or more of: a radio link failure of a radio link occurring over the first data connection, a network traffic condition over the first data connection, a quality of experience (QoS) metric associated with data transfer over the first data connection, or a security concern related with the first access network or the first data connection. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: generating a PDU message to be transmitted to the UE; and determining, based on the first access type identifier associated with the first access network and the second access type identifier associated with the second access network, whether to transmit the PDU message to the UE via the first connection or the second connection.

[0062] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: establishing a connection between a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE) and a first public land mobile network (PLMN); receiving, from a user equipment (UE), via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE, the subscriber identifier being for a subscriber of a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the second message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier received from the UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs from the UE to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE during establishment of the connection with the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the connection established between the VMR access node and the first PLMNcomprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0063] According to a thirtieth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access node collocated with a VMR user equipment (VMR-UE) having previously established a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN), from a remote UE, a non-access stratum (NAS) registration message, the NAS registration message comprising a request for registration of the remote UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; generating an initial UE message comprising the NAS registration message received from the remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, wherein the initial UE message comprises an indication that an access type associated with the NAS registration message is VMR-gNB access type; and transmitting the initial UE message, using the VMR-UE, to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: establishing the connection with the first PLMN via the VMR access node. in some embodiments, the method further comprises: facilitating a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment procedure between the remote UE and the second PLMN by relaying a PDU session establishment request message received from the remote UE to the first PLMN, via the VMR access node, with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU session establishment request message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, from the remote UE, one or more PDUs to be transmitted to the second PLMN; and transmitting a PDU payload message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the PDU payload message comprising the one or more PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU payload message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, during establishment of the connection with the first PLMN, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: in an instance in which a radio link failure (RLF) occurs between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, transmitting an RLF indication to the remote UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the remote UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the UE and the second PLMNover a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, said establishing the connection between the VMR access network and the first PLMN comprises establishing an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0064] According to a thirty-first aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: causing, using a user equipment (UE), a vehicle-mounted relay UE (VMR-UE) to establish a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE; establishing an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel between the UE and a second PLMN via an access node in the second PLMN; transmitting at least one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE, from the UE, towards the second PLMN, by transmitting the PDUs to the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, causing the VMR-UE to transmit the PDUs to the first PLMN via the VMR access node, and causing the first PLMN to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, during establishment of the connection with the first PLMN, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: in an instance in which a radio link failure occurs between the UE and the VMR access node, transmitting the PDUs towards the second PLMN within the IPsec tunnel established between the UE and the access node in the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the connection established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0065] According to a thirty-second aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a network node in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), from a vehicle- mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) for a remote UE, a subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE, and an indication that the network node is to relay the PDUs to a second PLMN; determining, based upon the indication in the message, to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN; and providing at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the second PLMN.

[0066] According to a thirty-third aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: providing, using a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), a first message to a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a first connection having previously been established between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs), a subscriber identifier associated with a remote UE in operable communication with the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to a second PLMN, the remote UE being associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message, from the VMR- UE, towards the remote UE, via the VMR access node, the second message indicating that the radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, the second message being operable to cause the remote UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN via a second connection between the remote UE and an access node within the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the connection established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0067] According to a thirty-fourth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: providing, from a user equipment (UE), to a vehicle-mounted relay UE (VMR-UE), via a VMR access node, a first message, the VMR-UE having previously established a first connection between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier for a subscriber associated with the UE, wherein the first message is operable to cause the VMR-UE to transmit, to the first PLMN, at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the at least one PDUs and the subscriber identifier are to be provided to a second PLMN, the subscriber associated with the UE being a subscriber of the second PLMN; receiving, at the UE, from the VMR-UE, via the VMR access node, a second message indicating that a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN; and transmitting, using the UE, a third message to the second PLMN via an access node within the second PLMN, over a second connection between the UE and the access node within the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or morePDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the third message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment request message. In some embodiments, the first connection previously established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0068] According to a thirty-fifth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of a first public land mobile network (PLMN), from a second PLMN being different than the first PLMN, a first initial user equipment (UE) message comprising a subscriber identifier associated with a subscriber of the PLMN and an access type identifier indicating that the first initial UE message was received by the second PLMN from a remote UE of the subscriber over an access network having an access type of a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access network; establishing a first non-access stratum (NAS) security context for a first connection with the remote UE via the VMR access network; receiving, at the AMF of the PLMN, from the remote UE, a second initial UE message comprising the subscriber identifier and another access type identifier indicating the second initial UE message was transmitted from the UE to the PLMN over a terrestrial access network; and establishing a second NAS security context for a second connection with the remote UE via the terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: maintaining both the first NAS security context and an associated connection state for the first connection with the UE over the VMR access network and the second NAS security context and associated connection state for the second connection with the UE over the terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: generating a message to be transmitted to the UE; and determining, based on the access type identifier associated with the first access network and the another access type identifier associated with the second access network, whether to transmit the message to the UE via the first connection or the second connection.

[0069] According to a thirty-sixth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a first user equipment (UE), from a second UE associated with a subscriber of a second public land mobile network(PLMN), a first message comprising packet data units (PDUs) and a network identifier associated with the second PLMN; generating a second message comprising the PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that a first PLMN is to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN based on the network identifier associated with the second PLMN; and transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN.

[0070] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: requesting establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface between the first UE and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network.

[0071] According to a thirty-seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a first user equipment (UE), from a second UE, after a data connection has been established between the first UE and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), non-access stratum (NAS) signaling comprising a request for registration of the second UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; generating a message comprising the request for registration of the second UE with the second PLMN and user location information (ULI) associated with the second UE, wherein the message comprises an indication of an access type of the access network by which the NAS signaling is received; and transmitting the message towards an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0072] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: requesting establishment of the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, theinstructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: relaying a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message, received from the second UE, towards the second PLMN by relaying a PDU session establishment request message towards the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU session establishment request message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second UE, one or more PDUs to be transmitted to the second PLMN; and transmitting a PDU payload message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the PDU payload message comprising the one or more PDUs received from the second UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU payload message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the second UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN.

[0073] In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: requesting establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0074] According to a thirty-eighth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a second user equipment (UE), an indication that a data connection has been established between a first UE and a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a first access node of the first PLMN, the first access node having a first access node type, the first UE being associated with a first subscriber of the first PLMN; requesting establishment of an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel with asecond PLMN via a second access node in the second PLMN, the second access node having a second access node type that is different from the first access node type, the second UE being associated with a second subscriber of the second PLMN; transmitting one or more packet data units (PDUs) towards the second PLMN by transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the first UE and causing the first UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the first PLMN with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first access node having the first access node type comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, said transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: during the PDU session, receiving a radio link failure (RLF) indication that indicates an RLF of a radio link has occurred within the data connection established between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: requesting establishment of a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN over the terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN.

[0076] According to a thirty-nineth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a network entity in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), a message generated by a first user equipment (UE), the message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) for a second UE and an indication that the network node is to relay the one or more PDUs to a second PLMN, the first UE being associated with a first subscriber of the first PLMN, the message further comprising a subscriber identifier for a second subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE; determining, based upon the indication in the message generated by the first UE, to relay the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN; and providing the oneor more PDUs and the subscriber identifier for the second subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE.

[0077] In some embodiments, said receiving the message generated by the first UE comprises receiving the message generated by the first UE via a first access node having a first access node type. In some embodiments, the first access node having the first access node type comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, said receiving the message generated by the first UE is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred within the data connection established between the first UE and the network entity in the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication towards the first UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the first UE to instruct the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established with the apparatus. In some embodiments, the network entity comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) configured for communication in the first PLMN.

[0078] According to a fortieth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: transmitting a first message, by a first user equipment (UE), towards a first public land mobile network (PLMN) within a first data connection having previously been established between the first UE and the first PLMN via a base station of the first PLMN, the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) from a second UE, a subscriber identifier for a subscriber of a second PLMN associated with the second UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred in the first data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the second UE, the second message indicating that the RLF of the radio link has occurred in the first connection between the first UE and the first PLMN.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second message is operable to cause the second UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the second UE to the second PLMN via a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a third message generated by the second UE, the third message comprising the one or more PDUs of the second UE and the subscriber identifier for the subscriber associated with the second UE; and generating the first message by inserting, into the first message, the one or more PDUs from the second UE, the subscriber identifier for the subscriber associated with the second UE, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the first message further comprises a network identifier associated with the second PLMN.

[0080] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: requesting establishment of a data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said requesting establishment of the connection between the first UE and the first PLMN comprises requesting establishment of an N2 interface and an N3 interface between the first UE and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, said transmitting the second message towards the first PLMN is carried out during a PDU session. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: during the PDU session, determining a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred within the data connection between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting an RLF indication to the second UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the second UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the second UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network.

[0081] According to a forty-first aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: transmitting a first message, using a second user equipment (UE), towards a first UE associated with a first subscriber of a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier for a second subscriber associated with the second UE, the secondsubscriber being a subscriber of a second PLMN that is different from the first PLMN; receiving, from the first UE, a second message indicating that a radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link has occurred in a first data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN; and transmitting a third message, over a second data connection between the second UE the second PLMN, towards the second PLMN via an access node within a terrestrial access network of the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first data connection previously established between the first UE and the first PLMN is established via a first access node having a first access node type. In some embodiments, the first access node comprises a vehicle-mounted relay Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: requesting establishment of an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via a second access node in the second PLMN, the second access node having a second access node type that is different from the first access node type. In some embodiments, the second access node is part of a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the first access node type is a VMR-gNB type and the second access node type is a terrestrial radio access network (RAN) type. In some embodiments, the first message is operable to cause the first UE to at least: generate a fourth message comprising at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier for the second subscriber associated with the second UE, and transmit the fourth message towards the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the third message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment request message.

[0083] According to a forty-second aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a second network node in a second public land mobile network (PLMN), from a first network node in a first PLMN, a relay message comprising a subscriber identifier of a subscriber of the second PLMN associated with a second user equipment (UE) and a first access network type identifier indicating that a first message was received by the first PLMN from a first UE via a first access network having a first access network type; requesting establishment of a first non- access stratum (NAS) security context for a first data connection between the second UE andthe second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; receiving, from a second network node in the second PLMN, a second message comprising the subscriber identifier of the subscriber of the second PLMN associated with the second UE and a second access network type identifier indicating that the second message was received at the second PLMN from the second UE over a second access network having a second access network type that is different from the first network access type; and requesting establishment of a second NAS security context for a second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN.

[0084] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the first network node in the first PLMN, a packet data unit (PDU) message comprising one or more PDUs from the second UE, the second message being at least partially encrypted or integrity protected using one or more keys associated with the first NAS security context established for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: maintaining the first NAS security context and an associated connection state for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; and maintaining the second NAS security context and an associated connection state for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: mapping the first network access type identifier to the first NAS security context and the associated connection state for the first data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN via the first UE and the first PLMN; and mapping the second network access type identifier to the second NAS security context and the associated connection state for the second data connection between the second UE and the second PLMN.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first data connection is a primary data connection for data transfer between the second UE and the second PLMN and / or between the second PLMN and the second UE. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: determining that a handover should be carried out, of the primary data connection for data transfer, from the first data connection to the second data connection. In some embodiments, said determining that the handover should be carried out is based on one or more of: a radio link failure of a radio link occurring over the first data connection, a network traffic condition over the first dataconnection, a quality of experience (QoS) metric associated with data transfer over the first data connection, or a security concern related with the first access network or the first data connection. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can further cause the apparatus to perform: generating a PDU message to be transmitted to the UE; and determining, based on the first access type identifier associated with the first access network and the second access type identifier associated with the second access network, whether to transmit the PDU message to the UE via the first connection or the second connection.

[0086] According to a forty-third aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: establishing a connection between a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE) and a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE; receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE, the subscriber identifier being for a subscriber of a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the second message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier received from the UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs from the UE to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE during establishment of the connection with the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the connection established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0087] According to a forty-forth second aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), from a remote UE, via a VMR access node, after the VMR-UE has established a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN), a non-access stratum (NAS) registration message, the NAS registration message comprising a request for registration of the remote UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN; generatingan initial UE message comprising the NAS registration message received from the remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, wherein the initial UE message comprises an indication that an access type associated with the NAS registration message is VMR-gNB access type; and transmitting the initial UE message, via the VMR access node, to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: establishing the connection with the first PLMN via the VMR access node. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: facilitating a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment procedure between the remote UE and the second PLMN by relaying a PDU session establishment request message received from the remote UE to the first PLMN, via the VMR access node, with an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU session establishment request message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving, from the remote UE, one or more PDUs to be transmitted to the second PLMN; and transmitting a PDU payload message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the PDU payload message comprising the one or more PDUs received from the remote UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the PDU payload message to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, during establishment of the connection with the first PLMN, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: in an instance in which a radio link failure (RLF) occurs between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, transmitting an RLF indication to the remote UE, the RLF indication being operable to cause the remote UE to transmit the one or more PDUs towards the second PLMN within a second connection previously established directly between the UE and the second PLMN over a terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, said establishing the connection between the VMR access network and the first PLMN comprises establishing an N2 interface and an N3 interface to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0088] According to a forty-fifth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: causing, using a user equipment (UE), a vehicle- mounted relay UE (VMR-UE) to establish a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE; establishing an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel between the UE and a second PLMN via an access node in the second PLMN; transmitting at least one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE, from the UE, towards the second PLMN, by transmitting the PDUs to the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, causing the VMR-UE to transmit the PDUs to the first PLMN via the VMR access node, and causing the first PLMN to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, during establishment of the connection with the first PLMN, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the UE is associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN. In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the process, the apparatus is further caused to perform: in an instance in which a radio link failure occurs between the UE and the VMR access node, transmitting the PDUs towards the second PLMN within the IPsec tunnel established between the UE and the access node in the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the connection established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0089] According to a forty-sixth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a network node in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), from a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR- UE), via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) for a remote UE, a subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE, and an indication that the network node is to relay the PDUs to a second PLMN; determining, based upon the indication in the message, to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN; and providing at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the remote UE to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the second PLMN.

[0090] According to a forty-seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: providing, using a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), a first message to a VMR access node collocated with the VMR- UE, a first connection having previously been established between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs), a subscriber identifier associated with a remote UE in operable communication with the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to a second PLMN, the remote UE being associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN; determining a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN; and transmitting a second message, from the VMR-UE, towards the remote UE, via the VMR access node, the second message indicating that the radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, the second message being operable to cause the remote UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN via a second connection between the remote UE and an access node within the second PLMN. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the connection established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0091] According to a forty-eighth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: providing, from a user equipment (UE), to a vehicle-mounted relay UE (VMR-UE), via a VMR access node, a first message, the VMR- UE having previously established a first connection between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier for a subscriber associated with the UE, wherein the first message is operable to cause the VMR-UE to transmit, to the first PLMN, at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the at least one PDUs and the subscriber identifier are to be provided to a second PLMN, the subscriber associated with the UE being a subscriber of the second PLMN; receiving, at the UE, from the VMR- UE, via the VMR access node, a second message indicating that a radio link failure hasoccurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN; and transmitting, using the UE, a third message to the second PLMN via an access node within the second PLMN, over a second connection between the UE and the access node within the second PLMN, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE. In some embodiments, the VMR access node is a VMR Next Generation Node B (VMR-gNB). In some embodiments, the UE is collocated with the VMR access node and the VRM-UE. In some embodiments, the third message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment request message. In some embodiments, the first connection previously established between the VMR access node and the first PLMN comprises an N2 interface and an N3 interface established between the VMR access node and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN over a PDU session.

[0092] According to a forty-ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that comprises instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of a first public land mobile network (PLMN), from a second PLMN that is different from the first PLMN, a first initial user equipment (UE) message comprising a subscriber identifier associated with a subscriber of the PLMN and an access type identifier indicating that the first initial UE message was received by the second PLMN from a remote UE of the subscriber over an access network having an access type of a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) access network; establishing a first non-access stratum (NAS) security context for a first connection with the remote UE via the VMR access network; receiving, at the AMF of the PLMN, from the remote UE, a second initial UE message comprising the subscriber identifier and another access type identifier indicating the second initial UE message was transmitted from the UE to the PLMN over a terrestrial access network; and establishing a second NAS security context for a second connection with the remote UE via the terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: maintaining both the first NAS security context and an associated connection state for the first connection with the UE over the VMR access network and the second NAS security context and associated connection state for the second connection with the UE over the terrestrial access network. In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: generating a message tobe transmitted to the UE; and determining, based on the access type identifier associated with the first access network and the another access type identifier associated with the second access network, whether to transmit the message to the UE via the first connection or the second connection.

[0093] According to a fiftieth aspect, a remote user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the remote UE to perform at least: sending a first registration request message destined for a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN), the first registration request message comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a first UE context should be established over the 3GPP RAN; sending a second registration request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN, the second registration request message comprising the indication that MA registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a second UE context should be established over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; receiving a first registration accept message indicating that the first UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving a second registration accept message indicating that the second UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

[0094] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the remote UE to perform at least: sending a first message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP RAN, the first message comprising a first protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; sending a second message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the second message comprising a second PDU session establishment request that a second PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending a first portion of PDU traffic towards a user plane function (UPF) entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP RAN, within the first PDU session and according to the first UE context; and sending a second portion of PDU traffic towards the UPF entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, within the second PDU session and according to the second UE context.

[0095] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the remote UE to perform at least: storing user equipment route selection policy (URSP) rules provided by a policy control function (PCF) of the PLMN; and determining, based on the URSP rules stored at the remote UE for the PLMN, whether the PLMN allows multi-access PDU sessions to be established. In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the remote UE to perform said steering by further causing the remote UE to perform: steering said first and second portions of traffic, towards the UPF of the PLMN, within the first PDU session or the second PDU session, based upon Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) features supported by both the PLMN and the remote UE.

[0096] According to a fifty-first aspect, a new radio access network node (gNB) can be provided that comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gNB to perform at least: receiving, from a remote user equipment (UE), a registration request message comprising a registration request and subscriber information associated with the remote UE, the registration request message further comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) and an indication that a non-access stratum (NAS) context should be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) radio access network (RAN) comprising the gNB; generating a second message comprising the registration request message received from the remote UE; adding, to the second message, user location information (ULI) comprising an information element (IE) that indicates an access type associated with the registration request message is 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing, to an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in the PLMN, the second message; receiving, from the AMF entity in the PLMN, a registration accept message comprising information regarding the NAS context established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and providing, to the remote UE, the registration accept message.

[0097] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the gNB to perform at least: receiving, from the remote UE, a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request messagedestined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the PDU session establishment request message comprising a request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending the message towards an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of the PLMN; receiving, from the AMF entity of the PLMN, a PDU session establishment accept message comprising a UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing the PDU session establishment accept message to the remote UE; receiving, from the remote UE, within the PDU session, at least a portion of PDU traffic destined for a user plane function (UPF) entity in the PLMN, the PDU traffic being protected according to the UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and sending the portion of PDU traffic towards the UPF entity in the PLMN within the PDU session and according to the UE context associated with the PDU session.

[0098] According to a fifty-second aspect, a remote user equipment (UE) can be provided that comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the remote UE to perform at least: generating a first packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a first PDU session between the remote UE and a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN), the first PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing the first PDU session establishment request message to a node of a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN); generating a second PDU session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a second PDU session between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN, the second PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing the second PDU session establishment request message to a node of a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN; receiving, from the node of the 3GPP RAN, a first PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a first PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving, from the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, a second PDU session establishment accept messageindicating that a second PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

[0099] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the remote UE to perform at least: providing, within the first PDU session, to the node of the 3GPP RAN, first PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN; and providing, within the second PDU session, to the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, second PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN.

[0100] According to a fifty-second aspect, an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity can be provided that is configured for use in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN), the AMF entity comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF entity to perform at least: receiving an initial user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the initial UE message comprising a packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, based on the PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a NAS mobility management context, a session management context, and a security key for the remote UE; and providing the UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node.

[0101] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the network node to perform: receiving, from the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, via the first RAN node, a second message comprising a request for the VPLMN to relay at least a portion of the second message to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the remote UE and a network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE; and providing at least the portion of the second message toan interworking network function node (N3IWF) of the VPLMN with the network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE and a request to relay at least the portion of the second message to the HPLMN of the remote UE. In some embodiments, the second message comprises one of: a data request, a service request, a session establishment request, an update message, an attach message, a registration message, or an authentication message.

[0102] According to a fifty-third aspect, an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity can be provided that is configured for use in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) in operable communication with a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of a remote user equipment (UE), the AMF entity comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF entity to perform at least: receiving a first user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the first UE message comprising a first packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third- generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, based on the first PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a first UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a first NAS mobility management context, a first session management context, and a first security key for the remote UE; receiving a second UE message sent by a second RAN node, the second UE message comprising a second PDU session establishment request message sent by the remote UE and an indication that the remote UE is accessing the second RAN node via a terrestrial access node of a 3GPP RAN and an identier of the terrestrial access node; generating a second UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the terrestrial access node of the 3GPP RAN, the second UE context for the remote UE comprising a second NAS mobility management context, a second session management context, and a second security key for the remote UE; providing the first UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for theremote UE to the first RAN node; and providing the second UE context and the ATSSS rules for the remote UE to the second RAN node.

[0103] According to a fifty-fourth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: sending, using a remote user equipment (UE), a first registration request message destined for a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN), the first registration request message comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a first UE context should be established over the 3GPP RAN; sending, using the remote UE, a second registration request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN, the second registration request message comprising the indication that MA registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a second UE context should be established over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; receiving, at the remote UE, a first registration accept message indicating that the first UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving, at the remote UE, a second registration accept message indicating that the second UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: sending, using the remote UE, a first message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP RAN, the first message comprising a first protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; sending, using the remote UE, a second message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the second message comprising a second PDU session establishment request that a second PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending, using the remote UE, a first portion of PDU traffic towards a user plane function (UPF) entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP RAN, within the first PDU session and according to the first UE context; and sending, using the remote UE, a second portion of PDU traffic towards the UPF entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, within the second PDU session and according to the second UE context.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: storing, at the remote UE, user equipment route selection policy (URSP) rules provided by a policy control function (PCF) of the PLMN; and determining, using the remote UE, based on the URSP rules storedat the remote UE for the PLMN, whether the PLMN allows multi-access PDU sessions to be established.

[0106] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: steering said first and second portions of traffic, towards the UPF of the PLMN, within the first PDU session or the second PDU session, based upon Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) features supported by both the PLMN and the remote UE.

[0107] According to a fifty-fifth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at a new radio access network node (gNB), from a remote user equipment (UE), a registration request message comprising a registration request and subscriber information associated with the remote UE, the registration request message further comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) and an indication that a non-access stratum (NAS) context should be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) radio access network (RAN) comprising the gNB; generating, at the gNB, a second message comprising the registration request message received from the remote UE; adding, using the gNB, to the second message, user location information (ULI) comprising an information element (IE) that indicates an access type associated with the registration request message is 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing, from the gNB, to an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in the PLMN, the second message; receiving, at the gNB, from the AMF entity in the PLMN, a registration accept message comprising information regarding the NAS context established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and providing, from the gNB, to the remote UE, the registration accept message.

[0108] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: receiving, at the gNB, from the remote UE, a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the PDU session establishment request message comprising a request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending the message, from the gNB, towards an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of the PLMN; receiving, at the gNB, from the AMF entity of the PLMN, a PDU session establishment accept message comprising a UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing, using the gNB, the PDU session establishment accept message to theremote UE; receiving, at the gNB, from the remote UE, within the PDU session, at least a portion of PDU traffic destined for a user plane function (UPF) entity in the PLMN, the PDU traffic being protected according to the UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and sending the portion of PDU traffic, from the gNB, towards the UPF entity in the PLMN within the PDU session and according to the UE context associated with the PDU session.

[0109] According to a fifty-sixth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: generating, using a remote user equipment (UE), a first packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a first PDU session between the remote UE and a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN), the first PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing, from the remote UE, the first PDU session establishment request message to a node of a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN); generating, at the remote UE, a second PDU session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a second PDU session between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN, the second PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing, from the remote UE, the second PDU session establishment request message to a node of a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN; receiving, at the remote UE, from the node of the 3GPP RAN, a first PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a first PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving, at the remote UE, from the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, a second PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a second PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

[0110] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: providing, from the remote UE, within the first PDU session, to the node of the 3GPP RAN, first PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN; and providing, within the second PDU session, from the remote UE, to the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, second PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN.

[0111] According to a fifty-seventh aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in a visited publicland mobile network (VPLMN), an initial user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the initial UE message comprising a packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, using the AMF entity, based on the PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating, using the AMF entity, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a NAS mobility management context, a session management context, and a security key for the remote UE; and providing, using the AMF entity, the UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: receiving, at the AMF entity, from the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, via the first RAN node, a second message comprising a request for the VPLMN to relay at least a portion of the second message to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the remote UE and a network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE; and providing, from the AMF entity, at least the portion of the second message to an interworking network function node (N3IWF) of the VPLMN with the network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE and a request to relay at least the portion of the second message to the HPLMN of the remote UE. In some embodiments, the second message comprises one of: a data request, a service request, a session establishment request, an update message, an attach message, a registration message, or an authentication message.

[0113] According to a fifty-eighth aspect, a method can be carried out that comprises: receiving, at an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of a public land mobile network (PLMN), a first user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the first UE message comprising a first packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE isaccessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, using the AMF entity, based on the first PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a first UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating, using the AMF entity, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a first NAS mobility management context, a first session management context, and a first security key for the remote UE; receiving, at the AMF entity, a second UE message sent by a second RAN node, the second UE message comprising a second PDU session establishment request message sent by the remote UE and an indication that the remote UE is accessing the second RAN node via a terrestrial access node of a 3GPP RAN and an identier of the terrestrial access node; generating, using the AMF entity, a second UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the terrestrial access node of the 3GPP RAN, the second UE context for the remote UE comprising a second NAS mobility management context, a second session management context, and a second security key for the remote UE; providing, from the AMF entity, the first UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node; and providing, from the AMF entity, the second UE context and the ATSSS rules for the remote UE to the second RAN node.

[0114] Other aspects, embodiments, examples, and functionalities of systems, methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer program products are described in more detail below and illustrated in more detail in the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0115] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects.

[0116] FIG.1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example telecommunications system, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0117] FIG.2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example telecommunications system, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0118] FIG.3 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example telecommunications system, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0119] FIG. 4 illustrates a communications device that may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0120] FIG. 5 illustrates a communications device that may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0121] FIG. 6 illustrates a communications device that may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0122] FIG. 7 illustrates a communications device that may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0123] FIG.8 illustrates a vehicle-mounted relay configuration, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0124] FIG. 9 illustrates an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) architecture, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0125] FIG.10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example system and approach for dual registration of a UE with different networks using a single UE credential, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0126] FIG.11 illustrates a multi-access PDU setup via 3GPP and non-3GPP type access networks, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0127] FIG.12 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) architecture for PDU relay via VMR to a same public land mobile network (PLMN), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0128] FIG. 13 illustrates a ‘velcro’ architecture for vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) signaling of packet data units (PDUs) for external user equipment (UE), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0129] FIG. 14 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a dual-PLMN-based ATSSS architecture for PDU relay via VMR, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0130] FIG.15 depicts an example call flow for an (NG-RAN) node indicating to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of a PLMN, using an initial UE message, User Location Information (ULI) indicating the access type to be VMR-gNB, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0131] FIG. 16 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a multi-PLMN-based ATSSS architecture for PDU relay via VMR, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0132] FIG.17 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a VMR- UE, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0133] FIG.18 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a VMR- UE, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0134] FIG. 19 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a network device, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0135] FIG.20 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a VMR- UE, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0136] FIG. 21 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a network device, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0137] FIG. 22 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a network device, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0138] FIG. 23 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a network node configured to function as an access and mobility management function (AMF) in a visited public land mobile network, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0139] FIG. 24 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a network node configured to function as a session management function (SMF) in a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0140] FIG. 25 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a network node configured to function as a user plane function (UPF) in a public land mobile network (PLMN), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0141] FIG.26 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a method carried out by a user equipment, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0142] FIG.27

[0143] FIG.28

[0144] FIG.29

[0145] FIG.30

[0146] FIG.31

[0147] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one aspect may be beneficially utilized on other aspects without specific recitation. Definitions & Acronyms

[0148] Where acronyms are used and not defined, they refer to acronyms as used in the 3GPP Specifications and equivalent terms.

[0149] Additionally, the following terms are defined:

[0150] 3GPP – 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0151] AoA – Angle of Arrival, refers to a given steering angle of a given beam.

[0152] ATSSS – Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting

[0153] C-plane – Control plane

[0154] CSI – Channel State Information

[0155] CSI-RS - Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0156] DL – Downlink

[0157] DCI – Downlink Control Information

[0158] eMIMO – Enhanced Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0159] FR2 – Frequency range 2

[0160] gNB – g-Node B (e.g., Next Generation Node B Base Station)

[0161] HPLMN – Home PLMN

[0162] HPBW – Half Power Beam Width

[0163] IP – Internet Protocol

[0164] MIMO – Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0165] MBSR – Mobile Base Station Relay

[0166] MPUE – Multi Panel UE; e.g., an mmWave antenna array module

[0167] NR – New Radio (5G)

[0168] PDU – Packet Data Unit

[0169] PLMN – Public Land Mobile Network

[0170] PRACH – Physical Random-Access Channel

[0171] PtP – Point to Point

[0172] RAN – Radio Access Network

[0173] RF – Radio Frequency

[0174] RRM - Radio Resource Management

[0175] RX – Reception / Receiver

[0176] SNR – Signal-to-Noise Ratio

[0177] SSB –Synchronization Signal Block

[0178] TX – Transmission / Transmitter

[0179] U-plane – User plane

[0180] VMR – Vehicle Mounted Relay

[0181] VPLMN – Visiting PLMN

[0182] IAB – Integrated Access Backhaul

[0183] DN – Data Network

[0184] URSP – UE Route Selection Policy

[0185] UE – User Equipment

[0186] UL – Uplink

[0187] UBA – Unique Beamformed Arrays: an antenna array or sub-array and front end RF architecture comprising one or more combined elements, the one or more combined elements being configured to control one beam for at least one or more polarizations forming an RX filter. Detailed Description

[0188] Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, and computer readable mediums for multi-path connectivity from a user equipment to a public land mobile network via vehicle-mounted relays (VMR) used for communications between the UE and the public land mobile networks (PLMN) / network operators to improve UE mobility and reliability within a network.3GPP TSG SA WG-2 has established several goals for Release 18 and Release 19 of the 3GPP NR standards for architecture enhancements for VMRs, dual 3GPP Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS), and for supportingmultiple registrations in fifth-generation systems (5GS). However, suitable solutions for meeting these goals have not been disclosed to date.

[0189] Simultaneous registration to 5GC via Multiple NR accesses" for a UE with a single subscription is needed to support new use cases. In the past this was not supported or not possible due to interference caused by the used radio bands. However, 5G networks now support different bands from below 1 GHz up to mmWave. Some of the use cases that are enabled with "Multiple 3GPP access registrations" of a UE are:

[0190] Use case 1: UE using different services offered by a PLMN and / or SNPN. A PLMN and / or a SNPN may support different services e.g., PLMN-A or SNPN-A may support a first service (denoted service-1 (data or Intranet access)), PLMN-B may supports a second service (denoted service-2 (voice)). A UE may require multiple service support (voice and data). In this case, the UE, when connected to both PLMNs or to PLMN and SNPN can obtain access to the different services simultaneously.

[0191] Use case 2: Support for steering, splitting and switching of user data across two 3GPP accesses. The 3GPP SA WG1 is defining service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms for steering, splitting and switching of user data across two 3GPP networks (FS_DualSteer). There are various use cases documented in TR 22.841. One of the underlying assumptions for the work is that the UE is registered to the 3GPP network via more than one 3GPP access using a single subscription. This allows traffic aggregation on low and high NR bands or switch traffic from low band NR to high band NR.

[0192] Use case 3: FRMCS requirements. In the context of Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) several scenarios are discussed where the train can be connected to two NR or one NR and one LTE access at the same time. This allows for traffic aggregation and increased resilience of the connections to the mission critical infrastructure (MCPTT, MCDATA, MCVOICE). The NR access can be provided by the railway network, which is a PLMN, while the second NR access or LTE access can be provided by a mobile network operating in the same country as the railway company or by a second railway company (e.g., when the train crosses borders). In addition, during stops in a train station the train may also be connected to local SNPN operated by the railway company or a 3rd party network provider.

[0193] Telecommunication network operators face an evolving network environment that has multiple 3GPP access type, e.g., LTE / NR / NTN, and possibly service agreement with other operators, to achieve improved service performance by using two 3GPP access,TR22.841 documents use cases, gap analysis and potential service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms for steering, splitting and switching of user data, pertaining to a UE data session, across two 3GPP networks. The following scenarios are covered, where only one single PLMN subscription is assumed, including a single PLMN scenario, a PLMN and NPN scenario, and a two PLMNs scenario.

[0194] In Rel-18, SA2 conducted a study followed by a work item on VMR (Vehicle- Mounted Relays). During the study, it was agreed to limit the scope of the work to the IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) architecture, whereby the IAB-node consists of an IAB- MT and an IAB-DU, with the IAB-DU establishing an F1 interface with a donor CU over a wireless link. There are however other architecture options to achieve the functionality of vehicle-mounted relay, for instance the so-called “Velcro” solution whereby the relay node consists of a UE co-located with a full gNB, with the gNB in the relay establishing N2 and N3 interface to an AMF residing in the 5GC over a PDU session. These architecture options which have not yet been studied by SA2 may be better suited to certain deployment scenarios for vehicle-mounted relays, for instance using the VMR where IAB is not widely supported, or the scenario in which the relay processes local traffic in the vehicle to provide onboard services with low latency. Additional areas of focus for this disclosure include NTN backhauling, to provide coverage, e.g., on vessels, aircrafts and in other areas without TN coverage, and extension of UAV functionality to relay to provide service to non-UAV- capable UEs in helicopter or drones.

[0195] New networks (fifth-generation, sixth-generation, etc.) and communication protocols (new radio, etc.) are expected to incorporate wireless backhaul to enable flexible and dense network deployments. Wireless backhauls have previously relied on non- standardized solutions, often utilizing millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies separate from those used for access links. These solutions were primarily designed for point-to-point (PtP) communications with well-planned networking and line-of-sight (LOS) connections.

[0196] Some networks may deploy both access links and backhaul in both mmWave and non-line of sight (NLOS) environments, with the latter being denser and potentially unplanned. These distinctive characteristics have spurred further standardization of solutions that integrate access and backhaul while accommodating these specific features. The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), responsible for standardizing 5G new radio (NR), has already initiated the standardization of this new wireless backhaul, referred to asintegrated access and backhaul (IAB). IAB holds promise and is highly desirable due to its cost-effectiveness, rapid deployment, and easy maintenance.

[0197] A network backhaul can include, e.g., mobile base station relays (MBSRs), mobile IABs (mIABs), or the like. Examples of MBSR applications include the use of MBSR nodes deployed on trains, buses, and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), among other uses. In some embodiments, the MBSR nodes are wirelessly served either by a base station (BS) connected by wire / fiber (terrestrial) to the core network (CN) or by a BS that is also wirelessly served by another wired-connected BS to the CN. In terms of mobility, there are three distinct types of MBSR / IAB nodes: fixed nodes, nomadic nodes, and mobile nodes (e.g., MBSR, mIAB). Fixed nodes remain in the same position, allowing for long-term system planning. Nomadic nodes adjust their location prior to communication but remain fixed during the communication to temporarily extend coverage and serve out-vehicle UEs in specific areas (e.g., disaster areas, locations near stadiums, etc.). On the other hand, MBSR / mIAB nodes on trains, buses, trams, and similar vehicles communicate while in motion. Unlike nomadic nodes, an MBSR’s or mIAB's primary objective is to serve in-vehicle UEs. This work focuses specifically on mobile nodes, such as MBSR or mIAB.

[0198] However, 3GPP and others have not yet contemplated how to enable remote Ues to be served simultaneously or in series by both vehicle-mounted relay access points (VMR- gNBs) and terrestrial RAN access to improve connection resiliency. Also, there is a need for approaches for applying multi-access packet data units (MA-PDUs) over dual access (e.g., VMR-gNB and terrestrial RAN) to improve application-level redundancy and service continuity. There is also a need for approaches for making use of multi-access in the same PLMN environment to achieve MA-PDU dual access. Additionally, when a radio link failure occurs in a VMR, such as when the VMR-UE operating as a VMR / MBSR node suddenly cannot operate as VMR anymore, collocated Ues attached to the VMR node will lose connectivity. In this regard, this is a limitation of current VMR that must be avoided. Contemplated herein are approaches for seamless soft handovers to available terrestrial access (e.g., terrestrial RAN). Further, there is a need for approaches for making use of MA in a multi-PLMN environment to achieve PLMN level redundancy when the same PLMN access (e.g., VMR and terrestrial access belonging to different PLMN) is not feasible, such as in remote geographic locations.

[0199] As such, described herein are systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for dual access connectivity for the same UE, such as via simultaneousregistration to a 5G core network via multiple NR accesses for a UE with a single subscription. This can be carried out by defining service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms for steering, splitting and switching of user data across two 3GPP networks, such as FS_DualSteer. In the context of Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS), data traffic aggregation and increased resiliency can be achieved using mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical data (MCDATA), and mission- critical voice (MCVOICE) features.

[0200] As described herein, PLMN level redundancy may improve the connection reliability for Remote UEs even further than dual access in a single PLMN case. In some embodiments, when dual access in a multi-PLMN scenario is achieved, a Remote UE may be able to make use of a wider spectrum of services - for example, when some application services in a first PLMN may not be available in a second PLMN. Further, a multi-path connection using multi-PLMN connectivity may lead to improved resource utilization, depending on the location of the Remote UE and relative signal quality. For example, a cell edge UE may not need to be served to reduce energy usage and improve the efficiency of the service. Further, aggregation of data traffic and direct VMR-UE to Remote UE signaling scenarios may lead to faster wake-up signaling (WUS) for Remote UEs, meaning that Remote UEs attached to the VMR may be able to be scheduled for longer DRX durations, leading to lower power usage at the Remote UEs. Further, example solutions described herein may allow Remote UEs to detect access types based on different lower indication (e.g. RAN can do SIB broadcast containing information on the different access types along with PLMN information), such as when a separate access type is used for VMR-gNB and Terrestrial RAN. In some embodiments, the VMR-gNB can provide a different access type indication to an AMF of the 5G network than that provided by the Remote UE via the terrestrial RAN. The AMF may be aware of the access type and use the same to create and maintain a UE context (SM, MM, Security, Authentication) for the Remote UE on a per access type basis.

[0201] As used herein, the term “user equipment” or “UE” typically refers to any device configured to be used by a user to communicate with or within a communications network. Other terms used synonymously with the term “user equipment” or “UE” herein include: terminal equipment, terminal device, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile terminal, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal,terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device, phone, smartphone, tablet, and / or the like.

[0202] UE may be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, for example, a handheld device with a wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, and the like. At present, examples of some UE can be: mobile phone (mobile phone), tablet computer (pad), computer with wireless transceiver function (such as notebook computer, palmtop computer, etc.), mobile internet device (mobile internet device, MID), virtual reality (virtual reality, VR) equipment, augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) equipment, wireless terminals in industrial control (industrial control), wireless terminals in self driving (self driving), wireless in remote medical (remote medical) UE, terminals, wireless terminals in smart grid, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart city, wireless terminals in smart home, cellular phones, cordless Telephones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices, or connected Other processing devices to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in the 5G network or terminal devices in the future evolution of the public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0203] In addition, UE may also be a device in an Internet of Things (Internet of things, IoT) system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, so as to realize the intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object interconnection. IoT technology can achieve massive connections, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through, for example, narrow band (NB) technology.

[0204] In addition, UE can also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. The main functions include collecting data (partial terminal equipment), receiving control information and downlink data from network equipment, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to network equipment.

[0205] As used herein, the term “access node” typically refers to any access network device or equipment that provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to user levels and business requirements. Terms used herein that are synonymous with the term “access node” can include “network access node,” “network node,” “access point,” “node B,” “Evolved node B” or “eNB,” “Next Generation Node B” or “gNB,” “base station,” “base transceiverstation,” “tower,” “relay station,” “vehicle-mounted relay,” and / or the like. There are currently two types of radio access technologies: 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access technologies (such as radio access technologies used in 3G, 4G or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technologies. 3GPP access technology refers to the access technology that complies with the 3GPP standard specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called a next generation node base station (gNB). Non-3GPP access technology refers to an access technology that does not conform to the 3GPP standard specification, for example, an air interface technology represented by an access point (access point, AP) in wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, Wi-Fi).

[0206] An access node that implements a network access function based on a wireless communication technology may be referred to as a radio access network (radio access network, RAN). The wireless access network can manage wireless resources, provide access services for terminal equipment, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between the terminal and the core network.

[0207] Radio access network equipment, for example, may include but not limited to: a radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), a node B (Node B, NB), a base station controller (base station controller, BSC), a base transceiver station (base transceiver station, BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved node B, or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (baseband unit, BBU), AP in Wi-Fi system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, Transmission point (transmission point, TP) or transmission and reception point (transmission and reception point, TRP), etc., can also be gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in the 5G (eg, NR) system, the base station in the 5G system One or a group (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels, or it can also be a network node that constitutes a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), or a next-generation Base stations in communication 6G systems, etc. This application does not limit the specific technology and specific equipment form adopted by the wireless access network equipment.

[0208] As used herein, the term “mobile relay” typically refers to a mobile wireless access network device that integrates a wireless access link and a wireless backhaul link, where the wireless access link is the communication between the terminal device and the mobile relay. The wireless backhaul link is the communication link between the mobile relay and the wireless access network equipment deployed on the ground without mobility. The wireless backhaul link mainly performs data backhaul. The mobile relay supports interfaces such asUu, F1, E1, NG, and X2, and includes functions of radio access network equipment and mobile-termination (MT) functionality. Among them, the MT function is integrated in the mobile relay, and this functional entity is used for the Uu interface termination point of the backhaul link between the mobile relay and the donor RAN device or other mobile relays. When the mobile relay is activated, the MT function will perform cell selection to access the network.

[0209] It can be understood that the mobile relay has mobility. For example, by carrying a relay integrated with a wireless access link and a wireless backhaul link on the vehicle, so that it can move with the movement of the vehicle, it is a typical mobile relay, that is, a vehicle-mounted relay (vehicle mounted relay, VMR).

[0210] As used herein, the term “donor RAN equipment” typically refers to the wireless access network equipment deployed on the ground without mobility, provided by the backhaul link between the donor RAN and the mobile relay and the mobile relay. Access links provide network access to terminal devices. The host radio access network device may consist of a centralized unit (centralized unit, CU) and one or more distributed units (distributed unit, DU). Among them, CU mainly handles non-real-time wireless high-layer protocol stack functions, such as radio resource control (radio resource control, RRC) layer protocol and packet data convergence layer (packet data convergence protocol, PDCP) layer protocol, and DU mainly handles physical layer (physical layer, PHY) functions and layer 2 functions with high real-time requirements, such as the PHY protocol. CU and DU can communicate with each other through the F1 interface.

[0211] This application does not limit the number of mobile relays that can be connected to the donor RAN. For the convenience of description, the host wireless access network device is referred to as the access network device for short in this application. Unless otherwise stated, the access network device in the embodiments of the present application refers to a donor radio access network (donor RAN) device.

[0212] As used herein, the term “access and mobility management function” or “AMF” refers to a network function that belongs to a core network, and is mainly used for registration of user equipment, mobility management, and tracking area update process in the mobile network. The entry and mobility management network element terminates the non-access stratum (NAS) message, is responsible for registration management, connection management and reachability management, assigns a track area list (TA list) and mobilitymanagement etc., and is responsible for forwarding the session management (session management, SM) message to the session management network element.

[0213] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and / or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0214] Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and / or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, the term ‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and / or other computing device.

[0215] As defined herein, a “computer-readable storage medium,” which refers to a non- transitory physical storage medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a “computer-readable transmission medium,” which refers to an electromagnetic signal. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires orcables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include a magnetic computer readable medium (e.g., a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium), an optical computer readable medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray disc, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, or any other non-transitory medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. However, it will be appreciated that where embodiments are described to use a computer-readable storage medium, other types of computer-readable mediums may be substituted for or used in addition to the computer- readable storage medium in alternative embodiments.

[0216] While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be examples and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0217] In the following, certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a wireless communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to FIG. 1-3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0218] According to some embodiments, a communication device or terminal can be provided for wireless access via cells, base stations or similar wireless transmitter and / or receiver nodes, providing access points for a radio access system.

[0219] Access points and hence communications there through are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication therewith. In some embodiments, a control apparatus for a node may be integrated with, coupled to and / or otherwise provided for controlling the access points. In some embodiments, the control apparatus can be arranged to allow communications between a user equipment and a core network or a network entity of the core network. For this purpose, the control apparatus may comprises at least one memory, at least one data processing unit such as a processor or the like, and an input and / or output interface. Via the interface, the control apparatus can be coupled to relevant other components of the access point. The control apparatus can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions. It shall be appreciated that similar components can be provided in a control apparatus provided elsewhere in the network system, for example in a core network entity. The control apparatus can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed between several control units. In some embodiments, each base station can comprise a control apparatus. In alternative embodiments, two or more base stations may share a control apparatus.

[0220] Access points and associated controllers may communicate with each other via a fixed line connection and / or via a radio interface. The logical connection between the base station nodes can be provided for example by an X2 or the like interface. This interface can be used for example for coordination of operation of the stations and performing reselection or handover operations.

[0221] The communication device or user equipment may comprise any suitable device capable of at least receiving wireless communication of data. For example, the device can be handheld data processing device equipped with radio receiver, data processing and user interface apparatus. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ‘smart phone’, a portable computer such as a laptop or a tablet computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility, personal data assistant (PDA) provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. Further examples include wearable wireless devices such as those integrated with watches or smart watches, eyewear, helmets, hats, clothing, ear pieces with wireless connectivity, jewelry and so on, universal serial bus (USB) sticks with wireless capabilities, modem data cards, machine type devices or any combinations of these or the like.

[0222] In some embodiments, a communication device, e.g., configured for communication with the wireless network or a core network entity, may be exemplified by a handheld or otherwise mobile communication device (or user equipment UE). A mobile communication device may be provided with wireless communication capabilities and appropriate electronic control apparatus for enabling operation thereof. Thus, the communication device may be provided with at least one data processing entity, for example a central processing unit and / or a core processor, at least one memory and other possible components such as additional processors and memories for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. Data processing and memory functions provided by the control apparatus of the communication device are configured to cause control and signaling operations in accordance with certain embodiments as described later in this description. A user may control the operation of the communication device by means of a suitable user interface such as touch sensitive display screen or pad and / or a key pad, one of more actuator buttons, voice commands, combinations of these, or the like. A speaker and a microphone are also typically provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

[0223] In some embodiments, a communication device may communicate wirelessly via appropriate apparatus for receiving and transmitting signals. In some embodiments, a radiounit may be connected to the control apparatus of the device. The radio unit can comprise a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the communication device.

[0224] FIGs.1-3 illustrate various exemplary architectures for a communications network 100 in which the various methods, apparatuses, and computer program products can be carried out and / or used. In some embodiments, the communications network 100 can comprise any suitable configuration, number, orientation, positioning, and / or dimensions of components and specialized equipment configured to provide air interface (e.g., New Radio (NR)) communication or connection between a user equipment 102 (UE 102) and a data network 116 (DN 116) via a core network 101 (CN 101) of the communications network 100. As illustrated in FIG.1, a communications network 100 may be provided in which the UE 102 is in operable communication with the AN 104, such as by way of a transmission tower, a base station, a network node, or the like. In some embodiments, the AN 104 can communicate with the CN 101 or a component or entity thereof. In some embodiments, the CN 101 can facilitate communication between the UE 102 and the DN 116, such as for sending data, messages, requests, or the like. In some embodiments, the DN 116 or the CN 101 can be in communication with an application server or application function 112 (AS / AF 112).

[0225] In the context of a fifth-generation (5G) network, such as illustrated in FIGs.2 and 3, the communications network 100 may comprise a series of connected network devices and specialized hardware that is distributed throughout a service region or country, and one or more network entities, which may be stored at and / or hosted by one or more of the connected network devices or specialized hardware. In some embodiments, the UE 102 may connect to the AN 104, which can then relay the communications between the UE 102 and the CN 101, the CN 101 being connected to the DN 116, which may be in communication with one or more AS / AF 112. In some embodiments, the UE 102 may be in communication with a radio access network 104 (RAN 104 or (R)AN 104), which may act as a relay between the UE 102 and other components or services of the CN 101. For instance, in some embodiments, the UE 102 may communicate with the RAN 104, which may in turn communicate with an Access and Mobility Management Function 108 (AMF 108). In other instance or embodiments, the UE 102 may communicate directly with the AMF 108. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 may be in communication with one or more network functions (NFs), such as an Authentication Server Function 120 (AUSF 120), a Network SliceSelection Function 122 (NSSF 122), a Network Repository Function 124 (NRF 124), a Policy Charging Function 114 (PCF 114), a Network Data Analytics Function 126 (NWDAF 126), a Unified Data Management function 118 (UDM 118), the AS / AF 112, a Session Management Function 110 (SMF 110), and / or the like.

[0226] In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 3, the SMF 110 may be in communication with one or more User Plane Functions 106 (UPF 106, UPF 106a, UPF 106b, collectively “UPF 106”). By way of example only, in some embodiments, the UPF 106 may be in communication with the RAN 104 and the DN 116. In other embodiments, the DN 116 may be in communication with a first UPF 106a and the RAN 104 may be in communication with a second UPF 106b, while the SMF 110 is in communication with both the first and second UPFs 106a, b and the first and second UPFs 106a, b are in communication each with the other.

[0227] In some embodiments, the UE 102 can comprise a single-mode or a dual-mode device such that the UE 102 can be connected to one or more RANs 104. In some embodiments, the RAN 104 may be configured to implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs), such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GSM, UMTS, LTE or 5G NR, among others, that can be used to connect the UE 102 to the CN 101. In some embodiments, the RAN 104 can comprise or be implemented using a chip, such as a silicon chip, in the UE 102 that can be paired with or otherwise recognized by a similar chip in the CN 101, such that the RAN 104 can establish a connection or line of communication between the UE 102 and the CN 101 by identifying and pairing the chip within the UE 102 with the chip within the CN 101. In some embodiments, the RAN 104 can implement one or more base stations, towers or the like to communicate between the UE 102 and the AMF 108 of the CN 101.

[0228] In some embodiments, the communications network 100 or components thereof (e.g., base stations, towers, etc.) can be configured to communicate with a communication device (e.g., the UE 102) such as a cell phone or the like over multiple different frequency bands, e.g., FR1 (below 6 GHz), FR2 (mmWave), other suitable frequency bands, sub-bands thereof, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the communications network 100 can comprise or employ massive multiple input and multiple output (massive MIMO) antennas. In some embodiments, the communications network 100 can comprise multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) antennas. In some embodiments, the communications network 100 can employ edge computing whereby the computing servers are communicatively, physically, computationally, and / or temporally closer to the communications device (e.g., UE 102) inorder to reduce latency and data traffic congestion. In some embodiments, the communications network 100 can employ other technologies, device, or techniques, such as small cell, low-powered RAN, beamforming of radio waves, WiFi-cellular convergence, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), channel coding, and the like.

[0229] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the UE 102 may be configured to communicate with the RAN 104 in a N1 interface, e.g., according to a non-access stratum (NAS) protocol. In some embodiments, RAN 104 can be configured to communicate with the CN 101 or a component thereof (e.g., the AMF 108) in a N2 interface, e.g., in a control plane between a base station of the RAN 104 and the AMF 108. In some embodiments, the RAN 104 can be configured to communicate with the UPF 106 in a N3 interface, e.g., in a user plane. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with other services or network entities within the CN 101 in various different interfaces and / or according to various different protocols. For instance, in some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the AUSF 120 in a Nausf interface or an N12 interface. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the NSSF 122 in a Nnssf interface. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the NRF 124 in a Nnrf interface. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the PCF 114 in a Npcf interface or an N7 interface. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the NWDAF 126 in a Nnwdaf interface. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the UDM 118 in a Nudm interface, an N8 interface, or an N10 interface. In some embodiments, the AMF 108 and / or the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the AS / AF 112 in a Naf interface. In some embodiments, the SMF 110 can be configured to communicate with the UPF 106 in a N4 interface, which may act as a bridge between the control plane and the user plane, such as acting as a conduit for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session during which information is transmitted between, e.g., the UE 102 and the CN 101 or components and / or services thereof.

[0230] It will be appreciated that example embodiments of the invention disclosed and / or otherwise described herein arise in the context of a telecommunications network, including but not limited to a telecommunications network that conforms to and / or otherwise incorporates aspects of a fifth-generation (5G) architecture. While FIGs. 1-3 illustrate various configurations and / or components of an exemplary architecture of thecommunications network 100, many other systems, system configurations, networks, network entities, and pathways and / or protocols for communication therein are contemplated and considered within the scope of this present disclosure.

[0231] While the methods, devices, and computer program products described herein are described within the context of a fifth-generation (5G) core network and system, such as illustrated in FIGs. 1-3 and described hereinabove, the described methods, devices, and computer program products can nevertheless be applied in a broader context within any suitable telecommunications system, network, standard, or protocol.

[0232] Turning now to FIG. 4, examples of a VMR-UE or VMR access node may be embodied in an apparatus 200 as configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As described below in conjunction with the flowcharts of FIGs.17- 31, the apparatus 200 of an example embodiment may be configured to perform the functions described herein. In any instance, the apparatus 200 may more generally be a computing device or computing, such as a server, a standalone computer, a distributed computing system, or a cloud computing system. Regardless of the manner in which the apparatus 200 is embodied, the apparatus of an example embodiment may be configured as shown in FIG. 4 so as to include, be associated with or otherwise be in communication with processing circuitry including, for example, a processor 202 and a memory device 204 and, in some embodiments, and / or a communication interface 206.

[0233] In the apparatus 200, the processor 202 (and / or co-processors or any other circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor 202) may be in communication with the memory device 204 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus 200. The memory device 204 may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device 204 may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processor 202). The memory device 204 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus 200 to carry out various operations of one or more core network functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the memory device 204 could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 202. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device 204 could be configured to store instructions of core network functions for execution by the processor 202.

[0234] The processor 202 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor 202 may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 202 may include one or more other processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining and / or multithreading.

[0235] In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 204 or otherwise accessible to the processor 202. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 202 may be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 202 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor 202 may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an executor of instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processor 202 may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., an encoder and / or a decoder) configured to employ an embodiment of the present invention by further configuration of the processor 202 by instructions for performing the algorithms and / or operations described herein. The processor 202 may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor 202.

[0236] In embodiments that include a communication interface 206, the communication interface 206 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data from and / or to a network and / or any other device or module in communication with theapparatus 200, such as an NF, an NRF (e.g., 124), a UE (e.g., 102), a RAN (e.g., 104) core network services, an application server and / or function (e.g., 112), a database or other storage device, etc. In this regard, the communication interface 206 may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface 206 may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communication interface 206 may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface 206 may include a communication modem and / or other hardware and / or software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms. In some embodiments, a session management function (e.g., 110) can comprise a 5GC session management function for any suitable CUPS architecture, such as for the gateway GPRS support node (GGSN-C), TWAG-C, BNG-CUPS, N4, Sxa, Sxb, Sxc, evolved packet core (EPC) SWG-C, EPC PGW- C, EPC TDF-C, and / or the like.

[0237] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may represent a user equipment (e.g., 102) that is configured to be connected to other core network entities or network equipment. In some embodiments, user equipment can comprise a mobile telephone (cell phone) or the like.

[0238] As illustrated, the apparatus 200 can include the processor 202 in communication with the memory 204 and configured to provide signals to and receive signals from the communication interface 206. In some embodiments, the communication interface 206 can include a transmitter and a receiver. In some embodiments, the processor 202 can be configured to control the functioning of the apparatus 200, at least in part. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may be configured to control the functioning of the transmitter and receiver by effecting control signaling via electrical leads to the transmitter and receiver. Likewise, the processor 202 may be configured to control other elements of apparatus 200 by effecting control signaling via electrical leads connecting the processor 202 to the other elements, such as a display or the memory 204. The processor 202 may, for example, be embodied in a variety of ways including circuitry, at least one processing core, one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors,one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or the like), or some combination thereof. Accordingly, although illustrated in FIG.4 as a single processor, in some example embodiments the processor 202 may comprise a plurality of processors or processing cores.

[0239] The apparatus 200 may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and / or the like. Signals sent and received by the processor 202 may include signaling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and / or any number of different wireline or wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wi-Fi, wireless local access network (WLAN) techniques, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, 802.3, ADSL, DOCSIS, and / or the like. In addition, these signals may include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, and / or the like.

[0240] For example, the apparatus 200 and / or a cellular modem therein may be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G) communication protocols, second generation (2G or 2.5G) communication protocols, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (for example, session initiation protocol (SIP) and / or the like. For example, the apparatus 200 may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136, Time Division Multiple Access TDMA, Global System for Mobile communications, GSM, IS-95, Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, and / or the like. In addition, for example, the apparatus 200 may be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and / or the like. Further, for example, the apparatus 200 may be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division- Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and / or the like. The apparatus 200 may be additionally capable of operating in accordance with 3.9G wireless communication protocols, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or the like. Additionally, for example,the apparatus 200 may be capable of operating in accordance with 4G wireless communication protocols, such as LTE Advanced, 5G, and / or the like as well as similar wireless communication protocols that may be subsequently developed. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be capable of operating according to or within the framework of any suitable control and user plane separation (CUPS) architecture, such as for the gateway GPRS support node (GGSN-C), trusted wireless access gateway (TWAG- C), broadband network gateways (BNGs), N4, Sxa, Sxb, Sxc, evolved packet core (EPC) SWG-C, EPC PGW-C, EPC TDF-C, and / or the like.

[0241] It is understood that the processor 202 may include circuitry for implementing audio and / or video and logic functions of the apparatus 200. For example, the processor 202 may comprise a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and / or the like. Control and signal processing functions of the apparatus 200 may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor 202 may additionally comprise an internal voice coder (VC), an internal data modem (DM), and / or the like. Further, the processor 202 may include functionality to operate one or more software programs, which may be stored in memory 204. In general, the processor 202 and software instructions stored in memory 206 may be configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform actions. For example, the processor 202 may be capable of operating a connectivity program, such as a web browser. The connectivity program may allow the apparatus 200 to transmit and receive web content, such as location-based content, according to a protocol, such as wireless application protocol, WAP, hypertext transfer protocol, HTTP, and / or the like.

[0242] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also comprise a user interface including, for example, an earphone or speaker, a ringer, a microphone, a display, a user input interface, and / or the like, which may be operationally coupled to the processor 202. The display may, as noted above, include a touch sensitive display, where a user may touch and / or gesture to make selections, enter values, and / or the like. The processor 202 may also include user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more elements of the user interface, such as the speaker, the ringer, the microphone, the display, and / or the like. The processor 202 and / or user interface circuitry comprising the processor 202 may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more elements of the user interface through computer program instructions, for example, software and / or firmware, stored on the memory 204 accessible to the processor 202, for example, a volatile memory,a non-volatile memory, devices comprising the same, and / or the like. The apparatus 200 may include a battery for powering various circuits related to the mobile terminal, for example, a circuit to provide mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The user input interface may comprise devices allowing the apparatus 200 to receive data, such as a keypad (e.g., a virtual keyboard presented on a display or an externally coupled keyboard) and / or the like.

[0243] As shown in FIG.4, apparatus 200 may also include one or more mechanisms for sharing and / or obtaining data, illustrated as the communication interface 206. For example, the communication interface 206 of the apparatus 200 may include a short-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver and / or interrogator, so data may be shared with and / or obtained from electronic devices in accordance with RF techniques. The apparatus 200 may include other short-range transceivers, such as an infrared (IR) transceiver, a BluetoothTM (BT) transceiver operating using BluetoothTM wireless technology, a wireless universal serial bus (USB) transceiver, a BluetoothTM Low Energy transceiver, a ZigBee transceiver, an ANT transceiver, a cellular device-to-device transceiver, a wireless local area link transceiver, and / or any other short-range radio technology. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 and, in particular, the short-range transceiver may be capable of transmitting data to and / or receiving data from electronic devices within the proximity of the apparatus, such as within about 10 meters, for example. The apparatus 200 including the Wi-Fi or wireless local area networking modem may also be capable of transmitting and / or receiving data from electronic devices according to various wireless networking techniques, including 6LoWpan, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi low power, WLAN techniques such as IEEE 802.11 techniques, IEEE 802.15 techniques, IEEE 802.16 techniques, and / or the like.

[0244] The apparatus 200 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory, which can comprise some or all of the memory 204 or can alternatively be a separate memory within or connected to the apparatus 200. For example, volatile memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) including dynamic and / or static RAM, on-chip or off-chip cache memory, and / or the like. Non-volatile memory, which may be embedded and / or removable, may include, for example, read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic storage devices, for example, hard disks, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape, optical disc drives and / or media, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), and / or the like. Like volatile memory, non-volatile memory may include a cache area for temporary storage of data. At least part of the volatile and / or non-volatile memory may be embedded in processor 202. The memories may store one or more software programs, instructions, pieces of information,data, and / or the like. For example, the memory 204 may store software or instructions of one or more network functions of the core network which may be used by the apparatus for performing operations disclosed herein.

[0245] The memories may comprise an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying apparatus 200. The memories may comprise an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying apparatus 200. In the example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured using computer code stored at memory and / or to the provide operations disclosed herein with respect to the base stations, WLAN access points, network nodes including the UEs, and the like. Likewise, the apparatus 200 can be configured to be any other component or network equipment from the core network.

[0246] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on the memory 204, the processor 202, or electronic components, for example. In some example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer- readable medium” may be any non-transitory media that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer or data processor circuitry, with examples depicted at FIG. 4, computer-readable medium may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that may be any media that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0247] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be embodied by a user equipment or by a network entity, such as server or other computing device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As described below in conjunction with the flowcharts and block diagrams presented herein, the apparatus 200 of an example embodiment can be configured to perform the functions and operations described herein. In any instance, the apparatus 200 can more generally be embodied by a computing device, such as a server, a personal computer, a computer workstation or other type of computing device including those functioning as a user equipment and / or a component of a wireless network or a wireless local area network. Regardless of the manner in which the apparatus 200 is embodied, theapparatus 200 of an example embodiment can be configured as shown in FIG. 2 so as to include, be associated with or otherwise be in communication with the processor 202 and the memory device 204 and, in some embodiments, the communication interface 206.

[0248] Although not illustrated, the apparatus 200 of an example embodiment may also optionally include a user interface, such as a touch screen, a display, a keypad, the like, or combinations thereof. Moreover, the apparatus 200 according to an example embodiment can be configured with a global positioning circuit that comprises a global positioning receiver and / or global positioning transmitter configured for communication with one or more global navigation satellite systems (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, the like, or combinations thereof). The global positioning circuit may be configured for the transmission and / or receipt of direct / indirect satellite and / or cell signals in order to determine geolocation data (e.g., latitude, longitude, elevation, altitude, geographic coordinates, the like, or combinations thereof) for the apparatus 200 and / or another communication device associated with the apparatus 200 or the one or more global navigation satellite systems.

[0249] In some embodiments, geolocation data may comprise a time dimension, such as a time stamp that associates the geolocation data with a respective time (e.g., 01:00 AM EST, etc.), a respective date (e.g., September 26, 2020, etc.), and / or the like. The time dimension may be configured based on one or more of a time of receipt, generation, transmission, and / or the like (e.g., by the apparatus). In some embodiments, geolocation data may be associated with one or more time dimensions.

[0250] The processor 202 (and / or co-processors or any other circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) can be in communication with the memory device 204 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus 200. The memory device 204 can include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories, such as a non-transitory memory device. In other words, for example, the memory device 204 can be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that can be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processor). The memory device 204 can be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, the like, or combinations thereof for enabling the apparatus 200 to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment. For example, the memory device 204 could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 202. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device 204 could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor 202.

[0251] The apparatus 200 can, in some embodiments, be embodied in various computing devices as described above. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 can be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus 200 can comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly can provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus 200 can therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present disclosure on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset can constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0252] The processor 202 can be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 202 can be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Micro-Controller Unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor 202 can include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor can enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 202 can include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining and / or multithreading.

[0253] In an example embodiment, the processor 202 can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 204 or otherwise accessible to the processor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 202 can be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 202 can represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, the like, or combinations thereof the processor 202 can be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein.

[0254] Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an executor of instructions, the instructions can specifically configure the processor 202 toperform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processor 202 can be of a specific device (e.g., an encoder and / or a decoder) configured to employ an embodiment of the present disclosure by further configuration of the processor 202 by instructions for performing the algorithms and / or operations described herein. The processor 202 can include, among other things, a clock, an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor 202.

[0255] In some embodiments, the communication interface 206 can be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to a network and / or any other device or module in communication with the apparatus 200, such as network functions, network repository functions, a base station, an access point, service communication proxies, a radio access network, core network services, a database or other storage device, the like, or combinations thereof. In this regard, the communication interface can include, for example, one or more antennas and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface can include the circuitry for interacting with the one or more antennas to cause transmission of signals via the one or more antennas or to handle receipt of signals received via the one or more antennas.

[0256] In some embodiments, the one or more antennas may comprise one or more of a dipole antenna, monopole antenna, helix antenna, loop antenna, waveguide, horn antenna, parabolic reflectors, corner reflectors, dishes, micro strip patch array, convex-plane, concave-plane, convex-convex, concave-concave lenses, the like or combinations thereof. In some environments, the communication interface can alternatively or additionally support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface can include a communication modem and / or other hardware / software for supporting communication via cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), USB, the like or combinations thereof.

[0257] In some embodiments, a session management function (e.g., an SMF) can comprise a 5GC session management function for any suitable Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) architecture, such as for the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Gateway GPRS Support Node Control plane function (GGSN-C), Trusted Wireless Access Gateway Control plane function (TWAG-C), Broadband Network Gateway Control and User Plane Separation (BNG-CUPS), N4 interface, Sxa interface, Sxb interface, Sxc interface, Evolved PacketCore (EPC) Serving Gateway Control plane function (SGW-C), EPC Packet Data Network Gateway Control plane function (PGW-C), EPC Traffic Detection Control plane function (TDF-C), the like, or combinations thereof.

[0258] In some embodiments, the processor 202, in communication with the memory 204, can be configured to provide signals to and receive signals from the communication interface 206. In some embodiments, the communication interface 206 can include a transmitter and a receiver. In some embodiments, the processor 202 can be configured to control the functioning of the apparatus 200, at least in part. In some embodiments, the processor 202 can be configured to control the functioning of the transmitter and receiver by effecting control signaling via electrical leads to the transmitter and receiver. Likewise, the processor 202 can be configured to control other elements of apparatus 200 by effecting control signaling via electrical leads connecting the processor 202 to the other elements, such as a display or the memory 1204.

[0259] The apparatus 200 can be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and / or the like. Signals sent and received by the processor 202 can include signaling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and / or any number of different wireline or wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wi-Fi, Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) techniques, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, 802.3, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), the like, or combinations thereof. In addition, these signals can include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0260] For example, the apparatus 200 and / or a cellular modem therein can be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G) communication protocols, second generation (2G or 2.5G) communication protocols, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (for example, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)), the like, or combinations thereof. For example, the apparatus 200 can be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols Interim Standard (IS) 136 (IS-136), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), GSM, IS-95, Code Division Multiple Access, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), the like, or combinations thereof. In addition, for example, the apparatus200 can be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), the like, or combinations thereof.

[0261] Further, for example, the apparatus 200 can be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols, such as UMTS, Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division- Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), the like, or combinations thereof. The apparatus 200 can be additionally capable of operating in accordance with 3.9G wireless communication protocols, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), the like, or combinations thereof.

[0262] Additionally, for example, the apparatus 200 can be capable of operating in accordance with 4G wireless communication protocols, such as LTE Advanced, 5G, and / or the like as well as similar wireless communication protocols that can be subsequently developed, such as 6G. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 can be capable of operating according to or within the framework of any suitable CUPS architecture, such as for the gateway GGSN-C, TWAG-C, Broadband Network Gateways (BNGs), N4 interface, Sxa interface, Sxb interface, Sxc interface, EPC SGW-C, EPC PGW-C, EPC TDF-C, the like, or combinations thereof. Indeed, although described herein in conjunction with operation with a 5G system, the apparatus and method may be configured to operate in conjunction with a number of other types of systems including systems hereinafter developed and implemented.

[0263] Some of the example embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware can reside on memory 204, the processor 202, or electronic components, for example. In some example embodiments, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any non-transitory media that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer or data processor circuitry, with examples depicted at FIG.4. The computer-readable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be any media that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0264] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 can further comprise receiver circuitry 208. The receiver circuitry 208 may be configured at least to operate as a receiver. In some examples, but not necessarily all examples the receiver circuitry 208 is configured at least to operate as a transceiver that is, as a receiver and as a transmitter.

[0265] In some embodiments, the receiver circuitry 208 can be or comprise a printed circuit board, one or more directional antennas, an antenna array, and / or the like. In some embodiments, antennas / antenna arrays can have or create radiation patterns that cover a respective plurality of partially overlapping sectors that extend outwardly from the receiver circuitry 208.

[0266] In the example illustrated, apparatus 200 is described as being distinct and different from a transmission point, relay station, eNb, gNb, access point, access network, and / or the like. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 can operate as any or all of a transmission point, relay station, eNb, gNb, access point, access network, and / or the like and / or one or more of a transmission point, relay station, eNb, gNb, access point, access network, and / or the like can operate as apparatus 200.

[0267] As used here ‘module’ refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts / components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user. The processor 102 can be a module. The receiver circuitry 208 can be a module. The plurality of direction antennas / antenna array can be a module.

[0268] The processor 202 can be a controller. The processor 202 can be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0269] The processor 202 can be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions, for example of a computer program, in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) to be executed by such a processor.

[0270] The processor 202 can be configured to read from and write to the memory 204. The processor 202 can also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 202.

[0271] The memory 204 can store instructions (e.g., as program codes, computer program codes) that controls the operation of the apparatus 200 when loaded into the processor. The instructions stored in the memory 204, e.g., instructions of a computer program, provide thelogic and routines that enables the apparatus 200 to perform the methods illustrated and described. The processor 202, by reading the memory 204, is able to load and execute the instructions.

[0272] The apparatus 200 can therefore comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including program codes (i.e., computer program codes, computer program instructions, computer-readable instructions, program instructions, etc.), wherein the at least one memory and the program codes / computer program codes are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 200 at least to perform any of the approaches, methods, signaling flows, communication approaches, receiver filter steering steps, or other method substeps described herein.

[0273] The instructions, e.g. the computer program can arrive at the apparatus 200 via any suitable delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism may be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a solid state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the computer program. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program. The apparatus 200 may propagate or transmit the computer program as a computer data signal.

[0274] The instructions described herein can include computer program instructions for causing an apparatus (e.g., 200) to perform some or all of the steps of any of the approaches, methods, signaling flows, communication approaches, receiver filter steering steps, or other method substeps described herein.

[0275] The computer program instructions may be comprised in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program.

[0276] The memory 204 can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi- permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0277] The processor 202 can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 202 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

[0278] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of an apparatus 300, according to an example embodiment, that may be configured to perform the functions, processes, and methods described herein, combinations thereof, variations thereof, or parts thereof. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 is or comprises exemplary specialized hardware particularly dimensioned and configured to carry out any of the methods, processes, and approaches described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 can be a part of the system 100 or in communication with a component thereof. It will be appreciated that the apparatus 300 is provided as an example of one embodiment and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. In this regard, the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those illustrated and described herein. As such, while FIG.5 illustrates one example of a configuration of an apparatus for carrying or facilitating various of the disclosed approaches and methods for facilitating communications between UE and wireless communication systems, such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or a 6G network.

[0279] The apparatus 300 may be embodied as a desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile terminal, mobile computer, mobile phone, mobile communication device, game device, digital camera and / or camcorder, audio and / or video player, television device, radio receiver, digital video recorder, positioning device, a chipset, a computing device comprising a chipset, any combination thereof, and / or the like. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 300 is embodied as a mobile computing device, such as mobile telephones, mobile computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, televisions, e-papers, and other types of electronic systems, which may employ various embodiments of the invention.

[0280] The apparatus 300 can include a computing device 302 including a processor 304, and storage, such as a non-volatile memory 306 and / or volatile memory 308. In some embodiments, the processor 304 may, for example, be embodied as various means including circuitry, one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array), or some combination thereof. Accordingly, although illustrated in FIG.5 as a single processor, in some embodiments the processor 304 comprisesa plurality of processors. These signals sent and received by the processor 304 may include signaling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and / or any number of different wireline or wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wi-Fi, wireless local access network (WLAN) techniques such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, and / or the like. In addition, these signals may include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, and / or the like. In this regard, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and / or the like. More particularly, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, third- generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, fifth-generation (5G), sixth-generation (6G), any band, frequency or protocol thereof, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (e.g., session initiation protocol (SIP)), and / or the like. For example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), IS- 95 (Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)), and / or the like. Also, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and / or the like. Further, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division- Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and / or the like. The mobile terminal may be additionally capable of operating in accordance with 3.9G wireless communication protocols such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and / or the like. Additionally, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols and / or the like as well as similar wireless communication protocols that may be developed in the future.

[0281] In addition to broad-band systems, some Narrow-band Advanced Mobile Phone System (NAMPS), as well as Total Access Communication System (TACS), mobile terminals may also benefit from embodiments of this invention, as should dual or highermode phones (e.g., digital / analog or TDMA, CDMA, and / or analog phones). Additionally, the apparatus 300 or a component thereof may be capable of operating according to Wi-Fi or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) protocols.

[0282] It is understood that the processor 304 may comprise circuitry for implementing audio and / or video and logic functions of the apparatus 300. For example, the processor 304 may comprise a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and / or the like. Control and signal processing functions of the mobile terminal may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may additionally comprise an internal voice coder (VC), an internal data modem (DM), and / or the like. Further, the processor 304 may comprise functionality to operate one or more software programs, which may be stored in memory. For example, the processor 304 may be capable of operating a connectivity program, such as a web browser. The connectivity program may allow the apparatus 300 to transmit and receive web content, such as location-based content, according to a protocol, such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and / or the like. The apparatus 300 may be capable of using a Transmission Control Protocol and / or Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) to transmit and receive web content across the internet or other networks.

[0283] The apparatus 300 may also comprise a user interface 312 including, for example, an earphone or speaker, a ringer, a microphone, a user display, a user input interface, and / or the like, which may be operationally coupled to the processor 304. In this regard, the processor 304 may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more elements of the user interface, such as, for example, the speaker, the ringer, the microphone, the display, and / or the like. The processor 304 and / or user interface circuitry comprising the processor 304 may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more elements of the user interface through computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor 304 (e.g., non-volatile memory 306, volatile memory 308, and / or the like). Although not shown, the apparatus 300 may comprise a battery for powering various circuits related to the apparatus 300, for example, a circuit to provide mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The apparatus 300 can further comprise a display 314. In some embodiments, the display 314 may be of any type appropriate for the electronic device in question with some examples including a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emittingdiode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a projector, a holographic display, or the like. The user interface 312 may comprise devices allowing the apparatus 300 to receive data, such as a keypad, a touch display (e.g., some example embodiments wherein the display 314 is configured as a touch display), a joystick (not shown), and / or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad may comprise numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and / or other keys for operating the apparatus 300.

[0284] The apparatus 300 may comprise memory, such as the non-volatile memory 306 and / or the volatile memory 308, such as RAM, read only memory (ROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a removable user identity module (R- UIM), and / or the like. In addition to the memory, the apparatus 300 may comprise other removable and / or fixed memory. In some embodiments, the volatile memory 308 may include Random Access Memory (RAM) including dynamic and / or static RAM, on-chip or off-chip cache memory, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory 306, which may be embedded and / or removable, may include, for example, read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape, etc.), optical disc drives and / or media, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), and / or the like. Like the volatile memory 308, the non-volatile memory 306 may include a cache area for temporary storage of data. The memories may store one or more software programs, instructions, pieces of information, data, and / or the like which may be used by the mobile terminal for performing functions of the mobile terminal. For example, the memories may comprise an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying the apparatus 300.

[0285] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 300 includes various means for performing the various functions herein described. These means may comprise one or more of the processor 304, the non-volatile memory 306, the volatile memory 308, the user interface 312, or the display 314. The means of the apparatus 300 as described herein may be embodied as, for example, circuitry, hardware elements (e.g., a suitably programmed processor, combinational logic circuit, and / or the like), a computer program product comprising computer-readable program instructions (e.g., software or firmware) stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., storage 306 or 308) that is executable by a suitably configured processing device (e.g., the processor 304), or some combination thereof.

[0286] In some example embodiments, one or more of the means illustrated in FIG.5 may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus 300 may comprise one ormore physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. In this regard, the processor 304, the memory 306 and / or 308, the user interface 312, and / or the display 314 may be embodied as a chip or chip set. The apparatus 300 may therefore, in some cases, be configured to or may comprise component(s) configured to implement embodiments of the present invention on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0287] The processor 304 may, for example, be embodied as various means including one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array), one or more other types of hardware processors, or some combination thereof. Accordingly, although illustrated in FIG.5 as a single processor, in some embodiments the processor 304 comprises a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors may be in operative communication with each other and may be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the apparatus 300, e.g., as described herein. The plurality of processors may be embodied on a single computing device or distributed across a plurality of computing devices collectively configured to function as the apparatus 300. In some embodiments, e.g., wherein the apparatus is embodied as an apparatus 300, the processor 304 may be embodied as or comprise the processor 304 (shown in FIG.5). In some example embodiments, the processor 304 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 306 and / or 308 or otherwise accessible to the processor 304. These instructions, when executed by the processor 304, may cause the apparatus 300 to perform one or more of the functionalities of the apparatus 300 as described herein. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 304 may comprise an entity capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 304 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor 304 may comprise specifically configured hardware for conducting one or more operations described herein. Alternatively,as another example, when the processor 304 is embodied as an executor of instructions, such as may be stored in the memory 306 and / or 308, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 304 to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein.

[0288] The memory 306 and / or 308 may comprise, for example, volatile memory, non- volatile memory, or some combination thereof. In this regard, the memory 306 and / or 308 may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Although illustrated in FIG. 5 as a single memory, the memory 306 and / or 308 may comprise a plurality of memories. The plurality of memories may be embodied on a single computing device or may be distributed across a plurality of computing devices collectively configured to function as the apparatus 300. In various example embodiments, the memory 306 and / or 308 may comprise a hard disk, random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disc, circuitry configured to store information, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the memory 306 and / or 308 may comprise the volatile memory 308 and / or the non-volatile memory 306 (shown in FIG. 5). The memory 306 and / or 308 may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus 300 to carry out various functions in accordance with various example embodiments. For example, in some example embodiments, the memory 306 and / or 308 is configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 304. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 306 and / or 308 may be configured to store program instructions for execution by the processor 304. The memory 306 and / or 308 may store information in the form of static and / or dynamic information. The stored information may include, for example, images, content, media content, user data, application data, and / or the like. This stored information may be stored and / or used by the processor 304 during the course of performing its functionalities.

[0289] In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 can further comprise a communication interface (not shown) that may be embodied as any device or means embodied in circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising computer readable program instructions stored on a computer readable medium (e.g., the memory 306 and / or 308) and executed by a processing device (e.g., the processor 304), or a combination thereof that is configured to receive and / or transmit data from and / or to another computing device. In some example embodiments, the communication interface is at least partially embodied as or otherwise controlled by the processor 304. In this regard, the communication interface may be incommunication with the processor 304, such as via a bus. The communication interface may include, for example, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver and / or supporting hardware or software for enabling communications with one or more remote computing devices. In some embodiments, e.g., wherein the apparatus is embodied as an apparatus 300, the communication interface may be embodied as or comprise the transmitter and the receiver. The communication interface may be configured to receive and / or transmit data using any protocol that may be used for communications between computing devices. In this regard, the communication interface may be configured to receive and / or transmit data using any protocol that may be used for transmission of data over a wireless network, wireline network, some combination thereof, or the like by which the apparatus 300 and one or more computing devices may be in communication. As an example, the communication interface may be configured to receive and / or otherwise access content (e.g., web page content, streaming media content, and / or the like) over a network from a server or other content source. The communication interface may additionally be in communication with the memory 306 and / or 308, user interface 312 and / or the processor 304, such as via a bus.

[0290] The user interface 312 may be in communication with the processor 304 and configured to receive an indication of a user input and / or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to a user. As such, the user interface 312 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touch screen display, a microphone, a speaker, and / or other input and / or output mechanisms. In embodiments in which the apparatus 300 is embodied as an apparatus 300, the user interface 312 may be embodied as or comprise the user input interface, such as the display 314 (shown in FIG. 5), and other components such as a keypad, mouse, etc. The user interface 312 may be in communication with the memory 306 and / or 308, communication interface, a sensor, a speaker, and / or the processor 304, such as via a bus. In some example embodiments, the user interface 312 may comprise a single input and / or output mechanism. In other embodiments, the user interface 312 may comprise a content display and touch display, such as the display 314. In some embodiments, the user interface 312 may comprise a touch display user interface with a content display portion and a dedicated user input portion, such as a virtual keyboard, virtual piano, or an application with a designated key for user input.

[0291] The processor 304 may be embodied as various means, such as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising computer readable program instructions stored on a computer readable medium (e.g., the memory 306 and / or 308) and executed by aprocessing device (e.g., the processor 304), or some combination thereof and, in some embodiments, is embodied as or otherwise controlled by the processor 304. The processor 304 may further be in communication with one or more of the memory 306 and / or 308, or user interface 312, such as via a bus.

[0292] The processor 304 may be configured to receive a user input from a user interface 312, such as a touch display. The user input or signal may carry positional information indicative of the user input. In this regard, the position may comprise a position of the user input in a two-dimensional space, which may be relative to the surface of the touch display user interface. For example, the position may comprise a coordinate position relative to a two-dimensional coordinate system (e.g., an X and Y axis), such that the position may be determined. Accordingly, the processor 304 may determine an element, instruction, and / or command that corresponds with a key, or image, displayed on the touch display user interface at the determined position or within a predefined proximity (e.g., within a predefined tolerance range) of the determined position. The processor 304 may be further configured to perform a function or action related to the key corresponding to the element, instruction, and / or command determined by the processor 304 based on the position of the touch or other user input.

[0293] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be improved user equipment or network equipment configuration. As such, any embodiment of a method, system, approach, device, apparatus, or computer program described or illustrated herein is understood to comprise any or all of the components, functionalities, elements, or steps of any other embodiment such that any method can be carried out by the apparatus 200, the apparatus 300, or by any other suitable system or device, and likewise can be carried out according to a computer program code envisioned within the scope of this disclosure.

[0294] Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, and computer readable mediums for multi-path connectivity from a user equipment to a public land mobile network via vehicle-mounted relays (VMR) used for communications between the UE and the public land mobile networks (PLMN) to improve UE mobility and reliability within a network.3GPP TSG SA WG-2 has established several goals for Release 18 and Release 19 of the 3GPP NR standards for architecture enhancements for VMRs, dual 3GPP Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS), and for supporting multiple registrationsin fifth-generation systems (5GS). However, suitable solutions for meeting these goals have not been disclosed to date.

[0295] Simultaneous registration to 5GC via Multiple NR accesses" for a UE with a single subscription is needed to support new use cases. In the past this was not supported or not possible due to interference caused by the used radio bands. However, 5G networks now support different bands from below 1 GHz up to mmWave. Some of the use cases that are enabled with "Multiple 3GPP access registrations" of a UE are:

[0296] Use case 1: UE using different services offered by a PLMN and / or SNPN. A PLMN and / or a SNPN may support different services e.g., PLMN-A or SNPN-A may support a first service (denoted service-1 (data or Intranet access)), PLMN-B may supports a second service (denoted service-2 (voice)). A UE may require multiple service support (voice and data). In this case, the UE, when connected to both PLMNs or to PLMN and SNPN can obtain access to the different services simultaneously.

[0297] Use case 2: Support for steering, splitting and switching of user data across two 3GPP accesses. The 3GPP SA WG1 is defining service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms for steering, splitting and switching of user data across two 3GPP networks (FS_DualSteer). There are various use cases documented in TR 22.841. One of the underlying assumptions for the work is that the UE is registered to the 3GPP network via more than one 3GPP access using a single subscription. This allows traffic aggregation on low and high NR bands or switch traffic from low band NR to high band NR.

[0298] Use case 3: FRMCS requirements. In the context of Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) several scenarios are discussed where the train can be connected to two NR or one NR and one LTE access at the same time. This allows for traffic aggregation and increased resilience of the connections to the mission critical infrastructure (MCPTT, MCDATA, MCVOICE). The NR access can be provided by the railway network, which is a PLMN, while the second NR access or LTE access can be provided by a mobile network operating in the same country as the railway company or by a second railway company (e.g., when the train crosses borders). In addition, during stops in a train station the train may also be connected to local SNPN operated by the railway company or a 3rd party network provider.

[0299] Telecommunication network operators face an evolving network environment that has multiple 3GPP access type, e.g., LTE / NR / NTN, and possibly service agreement with other operators, to achieve improved service performance by using two 3GPP access,TR22.841 documents use cases, gap analysis and potential service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms for steering, splitting and switching of user data, pertaining to a UE data session, across two 3GPP networks. The following scenarios are covered, where only one single PLMN subscription is assumed, including a single PLMN scenario, a PLMN and NPN scenario, and a two PLMNs scenario.

[0300] In Rel-18, SA2 conducted a study followed by a work item on VMR (Vehicle- Mounted Relays). During the study, it was agreed to limit the scope of the work to the IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) architecture, whereby the IAB-node consists of an IAB- MT and an IAB-DU, with the IAB-DU establishing an F1 interface with a donor CU over a wireless link. There are however other architecture options to achieve the functionality of vehicle-mounted relay, for instance the so-called “Velcro” solution whereby the relay node consists of a UE co-located with a full gNB, with the gNB in the relay establishing N2 and N3 interface to an AMF residing in the 5GC over a PDU session. These architecture options which have not yet been studied by SA2 may be better suited to certain deployment scenarios for vehicle-mounted relays, for instance using the VMR where IAB is not widely supported, or the scenario in which the relay processes local traffic in the vehicle to provide onboard services with low latency. Additional areas of focus for this disclosure include NTN backhauling, to provide coverage, e.g., on vessels, aircrafts and in other areas without TN coverage, and extension of UAV functionality to relay to provide service to non-UAV- capable UEs in helicopter or drones.

[0301] Referring now to FIGs.6 and 7, a system 400 is illustrated which includes a vehicle- mounted relay user equipment 402 (VMR-UE 402) comprising a processor 404 and a memory 406 storing instructions, such as in the form of computer program code 408. The VMR-UE 402 can be similar to or the same as the apparatus 200 or the apparatus 300.

[0302] The system 400 can further include a VMR access node 410 that is configured to be in over the air (OTA) communication with the VMR-UE 402. The system 400 can further include or be in communication with one or more user equipment (e.g., user equipment 412). The VMR-UE 402 can communicate with the user equipment 412, via the VMR access point 410. The system 400 can be or further include a first public land mobile network 414 (first PLMN 414). The first PLMN 414 can be or include a 5G core network illustrated in one of FIGs.1-3. The UE 412 may not be configured to communicate directly with the first PLMN 414. Instead, the UE 412 may be configured to communicate with the first PLMN 414 via the VMR-UE 402 and the VMR access point 410.

[0303] However, the UE 412 can be a subscriber of a second PLMN 416. When the UE 412 is collocated with the VMR-UE 402, the UE 412 may be configured to communicate with the second PLMN 416 by first signaling or sending messages to the VMR-UE 402 via the VMR access point 410. The VMR-UE 402 then signals or sends messages to the first PLMN 414 via the VMR access point 410. The first PLMN 414 may then relay the signals or messages to the second PLMN 416.

[0304] In some embodiments, the instructions stored at the memory 406 of the VMR- UE 402, e.g., the computer program code 408, can be executed by the processor 404 to cause the VMR-UE 402 to perform at least: establishing a connection with the first PLMN 414 via the VMR access node 410; receiving, from the UE 412, a first message comprising packet data units (PDUs) and a network identifier associated with the second PLMN 416; and transmitting a second message towards the first PLMN 414 via the VMR access node 410, the second message comprising the PDUs received from the UE 412 and an indication that the first PLMN 414 is to relay the PDUs from the UE 412 to the second PLMN 416.

[0305] In some embodiments, UE 412 can be configured to perform at least: causing the VMR-UE 402 to establish a connection with the first PLMN 414 via the VMR access node 410 collocated with the VMR-UE 402; establishing an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel with the second PLMN 416 via an access node (not shown) in the second PLMN 416; and transmitting at least one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE 412 towards the second PLMN 416 by: transmitting at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the VMR-UE 402 via the VMR access node 410, causing the VMR-UE 402 to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the first PLMN 414 via the VMR access node 410, and causing the first PLMN 414 to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN 416.

[0306] In some embodiments, the instructions stored at the memory 406 of the VMR- UE 402, e.g., the computer program code 408, can be executed by the processor 404 to cause the VMR-UE 402 to perform at least: providing a first message to the VMR access node 410 collocated with the VMR-UE 402, a first connection having previously been established between the VMR access node 410 and the first PLMN 414, the first message comprising one or more PDUs, a subscriber identifier associated with the UE 412 in operable communication with the VMR-UE 402 via the VMR access node 410, and an indication that the first PLMN 414 is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier tothe second PLMN 416, the UE 412 being associated with the subscriber of the second PLMN 416; determining a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node 410 and the first PLMN 414; and transmitting a second message towards the UE 412, the second message indicating that the radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node 410 and the first PLMN 414, the second message being operable to cause the UE 412 to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN 416 via a second connection between the UE 412 and an access node (not shown) within the second PLMN 416.

[0307] In some embodiments, UE 412 can be configured to perform at least: providing, to the VMR-UE 402, via the VMR access node 410, a first message, the VMR-UE 402 having previously established a first connection between the VMR access node 410 and the first PLMN 414, the first message comprising one or more PDUs and a subscriber identifier for a subscriber associated with the UE 412, wherein the first message is operable to cause the VMR-UE 402 to transmit, to the first PLMN 414, at least the one or more PDUs, the subscriber identifier, and an indication that the at least one PDUs and the subscriber identifier are to be provided to a second PLMN 416, the subscriber associated with the UE 412 being a subscriber of the second PLMN 416; receiving, from the VMR-UE 402, via the VMR access node 410, a second message indicating that a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node 410 and the first PLMN 414; and transmitting a third message to the second PLMN 416 via an access node (not shown) within the second PLMN 416, over a second connection between the UE 412 and the access node within the second PLMN 416, the third message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the UE 412.

[0308] As illustrated in FIG.6, the VMR access point 410 can be collocated with the VMR- UE 402 but be part of a different and distinct apparatus, device, assembly, or subcomponent. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the VMR access point 410 can alternatively be housed within or as part of a same apparatus, device, assembly, or subcomponent, such as the VMR- UE 402.

[0309] FIG.8 illustrates an example VMR configuration in which a mobile VMR is located on or in a vehicle, such as an ambulance. The VMR hardware can include an IAB distributed unit (IAB-DU) and an IAB mobile termination (IAB-MT) antenna. In some embodiments, the IAB-DU illustrated in FIG.8 may be the same as or similar to the VMR-UE 402, while the IAB-MT may be the same or similar as or similar to the VMR access point 410. Acollocated UE may attach to the VMR by requesting access to a macro network (which can be the same as or similar to PLMN 414 or PLMN 416). The UE illustrated in FIG.8 may be the same as or similar to UE 412, also referred to herein as “Remote UE”. The collocated UE and IAB-MT antenna can communicate over a Unix-to-Unix (Uu) interface, also called an NR Uu interface. The VMR may communicate with the macro network via dual access, such as via a Uu interface and F1 interface. For example, the IAB-DU may communicate with a donor gNB-CU in the macro network via an F1 interface, while the IAB-MT antenna may communicate with a donor gNB-DU of the macro network via a Uu interface. The donor gNB-DU of the macro network can then relay signaling and messages from the IAB-MT to the donor gNB-CU. Messages and signaling received at the donor gNB-CU in the macro network, whether received from the IAB-DU at the VMR or the donor gNB-DU in the macro network, can be relayed to the core network (CN) of the macro network via N2 / N3 interface(s).

[0310] FIG.9 illustrates a more detailed example architecture of a macro network that can include two or more IAB nodes in communication with a plurality of UE via an NR Uu interface. In some embodiments, IAB nodes can be hierarchically stacked within the NG- RAN to relay signaling and messages from UE towards the 5GC / core network. The lower- level IAB nodes can communicate between themselves via NR Uu and a terminal IAB node can communicate aggregated messages and signaling upwards to an IAB gNB DU via an F1 interface. The IAB gNB DU can then communicate with terrestrial access points and gNB in the NG-RAN via an Xn interface, and can communicate with the 5GC via an NG (N2, N3) interface.

[0311] In some embodiments, the 5GC can receive an indication of access type for signaling and messages from UE attached to the VMR that indicates the access type is VMR. By doing so, the 5GC can handle the VMR traffic based on access type, such as by categorizing VMR traffic as non-3GPP type access traffic, or according to a network policy.

[0312] FIG.10 illustrates a use case for using different services offered by a PLMN and / or a SNPN. In the illustrated use case, networks may support different services, e.g., PLMN- A or SNPN-A support service-1 (data or Intranet access), PLMN-B supports service-2 (voice). A UE may require multiple service support (voice and data). In this case, the UE, when connected to both PLMNs or to PLMN and SNPN, can obtain access to the different services simultaneously. In support of this use case, service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms may be needed to enable dual access connectivity for thesame UE, such as via simultaneous registration to a 5G core network via multiple NR accesses for a UE with a single subscription. Such service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms can include service requirements for support of steering, splitting and switching of user data across two 3GPP networks, such as FS_DualSteer. As described above, in the context of Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS), data traffic aggregation and increased resiliency can be achieved using mission- critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical data (MCDATA), and mission-critical voice (MCVOICE) features.

[0313] FIG. 11 illustrates a multi-access session management architecture for Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) support in a 5G network using 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses. This architecture provides for efficient session management in multiple access environment to support ATSSS function for 5G broadband multimedia service. Multi- access (MA) session management for ATSSS achieves radio resource saving and signaling reduction by using existing policy rules and signaling procedures. In the ATSSS architecture, the UE comprises MPTCP functionality, MPQUIC functionality, ATSSS-LL functionality, and performance measurement functionality (PMF). The UE is configured to communicate with an AMF over an N1 or N2 interface via a 3GPP access or a non-3GPP access. The 3GPP access and non-3GPP access are configured to communication with a UPF over an N3 interface. The UPF of the 5G network has proxy functionalities for mission critical (MC) communications, such as MPTCP, MPQUIC, or the like. The UPF can also have corresponding ATSSS-LL and PMF functionalities. The UPF and AMF can be in communication with an SMF, PCF, and / or data network in the 5G network. The 5G network architecture, UE’s MP / ATSSS / PMF functionalities, and UPF’s MP / ATSSS / PMF proxy functionalities can be implemented in any suitable network or system, such as the system 100. The UE in FIG.11 can be in communication with a VMR, may comprise a VMR, and / or may be part of a VMR, such as the VMR-UE 402.

[0314] FIG. 12 illustrates an ATSSS architecture 500 for multi-access to a single PLMN via VMR and via terrestrial RAN / gNB. The ATSSS architecture 500 comprises a VMR- UE 502 supported on or within a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, bus, train, or the like. The VMR-UE 502 is in communication with a VMR access node 510, which can be an eNB, gNB, or the like. The VMR-UE 502 and VMR access point 510 can be part of a same apparatus or can be separate apparatuses supported on or within the vehicle and a wireless or wired connection can be established between the VMR-UE 502 and the VMR accesspoint 510. The ATSSS architecture 500 can further include a remote UE 512 that is attached to or supported by the VMR (VMR-UE 502 and VMR access point 510). The remote UE 512 can be configured with VMR functionality, can be configured for dual-access functionality, can be configured for multi-PLMN access functionality, and / or the like. The remote UE 512 can be the same as or similar to the UE 102, the apparatus 200, the apparatus 300, or the UE 412.

[0315] The ATSSS architecture 500 can further include a PLMN 514 that includes one or more access points 514a, an AMF 514b, a UPF 514c, an SMF 514d, and an N3IWF 514e.

[0316] The ATSSS architecture 500 can further include a RAN 516 that includes one or more terrestrial access nodes 518. The one or more access nodes 514a can be part of the RAN 516 or a part of a backhaul between a network edge and a core of the PLMN.

[0317] In the ATSSS architecture 500, the remote UE 512 can be configured for dual- access to the PLMN 514. In some embodiments, the remote UE 512 can be configured to establish a first connection to (e.g., PDU session with) the PLMN 514 by sending a message to the VMR-UE 502 via the VMR access point 510 collocated on the vehicle. The message received at the VMR-UE 502 from the remote UE 512 can cause the VMR-UE 502 to generate and transmit an initial UE message, such as a registration request message or an attach request message or the like, to the PLMN 514 via the VMR access point 510. The initial UE message can be transmitted to an access node 514a of the PLMN 514, which can be an eNB, IAB node, IAB donor gNB, or the like. The access node 514a of the PLMN 514 can transmit the initial UE message or contents thereof towards the UPF 514c, via the AMF 514b and the SMF 514d. Alternatively, the access node 514a of the PLMN 514 can transmit the initial UE message or contents thereof directly to the UPF 514c. The UPF 514c can be configured to receive and process or relay the initial UE message and to carry out ATSSS functions, MPTCP functions, MPQUIC functions, PMF functions, or the like upon receipt of subsequent aggregate data (e.g., PDUs) from the VMR-UE 502 on behalf of the remote UE 512 attached to the VMR.

[0318] Additionally, the remote UE 512 can be configured to establish a second connection to (e.g., PDU session with) the PLMN 514 that is separate from the first connection (e.g., PDU session) established via the VMR. Instead, the remote UE 514 can establish a second connection to, PDU session with, and / or NAS security context for, the terrestrial access node 518 in the RAN 516. The remote UE 512 can establish the second connection at any time relative to the timing of establishment of the first connection. The UE 512 can initiallyestablish the first connection via the VMR-UE 502 and register a first time with the PLMN for VMR access, then establish the second connection via the terrestrial access node 518 in the RAN 516 and register a second time with the PLMN for terrestrial RAN access. The UE 512 can use the same subscription information (e.g., SUPI) for both the registration via VMR access and the registration via terrestrial RAN access. The UE 512 can be configured to establish a PDU session via VMR access and to enter long DRX for the second connection via terrestrial RAN access. Then, if a radio link failure (RLF) occurs in the PDU session via the first connection over the VMR access, the UE can transmit a connection establishment request (e.g., RRCConnectionReestablishmentRequest message) to the AMF 514b of the PLMN 514 via the second connection over the terrestrial RAN access comprising the terrestrial access node 518 in the RAN 516.

[0319] This dual-access approach can be referred to as a ‘velcro’ architecture and is further illustrated in FIG. 13, which shows a VMR architecture 600 including a VMR-UE 602 configured to connect and communicate via 3GPP VMR access with a first core network 614 via an access node 618 in a RAN of a PLMN of the first core network 614 and a VMR- gNB 610 configured to communicate with a remote UE 612 and to establish a secure tunnel (e.g., N2 and N3 interface) to a second core network 620 via a data network 622.

[0320] FIG. 14 illustrates a dual PLMN configuration in which ATSSS functionality is configured at the UE and proxy functionality is configured at the UPF of the home network. As illustrated, the UE can establish two 3GPP accesses to two different core networks in two different PLMNs. A first 3GPP access can be established between the UE and the AMF / UPF of the first PLMN which is a Visited PLMN (VPLMN), while a second 3GPP access can be established via an AMF and UPF of a Home PLMN (HPLMN) of the UE. The UPF of the HPLMN (H-UPF) can be configured with MPTCP proxy functionality, ATSSS-LL functionality, PMF functionality, and / or the like. As such, if the UE communicates with the VPLMN via the first 3GPP access and indicates that the first 3GPP access is a VMR access type, the VPLMN may communicate with the H-UPF of the HPLMN to relay messages and signaling.

[0321] This can be carried out by signaling an indication between the VMR-UE 602 and an AMF of the VPLMN 622 via the VMR-gNB 610 and / or between the UE 612 and the HPLMN 614 via a terrestrial RAN node 618.

[0322] Table 1 is an example of information element (IE)s to be provided in the Initial UE message. The User Location Information IE (ULI IE) can be used to provide location information of the UE to the PLMN. Table 1 Initial UE message IE / Group Name Presence Range IE type and Semantics Criticality Assigned reference description Criticality Message Type M 9.3.1.1 YES ignore RAN UE NGAP ID M 9.3.3.2 YES reject NAS-PDU M 9.3.3.4 YES reject User Location M 9.3.1.16 YES reject Information RRC Establishment M 9.3.1.111 YES ignore Cause 5G-S-TMSI O 9.3.3.20 YES reject AMF Set ID O 9.3.3.12 YES ignore UE Context Request O ENUMERATED YES ignore (requested, ...) Allowed NSSAI O 9.3.1.31 YES reject Source to Target O 9.3.3.27 YES ignore AMF Information Reroute Selected PLMN O PLMN Identity Indicates the YES ignore Identity 9.3.3.5 selected PLMN id for the non-3GPP access. IAB Node Indication O ENUMERATED Indication of an IAB YES reject (true, ...) node CE-mode-B Support O 9.3.1.156 YES reject Indicator LTE-M Indication O 9.3.1.157 YES ignore EDT Session O ENUMERATED YES ignore (true, …) Authenticated O ENUMERATED Indicates the FN- YES ignore Indication (true, …) RG has been authenticated by the access network. NPN Access O 9.3.3.46 YES reject Information RedCap Indication O 9.3.1.228 YES ignore

[0323] When the AMF in the PLMN receives the Initial UE message (e.g., an Initial UE NGAP message) from VMR-gNB 610 or terrestrial RAN node 618, the AMF of the PLMN can look at the details of the ULI to determine whether the Initial UE message contains VMR-TAI as the ULI. This can be done by the AMF of the PLMN referring to a lookup table, such as Table 2, below.Table 2 User Location Information IE / Group Name Presence Range IE type and Semantics Criticality Assigned reference description Criticality CHOICE User M - Location Information >E-UTRA user location information >>E-UTRA M 9.3.1.9 - CGI >>TAI M 9.3.3.11 - >>Age of O Time Stamp Indicates the UTC - Location 9.3.1.75 time when the location information was generated. >>PSCell O NG-RAN YES ignore Information CGI 9.3.1.73 >NR user location information >>NR CGI M 9.3.1.7 - >>TAI M 9.3.3.11 This IE is ignored - if the NR NTN TAI or NR VMR TAI Information IE is present. >>Age of O Time Stamp Indicates the UTC - Location 9.3.1.75 time when the location information was generated. >>PSCell O NG-RAN YES ignore Information CGI 9.3.1.73 >>NID O 9.3.3.42 YES reject >>NR NTN O 9.3.3.53 YES ignore TAI Information >>NR VMR O 9.3.3.X YES ignore TAI Information >N3IWF user location information >>IP Address M Transport UE's local IP - Layer address used to Address reach the N3IWF 9.3.2.4 >>Port O OCTET UDP or TCP - Number STRING source port (SIZE(2)) number if NAT is detected. >TNGF user YES ignore location information >>TNAP ID M OCTET TNAP Identifier - STRING used to identify the TNAP. Details in TS 29.571

[0035] .>>IP Address M Transport UE's local IP - Layer address used to Address reach the TNGF. 9.3.2.4 >>Port O OCTET UDP or TCP - Number STRING source port (SIZE(2)) number if NAT is detected. >TWIF user YES ignore location information >>TWAP ID M OCTET TWAP Identifier - STRING used to identify the TWAP. Details in TS 29.571

[0035] . >>IP Address M Transport Non-5G-Capable - Layer Address over WLAN 9.3.2.4 device's local IP address used to reach the TWIF. >>Port O OCTET UDP or TCP - Number STRING source port (SIZE(2)) number if NAT is detected. >W-AGF user Indicates the YES ignore location location information information via wireline access as specified in TS 23.316

[0034] . >>W-AGF user M 9.3.1.164 - location information

[0324] If an NR VMR TAI Information IE is present in the Initial UE message, the AMF in the PLMN can determine that an access type for the requested registration / attachment / PDU session between the UE and the PLMN is an NR VMR Access type. In some embodiments, the AMF in the PLMN can also ignore any conventional TAI if the NR VMR TAI Information IE is present in the Initial UE message.

[0325] When a PLMN receives an Initial UE message (e.g., an Initial UE NGAP message) from VMR-gNB 610 containing VMR-TAI as the ULI, the PLMN can consider the Initial UE message to have been received by a VMR-gNB access that is separate from the terrestrial RAN access already established for the UE 612. The PLMN can then continue to do NAS identification, authentication and security on the VMR-gNB access similar to normal 3GPP- access over the terrestrial RAN access.

[0326] Similarly, when the UE 612 tries to register via terrestrial access (RAN), the PLMN will do identification, authentication and security on the terrestrial access. This will enable the PLMN to keep two distinct UE NAS contexts for the same SUPI (or any other suitable subscriber information associated with the UE 612), one for the terrestrial RANaccess and the other for the VMR-gNB access. Each of the two distinct UE NAS contexts can contain its own NAS security information, MM-information and SM-information.

[0327] The PLMN may also maintain a separate AMF NG-AP ID for each different access type (i.e., a first AMF NG-AP ID for the terrestrial RAN access and a second AMF NG-AP ID for the VMR-gNB access) to send and receive NGAP messages from both the terrestrial RAN node 618 and the VRM-gNB 610.

[0328] As described herein, non-terrestrial (NTN) TAI is an approximation of a UE's location, as Satellite access cannot locate a UE in a Tracking Area (TA) due to a moving cell concept. Therefore, NTN uses a list of TAs to AMF to give an approximation of the UE’s location. However, in some instances, VMR TAI may only give the TAI where the UE is present and where the VMR is allowed to operate. Improved TA formation and spatial mapping of UE locations may help the AMF to select NRF / SMF and other NFs which are linked to a TAI, identify that the UE is accessing the network via a VMR which is reaching to AMF via a VMR-UE, and / or the like.

[0329] In some embodiments, the UE 612 may now need to have access specific authentication and an access specific security context. For example, the UE 612 may store keys and NAS security context information associated with a NR VMR-Access NAS security context and may also store other keys and other NAS security context information associated with a Terrestrial RAN-Access NAS security context. In some embodiments, the UE 612 may also need to maintain separate CM-states and NAS timers for each of the NR VMR-Access and the Terrestrial RAN-Access. In some embodiments, the UE 612 may also need to have or be configured to have the capability to support two simultaneous PLMN cell search procedures, carry out monitoring two or more broadcast channel and paging channels, and otherwise duplicate at least some of the UE functionalities currently carried out by UE when registering with a PLMN or within a NAS security context previously established between the UE and the PLMN. For example, when the UE is trying to register from a VMR access, the VMR-Access may indicate to the AMF about the UE’s presence in the VMR- access. This can help the AMF to carry out certain functionalities.

[0330] For example, the AMF may use the VMR-access indication in UE context from RAN to fetch VMR specific UE policy, AM policy to apply to UE and RAN. The AMF may select a PCF based on the VMR-access to fetch VMR specific policies (e.g., PCF selection and discovery per access type). If the UE is being served by same PLMN on both the access (e.g., a same AMF is serving UE in both 3GPP-access and VMR-3GPP-access), the accesstype helps the AMF in selecting an SMF, an NSSF, and / or a PCF based on the access specifier and store their producer NF’s address details in the active UE context and PDU session context in UE context. In some embodiments, the AMF can maintain two different CM-states to efficiently manage downlink (DL) data notification (by avoiding unnecessary paging cycles). In some embodiments, the AMF can also use access type as one factor to consider during UE context relocation to another AMF (e.g., based on access preference and slice support per access type in the target AMF).

[0331] In some embodiments, a PDU Session Establishment Request message may be sent over a terrestrial access (e.g., terrestrial 3GPP access) or over a VMR access (e.g., VMR- gNB 3GPP access). In some embodiments, the UE 612 can provide Request Type as "MA PDU Request" in a UL NAS Transport message. The UE 612 can also provide its ATSSS Capabilities, e.g., as defined in clause 5.32.2 of 3GPP TS 23.501, in a PDU Session Establishment Request message. In some embodiments, the "MA PDU Request" Request Type in the UL NAS Transport message can indicate to the network that the PDU Session Establishment Request is or includes a request to establish a new MA PDU Session. The "MA PDU Request" Request Type in the UL NAS Transport message can further indicate to the network that the network is to apply one or more steering functionalities for steering the traffic of this MA PDU session over multiple accesses (e.g., a 3GPP terrestrial access and a 3GPP VMR access). In some embodiments, if the AMF supports MA PDU sessions, then the AMF can select an SMF which supports MA PDU sessions, for example based on at least the Access Type that the SMF supports, or by indicating that the selected SMF must support 3GPP VMR access if the "MA PDU Request" Request Type in the UL NAS Transport message indicates the Access Type is 3GPP VMR access. In some embodiments, the AMF can inform the SMF that the request is for a MA PDU Session by including a "MA PDU Request" indication. In some embodiments, the AMF can also or alternatively indicate to the SMF whether the UE is registered over both accesses (e.g., 3GPP terrestrial access and 3GPP VMR access).

[0332] The SMF can then retrieve, e.g., from the UDM, information regarding whether the MA PDU session is allowed (e.g., over 3GPP terrestrial access and 3GPP VMR access simultaneously). If dynamic PCC is to be used for the MA PDU Session, the SMF can then send an "MA PDU Request" indication to the PCF, e.g., in a SM Policy Control Create message. The SMF can also provide to the PCF the ATSSS Capabilities of the MA PDUsession. The SMF can provide the currently used Access Type(s) and RAT Type(s) (e.g., “NR+3GPP access” and “NR+3GPP VMR access”) to the PCF.

[0333] The PCF can then provide PCC rules that include MA PDU session control information, such as specified in 3GPP TS 23.503. In some embodiments, the PCC rules can include changes to include NR+3GPP access and NR+3GPP VMR access as policy selection criteria. In some embodiments, from the received PCC rules, the SMF can derive ATSSS rules. The ATSSS rules derived from the PCC rules can be sent to UE for controlling the traffic steering, switching and splitting in the uplink direction. In some embodiments, from the received PCC rules, the SMF can derive N4 rules. The N4 rules derived from the PCC rules can be sent to the UPF for controlling the traffic steering, switching and splitting in the downlink direction. N4 rules set by SMF may include N4 rules such as those defined in clause 4.22.2.1 of 3GPP TS 23.502. If the UE indicates the support of "ATSSS-LL Capability", the SMF may derive the Measurement Assistance Information.

[0334] In some embodiments, the SMF can establish user-plane resources over the 3GPP access (e.g., via the terrestrial RAN). In some embodiments, the user-plane resources can be established over which the access where the PDU Session Establishment Request was originally sent.

[0335] In some embodiments, for the MA PDU session, the SMF includes an indication that indicates the request to establish a MA PDU session has been ac an "MA PDU session Accepted" indication in the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF. The SMF can also indicate to the AMF that the N2 SM Information included in the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF should be sent over 3GPP access (e.g., via the terrestrial RAN).

[0336] In some embodiments, the AMF can mark this PDU session as an MA-PDU session based on the received "MA PDU session Accepted" indication.

[0337] In some embodiments, the UE may receive a PDU Session Establishment Accept message which indicates to the UE that the requested MA PDU session was successfully established. This PDU Session Establishment Accept message can be similar to that described in clause 4.3.2.2.1 in 3GPP TS 23.502. This PDU Session Establishment Accept message can include the ATSSS rules for the MA PDU session, which were derived by the SMF.

[0338] Then, in some embodiments, if the SMF was informed that the UE is registered over both accesses, the SMF can initiate the establishment of user-plane resources over “3GPPVMR access” also. The SMF can initiate the establishment of user-plane resources over “3GPP VMR access” by sending a message (e.g., a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) to the AMF, that includes N2 SM Information and indicate to AMF that the N2 SM Information should be sent over “3GPP VMR access”.

[0339] In some embodiments, the AMF can use a VMR-access specifier to control DNN specific subscription. In some embodiments, using a VMR-access specifier may allow the AMF to select the SMF, depending on which SMFs are capable of handling MA-PDUs. In instances in which the AMF is different for different accesses, each of the different AMFs can respectively allow / disallow DNN per access type to control the application access. Other functionalities and features for which Access Type (e.g., 3GPP-Access, 3GPP-Terrestrial- Access, VMR-Access, 3GPP-VMR-Access, 3GPP-VMR-gNB-Access, and / or the like) that can be used to facilitate authorizing, enabling, disallowing, or other decision making by the AMF, PCF, SMF, and / or UE can include bit rate authorization for UL data rate per access type, DRX cycle per access type, paging area per access type. etc. These and / or other Access Type considerations and decision making can be controlled from the 5GC. In some embodiments, the UE can communicate functionalities or features, user preferences, or the like to the 5GC which the 5GC can take into account when determining DRX cycle length, UL data rate, paging area, MA authorization, registration / session request acceptance or rejection, and / or the like.

[0340] In some embodiments, in MA-PDU sessions via VMR-access and NR-access, PDUs to be split or merged can be communicated via an overlay PDU session via VMR-UE. Alternatively, normal MA-PDU sessions can be merged over two N3 interface PDUs. The overlay PDUs in the overlay PDU session supported by the VMR-UE can be terminated via an N3IWF beyond UPF or via a UPF-to-UPF internal interface. In some embodiments, if the same UPF is handling overlay PDUs and the terminated PDUs from the remote UE 612, this same UPF can have three PDR / FAR rules to set aside overlay PDUs, terminated PDUs, and split PDUs to be merged with NR-access PDUs.

[0341] FIG.16 illustrates an ATSSS architecture 700 via VMR for a dual-PLMN scenario in which a remote UE 712 is establishing access to a VPLMN 714 via VMR-Access and to an HPLMN 716 via Terrestrial-Access (e.g., Terrestrial 3GPP Access). The ATSSS architecture 700 comprises a VMR-UE 702 supported on or within a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, bus, train, or the like. The VMR-UE 702 is in communication with aVMR access node 710, which can be an eNB, gNB, or the like. The VMR-UE 702 and VMR access point 710 can be part of a same apparatus or can be separate apparatuses supported on or within the vehicle and a wireless or wired connection can be established between the VMR-UE 702 and the VMR access point 710. The ATSSS architecture 700 can further include a remote UE 712 that is attached to the VMR (VMR-UE 702 and VMR access point 710). The remote UE 712 can be configured with VMR functionality, can be configured for dual-access functionality, can be configured for multi-PLMN access functionality, and / or the like. The remote UE 712 can be the same as or similar to the UE 102, the apparatus 200, the apparatus 300, the UE 412, the remote UE 512, or the remote UE 612.

[0342] The ATSSS architecture 700 can further include a VPLMN 714 that includes one or more access points 714a, an AMF 714b, a VPLMN UPF 714d (V-UPF 714d), a VPLMN SMF 714c (V-SMF 714c), and an N3IWF 714e. The one or more access nodes 714a can be part of a backhaul between a network edge and a core of the PLMN.

[0343] The ATSSS architecture 700 can further include one or more terrestrial access nodes 718 in a RAN (not shown), such as a terrestrial RAN.

[0344] The ATSSS architecture 700 can further include an HPLMN 716 that comprises a HPLMN SMF 716c (H-SMF 716c), an HPLMN UPF 716b (H-UPF 716b), and an AMF 716a. The AMF 716a of the HPLMN 716 can be in operable communication (terrestrial, wired, fiber optic, wireless, satellite, or the like) with the one or more terrestrial access nodes 718.

[0345] In the ATSSS architecture 700, the remote UE 712 can be configured for multi- access (MA) to the VPLMN 714 and the HPLMN 716. In some embodiments, the remote UE 712 can be configured to establish a first connection to (e.g., PDU session with) the VPLMN 714 by sending a message to the VMR-UE 702 via the VMR access point 710 collocated on the vehicle. The message received at the VMR-UE 702 from the remote UE 712 can cause the VMR-UE 702 to generate and transmit an initial UE message, such as a registration request message or an attach request message or the like, to the VPLMN 714 via the VMR access point 710. The initial UE message can be transmitted to an access node 714a of the VPLMN 714, which can be an eNB, IAB node, IAB donor gNB, or the like. The access node 714a of the VPLMN 714 can transmit the initial UE message or contents thereof towards the V-UPF 714c, via the AMF 714b and the V-SMF 714d. Alternatively, the access node 714a of the VPLMN 714 can transmit the initial UE messageor contents thereof directly to the V-UPF 714c. The V-UPF 714c can be configured to receive and process or relay the initial UE message and to carry out ATSSS functions, MPTCP functions, MPQUIC functions, PMF functions, or the like upon receipt of subsequent aggregate data (e.g., PDUs) from the VMR-UE 702 on behalf of the remote UE 712 attached to the VMR.

[0346] Additionally, the remote UE 712 can be configured to establish a second connection to (e.g., PDU session with) the HPLMN 716 that is separate from the first connection (e.g., PDU session) established via the VMR. Instead, the remote UE 714 can establish the second connection to, PDU session with, and / or NAS security context for, the HPLMN 716 by sending an initial UE message to the HPLMN 716 via the terrestrial access node 718. The remote UE 712 can establish the second connection at any time relative to the timing of the establishment of the first connection. The UE 712 can initially establish the first connection via the VMR-UE 702 and register with the VPLMN 714 for VMR access, then establish the second connection with the terrestrial access node 718 and register with the HPLMN 716 for terrestrial RAN access. The UE 712 can use the same subscription information (e.g., SUPI) for both the registration via VMR access with the VPLMN 714 and the registration with the HPLMN 716 via terrestrial RAN access. The UE 712 can be configured to establish a first PDU session with the VPLMN 714 via VMR access and establish a second PDU session with the HPLMN 716 via terrestrial RAN access. Alternatively, the UE 712 can be configured to establish a first PDU session with the HPLMN 716 via terrestrial RAN access and establish a second PDU session VPLMN 714 via VMR access. Nevertheless, if a radio link failure (RLF) occurs in the PDU session with the VPLMN 714 over the VMR access, the UE can carry out a soft handover (HO) to the PDU session with the HPLMN 716 over the terrestrial RAN access.

[0347] Alternatively, the UE 712 can be configured to establish a first PDU session with the VPLMN 714 via terrestrial RAN access and establish a second PDU session with the HPLMN 716 via VMR access. Alternatively, the UE 712 can be configured to establish a first PDU session with the HPLMN 716 via VMR access and establish a second PDU session VPLMN 714 via terrestrial RAN access. Nevertheless, if a radio link failure (RLF) occurs in the PDU session with the HPLMN 716 over the VMR access, the UE can carry out a soft handover (HO) to the PDU session with the VPLMN 714 over the terrestrial RAN access.

[0348] In some embodiments, the UE NAS context can be maintained at two different AMFs of two different PLMNs, such as at the VPLMN 714 and the HPLMN 716 in FIG.16. In some embodiments, each PLMN AMF will not know about the presence of the UE context in the other PLMN. However, in some embodiments, such as if the VPLMN 714 and the HPLMN 716 are different and distinct networks but owned and operated by the same operator (e.g., mobile network provider, then one or both of the VPLMN 714 and the HPLMN 716 may know about the presence of the UE context at the other PLMN. In some embodiments, a single UDM or UPF at one of the PLMNs may store the UE context and manage updates to the UE context, while the other PLMN may store a synchronized version / copy of the UE context but not have any management rights with respect to the UE context.

[0349] In some embodiments, the remote UE 712 can indicate in a request message its support for MA PDU towards its H-AMF 716a. In some embodiments, if the H-AMF 716a does not have knowledge of the other access (and its corresponding NAS context associated with the same remote UE 712), the H-AMF 716a can select and forward the request message to the H-SMF 716c. In some embodiments, if the H-AMF 716a has connectivity towards terrestrial RAN (3GPP Access), it will be responsible for coordinating MA-PDU setup.

[0350] In some embodiments, the H-SMF 716c can coordinate with the V-SMF 714c to establish MA-PDU and N4 setup with the UPF 716b present in the HPLMN 716. In some embodiments, the H-SMF 716c can check the MAPDU status in the V-SMF 714c before considering establishing an MA PDU. In some embodiments, the H-SMF 716c can determine whether a PDU session ID is present over VMR-gNB access at the V-SMF 714c for 3GPP VMR-access – and if the PDU session ID is present, then the H-SMF 716c will consider whether to establish the MA PDU requested by the remote UE 712.

[0351] In some embodiments, the H-SMF 716c can be responsible for fetching SM- subscription data from an HPLMN UDM (not shown) and SM-Policy from an HPLMN PCF (not shown) to decide whether to allow the MA PDU session requested by the remote UE 712 and before deciding how to apply ATSSS rules for splitting, switching and steering of traffic at the remote UE 712 for UL traffic and at the H-UPF 716b of the HPLMN 716 for DL traffic.

[0352] In some embodiments, the procedure for establishing and managing MAPDU by H- SMF 716c, in conjunction with V-SMF 716c, can be the same as or similar to the procedure described in section 7.1.2 of 3GPP TS 23.316, TS 23.501, TS 23.502, TS 23.503, TS 29.571, or TS 38.300.

[0353] In some embodiments, HPLMN 716 connectivity can be via terrestrial access and VPLMN 714 connectivity can be via VMR-gNB access. However, deployment of such a MA PDU session and multi-connectivity in different PLMNs is also possible when connectivity in the HPLMN 716 is via VMR-gNB access and connectivity in the VPLMN 714 is via terrestrial access.

[0354] In some embodiments, such as when multi-PLMN connectivity is used for a MA- PDU (e.g., via an overlay PDU or otherwise), the multi-access PDU termination can be carried out in the HPLMN 716 of the remote UE 712 (e.g., the PLMN to which the SIM / USIM in the remote UE 712 is associated or registered). While VMR-Access is shown as being between the remote UE 712 and the VPLMN 714 but it can also be between the HPLMN 716 and the remote UE 712, while NR-Access (terrestrial, 3GPP, etc.) can be used between the remote UE 712 and the VPLMN 714. The PDU termination at HPLMN may be enabled by keeping the home-routed PDU subscription for the multi-access PDU session in the VPLMN 714. The AMF 714b, 716a in the VPLMN 714 and HPLMN 716, respectively, can keep the multi-access PDUs as standalone SM-context. In some embodiments, proper SMF selection by the VPLMN AMF 714b may require that the same H-SMF 716c is selected by V-SMF 714c based on SM-subscription data in HPLMN UDM (not shown) or static configuration at V-SMF 714c. In some embodiments, the V-UPF 714d can create two FAR to manage overlay PDUs via the N3IWF 714e and to manage terminating the overlay PDU / PDU session of the remote UE 712. In some embodiments, terminating the overly PDU / PDU session of the remote UE 712 can be carried out by forwarding a termination message or the like over a N9 interface towards the H-UPF 716b.

[0355] Referring now to FIGs 17-31, various methods are described and illustrated for multi-path communication via VMR. In some embodiments, an apparatus or device such as 102, 108, 110, 106, 118, 200, 300, 402, 410, 412, 512, 502, 510, 514b, 514d, 514c, 518, 602, 610, 612, 614, 618, 622a, 702, 710, 214, 214a, 714b, 714c, 714d, 714e, 716a, 716b, 716c, or 718 can be configured to carry out some or all portions of any of the methods described herein. For instance, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 and / or the apparatus 300 can include means, such as the processor 202, 304, the memory 204, 306, 308, the communication interface 206, and / or the like.

[0356] Referring now to FIG. 17, a method 800 can be carried out by an apparatus, e.g., 200, 300, 402, or 412, which may comprise means, such as a processor (e.g., 202, 404), a memory device (e.g., 204, 406) storing instructions, as computer program code (e.g., 408),which, when executed by the processor, can cause the apparatus to perform at least: establishing a connection between a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE) and a first public land mobile network (PLMN) via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, at 801. The method 800 can further comprise: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE, the subscriber identifier being for a subscriber of a second PLMN different than the first PLMN, at 802. The method 800 can further comprise: transmitting a second message towards the first PLMN via the VMR access node, the second message comprising at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier received from the UE and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay the one or more PDUs from the UE to the second PLMN, at 803.

[0357] Referring now to FIG. 18, a method 900 can be carried out by an apparatus, e.g., 200, 300, 402, or 412, which may comprise means, such as a processor (e.g., 202, 404), a memory device (e.g., 204, 406) storing instructions, as computer program code (e.g., 408), which, when executed by the processor, can cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), from another UE, via a VMR access node, after the VMR-UE has established a connection with a first public land mobile network (PLMN), a non-access stratum (NAS) registration message, the NAS registration message comprising a request for registration of the another UE with a second PLMN different than the first PLMN, at 901. The method 900 can further comprise: generating an initial UE message comprising the NAS registration message received from the another UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the another UE, wherein the initial UE message comprises an indication that an access type associated with the NAS registration message is VMR-gNB access type, at 902. The method 900 can further comprise: transmitting the initial UE message, using the VMR-UE, via the VMR access node, to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN, at 903.

[0358] Referring now to FIG. 19, a method 1000 can be carried out by an apparatus, e.g., 200, 300, 402, or 412, which may comprise means, such as a processor (e.g., 202, 404), a memory device (e.g., 204, 406) storing instructions, as computer program code (e.g., 408), which, when executed by the processor, can cause the apparatus to perform at least: transmitting the initial UE message, using the VMR-UE, via the VMR access node, to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the first PLMN, at 1001. The method 1000 can further comprise: establishing an internet protocol security (IPsec) tunnel betweenthe UE and a second PLMN via an access node in the second PLMN, at 1002. The method 1000 can further comprise: transmitting at least one or more packet data units (PDUs) and a subscriber identifier associated with the UE, from the UE, towards the second PLMN, by transmitting the PDUs to the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, causing the VMR-UE to transmit the PDUs to the first PLMN via the VMR access node, and causing the first PLMN to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN, at 1003.

[0359] Referring now to FIG. 20, a method 1100 can be carried out by an apparatus, e.g., 200, 300, 402, or 412, which may comprise means, such as a processor (e.g., 202, 404), a memory device (e.g., 204, 406) storing instructions, as computer program code (e.g., 408), which, when executed by the processor, can cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving, at a network node in a first public land mobile network (PLMN), from a vehicle- mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), via a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs) for another UE, a subscriber identifier associated with the another UE, and an indication that the network node is to relay the PDUs to a second PLMN, at 1101. The method 1100 can further comprise: determining, based upon the indication in the message, to relay the PDUs to the second PLMN, at 1102. The method 1100 can further comprise: providing at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier associated with the another UE to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the second PLMN, at 1103.

[0360] Referring now to FIG. 21, a method 1200 can be carried out by an apparatus, e.g., 200, 300, 402, or 412, which may comprise means, such as a processor (e.g., 202, 404), a memory device (e.g., 204, 406) storing instructions, as computer program code (e.g., 408), which, when executed by the processor, can cause the apparatus to perform at least: providing, using a vehicle-mounted relay user equipment (VMR-UE), a first message to a VMR access node collocated with the VMR-UE, a first connection having previously been established between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN), the first message comprising one or more packet data units (PDUs), a subscriber identifier associated with another UE in operable communication with the VMR-UE via the VMR access node, and an indication that the first PLMN is to relay at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to a second PLMN, the another UE being associated with a subscriber of the second PLMN, at 1201. The method 1200 can further comprise: determining a radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, at 1202. The method 1200 can further comprise: transmitting a second message,from the VMR-UE, towards the another UE, via the VMR access node, the second message indicating that the radio link failure has occurred between the VMR access node and the first PLMN, the second message being operable to cause the another UE to transmit at least the one or more PDUs and the subscriber identifier to the second PLMN via a second connection between the another UE and an access node within the second PLMN, at 1203.

[0361] Referring now to FIG. 22, a method 1300 can be carried out by an apparatus, e.g., 200, 300, 402, or 412, which may comprise means, such as a processor (e.g., 202, 404), a memory device (e.g., 204, 406) storing instructions, as computer program code (e.g., 408), which, when executed by the processor, can cause the apparatus to perform at least: providing, from a user equipment (UE), to a vehicle-mounted relay UE (VMR-UE), via a VMR access node, a first message, the VMR-UE having previously established a first connection between the VMR access node and a first public land mobile network (PLMN),...

Claims

Claims 1. A remote user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the remote UE to perform at least: sending a first registration request message destined for a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN), the first registration request message comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a first UE context should be established over the 3GPP RAN; sending a second registration request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN, the second registration request message comprising the indication that MA registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a second UE context should be established over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; receiving a first registration accept message indicating that the first UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving a second registration accept message indicating that the second UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

2. The remote UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the remote UE to perform at least: sending a first message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP RAN, the first message comprising a first protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; sending a second message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the second message comprising a second PDU session establishment requestthat a second PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending a first portion of PDU traffic towards a user plane function (UPF) entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP RAN, within the first PDU session and according to the first UE context; and sending a second portion of PDU traffic towards the UPF entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, within the second PDU session and according to the second UE context.

3. The remote UE of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the remote UE to perform at least: storing user equipment route selection policy (URSP) rules provided by a policy control function (PCF) of the PLMN; and determining, based on the URSP rules stored at the remote UE for the PLMN, whether the PLMN allows multi-access PDU sessions to be established.

4. The remote UE of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the remote UE to perform said steering by further causing the remote UE to perform: steering said first and second portions of traffic, towards the UPF of the PLMN, within the first PDU session or the second PDU session, based upon Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) features supported by both the PLMN and the remote UE.

5. A new radio access network node (gNB) comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gNB to perform at least: receiving, from a remote user equipment (UE), a registration request message comprising a registration request and subscriber information associated with the remote UE, the registration request message further comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with a core network (CN) of a public landmobile network (PLMN) and an indication that a non-access stratum (NAS) context should be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) radio access network (RAN) comprising the gNB; generating a second message comprising the registration request message received from the remote UE; adding, to the second message, user location information (ULI) comprising an information element (IE) that indicates an access type associated with the registration request message is 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing, to an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in the PLMN, the second message; receiving, from the AMF entity in the PLMN, a registration accept message comprising information regarding the NAS context established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and providing, to the remote UE, the registration accept message.

6. The gNB of claim 5, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the gNB to perform at least: receiving, from the remote UE, a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the PDU session establishment request message comprising a request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending the message towards an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of the PLMN; receiving, from the AMF entity of the PLMN, a PDU session establishment accept message comprising a UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing the PDU session establishment accept message to the remote UE; receiving, from the remote UE, within the PDU session, at least a portion of PDU traffic destined for a user plane function (UPF) entity in the PLMN, the PDU traffic being protected according to the UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; andsending the portion of PDU traffic towards the UPF entity in the PLMN within the PDU session and according to the UE context associated with the PDU session.

7. A remote user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the remote UE to perform at least: generating a first packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a first PDU session between the remote UE and a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN), the first PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing the first PDU session establishment request message to a node of a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN); generating a second PDU session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a second PDU session between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN, the second PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing the second PDU session establishment request message to a node of a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN; receiving, from the node of the 3GPP RAN, a first PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a first PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving, from the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, a second PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a second PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

8. The remote UE of claim 7, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the remote UE to perform at least:providing, within the first PDU session, to the node of the 3GPP RAN, first PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN; and providing, within the second PDU session, to the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, second PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN.

9. An access and mobility management function (AMF) entity configured for use in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN), the AMF entity comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF entity to perform at least: receiving an initial user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the initial UE message comprising a packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, based on the PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a NAS mobility management context, a session management context, and a security key for the remote UE; and providing the UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node.

10. The AMF entity of claim 9, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the network node to perform: receiving, from the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, via the first RAN node, a second message comprising a request for the VPLMN to relay at least a portion of the secondmessage to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the remote UE and a network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE; and providing at least the portion of the second message to an interworking network function node (N3IWF) of the VPLMN with the network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE and a request to relay at least the portion of the second message to the HPLMN of the remote UE.

11. The AMF entity of claim 10, wherein the second message comprises one of: a data request, a service request, a session establishment request, an update message, an attach message, a registration message, or an authentication message.

12. An access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) in operable communication with a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of a remote user equipment (UE), the AMF entity comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the AMF entity to perform at least: receiving a first user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the first UE message comprising a first packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, based on the first PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a first UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a first NAS mobility management context, a first session management context, and a first security key for the remote UE;receiving a second UE message sent by a second RAN node, the second UE message comprising a second PDU session establishment request message sent by the remote UE and an indication that the remote UE is accessing the second RAN node via a terrestrial access node of a 3GPP RAN and an identier of the terrestrial access node; generating a second UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the terrestrial access node of the 3GPP RAN, the second UE context for the remote UE comprising a second NAS mobility management context, a second session management context, and a second security key for the remote UE; providing the first UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node; and providing the second UE context and the ATSSS rules for the remote UE to the second RAN node.

13. A method comprising: sending, using a remote user equipment (UE), a first registration request message destined for a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) via a third- generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN), the first registration request message comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a first UE context should be established over the 3GPP RAN; sending, using the remote UE, a second registration request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN, the second registration request message comprising the indication that MA registration is being requested with the PLMN and an indication that a second UE context should be established over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; receiving, at the remote UE, a first registration accept message indicating that the first UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving, at the remote UE, a second registration accept message indicating that the second UE context has been established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: sending, using the remote UE, a first message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP RAN, the first message comprising a first protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; sending, using the remote UE, a second message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the second message comprising a second PDU session establishment request that a second PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending, using the remote UE, a first portion of PDU traffic towards a user plane function (UPF) entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP RAN, within the first PDU session and according to the first UE context; and sending, using the remote UE, a second portion of PDU traffic towards the UPF entity of the CN of the PLMN, via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, within the second PDU session and according to the second UE context.

15. The method of any one of claims 13-14, further comprising: storing, at the remote UE, user equipment route selection policy (URSP) rules provided by a policy control function (PCF) of the PLMN; and determining, using the remote UE, based on the URSP rules stored at the remote UE for the PLMN, whether the PLMN allows multi-access PDU sessions to be established.

16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, further comprising: steering said first and second portions of traffic, towards the UPF of the PLMN, within the first PDU session or the second PDU session, based upon Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) features supported by both the PLMN and the remote UE.

17. A method comprising: receiving, at a new radio access network node (gNB), from a remote user equipment (UE), a registration request message comprising a registration request and subscriber information associated with the remote UE, the registration request message further comprising an indication that multiple access (MA) registration is being requestedwith a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) and an indication that a non-access stratum (NAS) context should be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) radio access network (RAN) comprising the gNB; generating, at the gNB, a second message comprising the registration request message received from the remote UE; adding, using the gNB, to the second message, user location information (ULI) comprising an information element (IE) that indicates an access type associated with the registration request message is 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing, from the gNB, to an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in the PLMN, the second message; receiving, at the gNB, from the AMF entity in the PLMN, a registration accept message comprising information regarding the NAS context established between the UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and providing, from the gNB, to the remote UE, the registration accept message.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, at the gNB, from the remote UE, a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message destined for the CN of the PLMN via the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, the PDU session establishment request message comprising a request that a first PDU session be established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; sending the message, from the gNB, towards an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of the PLMN; receiving, at the gNB, from the AMF entity of the PLMN, a PDU session establishment accept message comprising a UE context associated with the PDU session established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN via the gNB in the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; providing, using the gNB, the PDU session establishment accept message to the remote UE; receiving, at the gNB, from the remote UE, within the PDU session, at least a portion of PDU traffic destined for a user plane function (UPF) entity in the PLMN, the PDU traffic being protected according to the UE context associated with the PDU sessionestablished between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN; and sending the portion of PDU traffic, from the gNB, towards the UPF entity in the PLMN within the PDU session and according to the UE context associated with the PDU session.

19. A method comprising: generating, using a remote user equipment (UE), a first packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a first PDU session between the remote UE and a core network (CN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN), the first PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing, from the remote UE, the first PDU session establishment request message to a node of a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN); generating, at the remote UE, a second PDU session establishment request message comprising a request for establishment of a second PDU session between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN, the second PDU session establishment request message comprising an indication that multiple UE contexts have been established over multiple RAN between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN; providing, from the remote UE, the second PDU session establishment request message to a node of a 3GPP vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) new radio (NR) RAN; receiving, at the remote UE, from the node of the 3GPP RAN, a first PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a first PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP RAN; and receiving, at the remote UE, from the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, a second PDU session establishment accept message indicating that a second PDU session has been established between the remote UE and the CN of the PLMN over the 3GPP VMR NR RAN.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: providing, from the remote UE, within the first PDU session, to the node of the 3GPP RAN, first PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN; and providing, within the second PDU session, from the remote UE, to the node of the 3GPP VMR NR RAN, second PDU session traffic destined for the CN of the PLMN.

21. A method comprising: receiving, at an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN), an initial user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the initial UE message comprising a packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, using the AMF entity, based on the PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating, using the AMF entity, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a NAS mobility management context, a session management context, and a security key for the remote UE; and providing, using the AMF entity, the UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: receiving, at the AMF entity, from the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, via the first RAN node, a second message comprising a request for the VPLMN to relay at least a portion of the second message to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the remote UE and a network identifier of the HPLMN of the remote UE; and providing, from the AMF entity, at least the portion of the second message to an interworking network function node (N3IWF) of the VPLMN with the network identifierof the HPLMN of the remote UE and a request to relay at least the portion of the second message to the HPLMN of the remote UE.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the second message comprises one of: a data request, a service request, a session establishment request, an update message, an attach message, a registration message, or an authentication message.

24. A method comprising: receiving, at an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of a public land mobile network (PLMN), a first user equipment (UE) message sent by a first radio access network (RAN) node, the first UE message comprising a first packet dat unit (PDU) session establishment request message sent by a remote UE and user location information (ULI) associated with the remote UE, the ULI comprising an indication that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) New Radio Node B (gNB) vehicle mounted relay (VMR) access node and an identifier of a tracking area in which the 3GPP gNB VMR access node is located; determining, using the AMF entity, based on the first PDU session establishment request message and the ULI in the initial UE message, that the remote UE is accessing the first RAN node via the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, to establish a first UE context via the VMR gNB access node; generating, using the AMF entity, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node, the UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the 3GPP gNB VMR access node comprising a first NAS mobility management context, a first session management context, and a first security key for the remote UE; receiving, at the AMF entity, a second UE message sent by a second RAN node, the second UE message comprising a second PDU session establishment request message sent by the remote UE and an indication that the remote UE is accessing the second RAN node via a terrestrial access node of a 3GPP RAN and an identier of the terrestrial access node; generating, using the AMF entity, a second UE context for the remote UE that is associated with the terrestrial access node of the 3GPP RAN, the second UE context for theremote UE comprising a second NAS mobility management context, a second session management context, and a second security key for the remote UE; providing, from the AMF entity, the first UE context and access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) rules for the remote UE to the first RAN node; and providing, from the AMF entity, the second UE context and the ATSSS rules for the remote UE to the second RAN node.

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