Linking two registrations of a dual steer device

Abstract

An access and mobility function (AMF) for a communication network is provided. The AMF is configured for receiving from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF. The first registration request comprises a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device. The AMF is also configured for obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier, the first subscription information comprising a first linked subscription identifier, and sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device. The AMF is also configured for receiving from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF. The second registration request comprises a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device. The AMF is also configured for obtaining, from the unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, the second subscription information comprising a second linked subscription identifier; determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the first linked subscription identifier and the second linked subscription identifier; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device, wherein the linking identifier indicates that the AMF has linked the first registration and the second registration.

Description

LINKING TWO REGISTRATIONS OF A DUAL STEER DEVICERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 624595 filed January 24, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if reproduced in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates generally to apparatuses and methods for handling multiple registrations of a dual steer device to a 5G communication network that supports (e.g., is configured for) access traffic switching, splitting, and steering of user plane traffic to different access paths of a multi access data session.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fifth generation (5G) mobile communication networks (e.g., cellular networks) improved bandwidth over earlier generation mobile communication networks (e.g., 4thgeneration mobile communication networks), as well as robust, low latency connectivity and widescale machine-to-machine connectivity for the Internet of Things (loT). 5G communication (e.g., cellular) networks (“5G networks”) allow communication devices, such as User Equipment (UE) or mobile communication devices, to access a communication network via different types of accesses networks, including Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) access networks and non-3GPP access networks. 3 GPP access networks may include terrestrial networks or non-terrestrial networks (e.g., new radio (NR) or satellite).

[0004] A 5G communication network may support access traffic switching, splitting, and steering (e.g., may be configured with ATSSS rules which specify which access network should be used for which traffic flow. Improvements to communication networks that support ATSSS are desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the detailed description, but not to define or delimit any invention.

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network. The apparatus comprises an access and mobility management function (AMF). The AMF is configured for: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3 GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first concealed identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier, the first subscription information comprising a first linked subscription identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second concealed identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from the unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, the second subscription information comprising a second linked subscription identifier; determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the first linked subscription identifier and the second linked subscription identifier; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

[0007] In a second aspect, there is provided a method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF). The method comprises receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first concealed identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier, the first subscription information comprising a first linked subscription identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with theAMF, the second registration request comprising a second concealed identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from the unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, the second subscription information comprising a second linked subscription identifier; determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the first linked subscription identifier and the second linked subscription identifier; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

[0008] In a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of an access and mobility management function (AMF), wherein execution of the instructions by the at least one processor causes the apparatus to perform at least: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first concealed identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier, the first subscription information comprising a first linked subscription identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second concealed identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from the unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, the second subscription information comprising a second linked subscription identifier; determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the first linked subscription identifier and the second linked subscription identifier; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising: access and mobility management function (AMF). The AMF is configured for: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3 GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3 GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the GUTI allocated to the first registration of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, and determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the GUTI included in the second registration request; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a communication network. The method comprises: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the GUTI allocated to the first registration of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unifieddata management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, and determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the GUTI included in the second registration request; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of an access and mobility management function, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the GUTI allocated to the first registration of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, and determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the GUTI included in the second registration request; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

[0012] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first linked subscription identifier comprises the second user equipment identifier and the second linked subscription identifier comprises the first user equipment identifier.

[0013] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects the linking identifier comprises the first GUTI.

[0014] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier associated with the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) generated based on the first SUPI, and wherein the second user equipment identifier associated with the second user equipment identifier is a second SUPI and the second identifier is a second SUCI generated based on the second SUPI.

[0015] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier is the first GUTI, and wherein the second user equipment identifier is a second subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier is the second GUTI.

[0016] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the dual steer device comprises two user equipment, and wherein the first registration request is received from a first user equipment (UE) of the two user equipment and the second registration request is received by a second user equipment (UE) of the two user equipment.

[0017] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the dual steer device comprises two subscriber identity modules, and wherein the first user equipment identifier comprises a first subscription permanent identifier associated with a first subscriber identify module of the two subscriber identity modules, and wherein the second user equipment identifier comprises a second subscription permanent identifier associated with a second subscriber identify module of the two subscriber identity modules.

[0018] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the determining comprises determining that the first subscription information and second subscription information are linked to a subscription profile of the dual steer device based on first linking subscription information and the second linking subscription information.

[0019] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first user equipment identifier comprises a first subscription permanent identifier of the first user equipment and the second user equipment identifier comprises a second subscription permanent identifier of the second user equipment.

[0020] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first 3GPP access path comprises a first RRC connection between the dual steer device anda radio access network node and a first signalling connection between the RAN node and the AMF, and the second 3 GPP access path comprises a second RRC connection between the dual steer device and the RAN node and a second signalling connection between the RAN node and the AMF.

[0021] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the AMF is further configured to perform and / or the method further comprises: after obtaining the first subscription information, sending, to the RAN node, a first request to setup a first user equipment context for the first user equipment; and after obtaining the second subscription information, sending, to the RAN node, a second request to setup a second user equipment context for the second user equipment that is associated with the first user equipment context for the first user equipment.

[0022] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first request comprises a first Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a first user equipment context identifier for association with the first user equipment context, and wherein the second request comprises a second Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a second user equipment context identifier for association with the second user equipment context and the linking information that indicates to the RAN node that the first user equipment context is to be associated with the second user equipment context.

[0023] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the first user equipment context identifier comprises a first Next-Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) user equipment identifier, and wherein the second user equipment context identifier comprises is a second NGAP UE ID.

[0024] In some examples of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, the linkage information comprises the first user equipment context identifier

[0025] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a dual steer device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor cause the dual steer device to perform at least the following: sending via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with a communication network, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; receiving, via the first 3 GPP access path, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept messagecomprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated by the communication network to a first registration of the dual steer device; sending, via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the communication network, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the first GUTI; and receiving, via the second 3GPP access path, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated by the communication network to a second registration of the dual steer device, wherein the linking identifier indicates that the communication network has linked the first registration and the second registration.

[0026] In an eight aspect, there is provided a method performed by a dual steer device. The method comprises: sending via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with a communication network, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; receiving, via the first 3GPP access path, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated by the communication network to a first registration of the dual steer device; sending, via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the communication network, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the first GUTI; and receiving, via the second 3GPP access path, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated by the communication network to a second registration of the dual steer device, wherein the linking identifier indicates that the communication network has linked the first registration and the second registration.

[0027] In a nineth aspect, there is provided a dual steer device comprising: a means for sending via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with a communication network, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; a receiving, via the first 3GPP access path, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated by the communication network to a first registration of the dual steer device;sending, via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the communication network, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the first GUTI; and receiving, via the second 3GPP access path, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated by the communication network to a second registration of the dual steer device, wherein the linking identifier indicates that the communication network has linked the first registration and the second registration.

[0028] In some examples of any of the seventh, eighth, and nineth aspects, the linking identifier comprises the first GUTI.

[0029] According to some aspects, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions, when executed, configure a processor to perform any of the methods described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and systems of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a dual steer device communicating with a data network via a communication network in accordance with some embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example dual steer device in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an example registration procedure for registering a dual steer with a communication network in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an example context information of a dual steer device in accordance with some embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary initial registration procedure for initial registration of a dual steer with a communication network in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 6. illustrates another exemplary procedure initial registration for initial registration of a dual steer with a communication network in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary procedure for registering a dual steer with a communication network and for establishing a PDU session for the dual steer device in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an example method performed by an access and mobility function of a communication network in accordance with some embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates another example method performed by an access and mobility function of a communication network of a communication network in accordance with some embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method performed by dual steer device in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatuses for handling multiple registrations of a dual steer device to a communication network that supports (e.g., is configured for) ATSSS.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram showing a dual steer device 170 communicating with a data network 110 via a communication network 100 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Communication network 100 comprises a radio access network (RAN) 130 and a core network 120.

[0043] The radio access network (RAN) 130 may comprises terrestrial network (TN) and / or a non-terrestrial network (NTN). An NTN may comprise a satellite network that includes multiple satellites in one or more different orbits such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and a ground station that connects to the core network 130. A TN may comprise one or more radio access nodes. For example, the TN may be a NG-RAN and the one or more RAN nodes may be gNBs. A gNB may comprise a central unit (e.g., gNB-CU) and one or more distributed units (e.g., one or more gNB-DUs) linked to the central unit (e.g., gNB-CU) by a Fl interface.

[0044] The core network 120 may comprises a 5G core network (e.g., a core network that operates in accordance with the 3 GPP standard for NR). The core network 108 has a servicebased architecture and comprises a plurality of network functions, including an access and mobility function (AMF) configured to perform registration management, reachability management, connection management, and Next Generation Application Protocol Signalling (NGAP) which is transferred between the AMF and a 5G RAN node of the RAN 130. The core network 120 also includes policy control functions (PCFs), including the AM PCF and / or the SM PCF described in further detail below, a session management function, and a united data repository (UDM) configured to store subscription profiles of subscribers of the communication network 100. The core network 120 may include other network functions, including for example, an application function (AF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a network slicing selection function (NSSF), and a user plane function (UPF). Other network functions of the core network 108, such as a binding support function (BSF), a charging function (CHF), for ease of illustration. The functionalities of these other network functions of the core network are well known to a person skilled in the art and hence are not described in detail.

[0045] The dual steer device 170 may comprise: (a) two Universal Subscriber Identify Modules (USIMs) or (b) two distinct user equipment where each user equipment has a USIM. The dual steer device 170 may establish two distinct 3GPP access paths for communicating with (e.g., may send control plane signalling to and receive control plane signalling from the core network 120). For example, in the case of (a), the dual steer device establishes an 3GPP access path associated with each subscriber USIM is a signalling connection between the dual steer device 170 and the core network 120 (e.g., an AMF of the core network 120) and comprises an RRC connection between the dual steer device 170 and a RAN node of the RAN 130 and a signalling connection between the RAN node of the RAN 130 and the core network 120 (e.g., the AMF of the core network 120).

[0046] Although only one communication network is shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the dual steer device 170 may communicate with two different communication networks and each communication network may comprise a RAN and a core network. For example, the two communication networks may comprise two public land mobile networks, one publicland mobile network and one standalone non-public network, or two standalone non-public networks.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified block diagram of an apparatus in accordance with at least some embodiments. Apparatus 200 implements or comprises one or more network functions, including an AMF. The apparatus 200 may be a computer or computing system, such as a standalone computer, a distributed computer or a cloud computing system, and in the case of virtualization, the apparatus 200 may be the underlying physical computer that provides a virtual machine that provides the AMF or container that provides the AMF. Apparatus 200 generally has at least one processor 202 operatively coupled to at least one memory 204 and at least one input / output device 206.

[0048] The at least one memory 204 includes a volatile memory that stores instructions of one or more network function, including instructions of the AMF (e.g., AMF 3xx) executable by the at least one processor 202, and input and output data used or generated during execution of the instructions. Execution of the instructions of the AMF causes the AMF to carry out or perform a method shown in FIGs. 8 and 9 and described in detail below. The at least one memory 204 may also include non-volatile memory used to store input and / or output data along with program code containing the executable instructions.

[0049] Processor 202 may transmit or receive data via VO devices 206, such as a network communications interface (not shown), or may also transmit or receive data via any additional input / output device 206 as appropriate.

[0050] As described above, the dual steer device 170 may register with the core network 120 (e.g., an AMF) via multiple (e.g., two distinct) 3GPP access paths by sending a registration request via each respective access path to the core network 120 of the communication network 100. However, the core network 120 (e.g., the AMF of the core network 120) is not aware that the multiple registration requests received via the multiple 3GPP access are associated with the same device (e.g., originated from the dual steer device 170) and therefore the AMF would handle the multiple registrations as if they are registrations of different device.

[0051] In an example aspect of the present disclosure, a core network (e.g., AMF) of a communication network is configured to handle multiple registrations received from a dual steer device via multiple 3 GPP access paths. Given that the dual steer device has twodifferent subscriptions with a core network and registers with the core network using the two different subscriptions via two different 3GPP access paths, there is a need to for the core network to associate the two registrations of the dual steer device with the core network to enable the core network to handling of policies and rules related to how traffic can be switched, steered or split between two data connections (e.g., PDU sessions) established between the dual steer device and the core network (e.g., a UPF of the core network). The core network (e.g., AMF) associates the two registrations of the dual steer device, either using information received from the dual steer device 170, or using subscription information (e.g., a subscription profile of the dual steer device) received from a unified data management entity.

[0052] The core network (e.g., AMF) receives from the dual steer device 120 a registration request via each respective 3 GPP access path of the multiple 3 GPP access paths, allocates a network identifier (e.g., a globally unique temporary identifier) to each respective registration, and determines whether the registrations requested via the multiple 3GPP access paths originated from the dual steer device (e.g., from the same device). Advantageously this approach has little or no impact to the RAN 230.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3, an initial registration procedure for registering a dual steer device (e.g., dual steer device 170) with a communication network (e.g., communication network 100) according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0054] The procedure beings at step 1. At step 1, the dual steer device 170 sends a RRC Setup request message (e.g., a RRC Connection request message) to a RAN node of RAN 130 (illustrated as NG-RAN 310 in FIG. 3) to establish a RRC connection between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 310. At step 2, the NG-RAN node 310 sends, to the dual steer device 170, a RRC Setup response message (e.g., a RRC Connection Setup message) to set up an RRC connection (e.g., a first RRC connection) between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 130. At step 3, the dual steer device 170 sends, to the NG-RAN node 310, a RCC Setup Complete message (e.g., RRC Connection Complete message) which indicates to the NG-RAN node 310 that an RRC connection (e.g., a first RRC connection) has been established between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN 310. The RRC Setup Complete message includes a first NAS registration request sent by the dual steer device 170 to register itself with the AMF 320. The first NAS registration requestcomprises a first registration identifier (illustrated as RegIDl in FIG. 3). The first registration identifier indicates the first NAS registration request is for a first registration of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF 320. At step 4, the NG-RAN node 310 uses a N2 interface to setup and establish a first signalling connection for the dual steer device 170 between the NG RAN node 310 and the AMF 320. Thus, at step 4, a first 3 GPP access path for the first registration of the dual steer device 170 is established between the dual steer device 170 and the AMF 320 that comprises the first RRC connection and the first signalling connection. Also at step 4, the NG-RAN node 310 extracts the first NAS registration request from the RRC Complete Setup message and sends a Next Generation Access Protocol (NGAP) message to the AMF 320 that includes the first NAS registration request to the AMF 320. At step 5, the AMF 320 allocates a first NGAP identifier that uniquely identifies the dual device steer 170 over the NG interface (illustrated as NGAP-UE-ID-1 in FIG. 3) and sends, to the NG-RAN 310, an Initial Context Setup message to establish a first UE context for the dual steer device 170 at the NG-RAN node 310. The Initial Context Setup message comprises the first NGAP identifier (e.g., NGAP-UE-ID-1). The NG-RAN node 310, upon receipt of the Initial Context Setup message establishes a first UE context for the dual steer device 170 and associates the first NGAP identifier (e.g., NGAP-UE-ID-1) with the first UE context for the dual steer device 170. At step 6, the AMF 320 allocates a first network identifier to the dual steer device 170 and sends a NAS Registration Accept message to the dual steer device 170. The first network identifier allocated to the dual steer device 170 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the dual steer device 170 in the communication network 100 (e.g., in the RAN 130 and the core network 120). In some cases, the first network identifier is a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) or a 5G-GUTI (as illustrated as 5G-GUTI-1 in FIG. 3). In some cases, the NAS registration Accept message comprises the first registration identifier (RegIDl) and the first network identifier (e.g., 5G-GUTI-1 illustrated in FIG. 3). The first registration identifier (Regl) is stored by the dual steer device 170 as UE contextual information associated with the first network identifier of the dual steer device 170 (e.g., 5G GUTI-1).

[0055] At step 7, the dual steer 170 sends a second RRC Setup Request (e.g., a second RRC Connection request message) to the NG-RAN node 310. At step 8, the NG-RAN node 310 sends, to the dual steer device 170, a second RRC Setup response message (e.g., a second RRC Connection Setup message) to set up another RRC connection (e.g., a second RRCconnection) between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 130. At step 9, the dual steer device 170 sends, to the NG-RAN node 310, a second RRC Setup Complete message (e.g., a second RRC Connection Complete message) that indicates to the NG-RAN node 310 that a second RCC Connection has been established between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 310. The second RRC Setup Complete message includes a second NAS registration request sent by the dual steer device 170 to register itself with the AMF 320. The second registration identifier indicates the second NAS registration request is for a second registration of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF 320. At step 10, the NG-RAN node 310 uses a N2 interface to setup and establish a second signalling connection for the dual steer device 170 between the NG RAN node 310 and the AMF 320. Thus, at step 10, a second 3 GPP access path for the second registration of the dual steer device 170 is established between the dual steer device 170 and the AMF 320 that comprises the second RRC connection and the second signalling connection. At step 11, the AMF 320 allocates a second NGAP identifier that uniquely identifies the dual device steer 170 over the NG interface (illustrated as NGAP-UE-ID-2 in FIG. 3) and sends, to the NG-RAN node 310, sends a second Initial Context Setup message to establish a second UE context for the dual steer device 170 at the NG-RAN node 310. The second Initial Context Setup message comprises the second NGAP identifier (e.g., NGAP-UE-ID-2) and linking information that indicates the first NGAP identifier and first NGAP identifier are for the dual steer device 170 (e.g., the first UE context and the second UE context are for the same device). The NG- RAN node 310, upon receipt of the second Initial Context Setup message establishes a second UE context for the dual steer device 170 and associates the second NGAP identifier (e.g., NGAP-UE-ID-1) with the second UE context for the dual steer device 170. In some cases, the linking information is a Linked UE-ID, and the Linked UE-ID is set to the first NGAP identifier (e.g., NGAP-UE-ID-1). At step 12, the AMF 320 sends a second NAS Registration Accept message to the dual steer device 170. In some cases, the second NAS Registration accept message includes the second registration identifier (Reg2) and the second network identifier of the dual steer device (e.g., 5G-GUTL2).

[0056] After step 12, the dual steer device 170 moves to RRC idle model and releases the first and second RRC connections. At step 13, the dual steer device 170, which is in an RRC idle mode, performs RRC Connection Setup. The dual steer device 170 determines that an RRC connection needs to be established for the first registration of the dual steer device 170.The dual steer device 170 then selects the first network identifier (e.g., the 5G-GUTI-1) of the dual steer device 170, obtains the 5G-S-TMSI-1 from the first network identifier (e.g., 5G-GUTI-1) and sends an RRC Setup request (e.g., RRC Connection request) to the NG- RAN node 310 that includes the 5G-S-TMSI-1. At step 14, the NG-RAN node 310 sends an RRC Setup response (e.g., RRC Connection response) to the dual device 170 to set up an RRC connection (e.g., a first RRC connection) between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 130. At step 15, the dual steer device 170 sends an RRC Setup complete message to the NG-RAN 310 that includes a NAS registration request for updating the first registration of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF 320 and the 5G-S-TMSI-1. The NAS registration request comprises first registration identifier (Reg ID1) and the first network identifier of the dual steer device 170 (e.g., 5G-GUTI-1).

[0057] In other example embodiments, at step 13, the dual steer device determines that an RRC connection needs to be established for the second registration of the dual steer device 170 and selects the second network identifier (e.g., the 5G-GUTI-2) of the dual steer device 170, obtains the 5G-S-TMSI-2 from the seco d network identifier (e.g., 5G-GUTI-2), and sends an RRC Setup request (e.g., RRC Connection request) to the NG-RAN node 310 that includes the 5G-S-TMSI-2. S. At step 14, the NG-RAN node 310 sends an RRC Setup response (e.g., RRC Connection response) to the dual device 170 to set up an RRC connection (e.g., a second RRC connection) between the dual steer device 170 and the NG- RAN node 130. At step 15, the dual steer device 170 sends an RRC Setup complete message to the NG-RAN 310 that includes a NAS registration request for updating the first registration of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF 320 and the 5G-S-TMSI-1. The NAS registration request comprises first registration identifier (Reg ID1) and the first network identifier of the dual steer device 170 (e.g., 5G-GUTI-1).

[0058] In the procedure described with respect to FIG. 3, the AMF 320 allocates different 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifiers (5G-GUTI) for each registration of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF 320 performed via 3GPP access paths. The allocation of different 5G GUTIs to each registration of the dual steer device 170 enables differentiation of the 5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (5G-S-TMSI) sent over RRC to differentiate each RRC connection between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 310, Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) association for different registrations for the samedevice 170. This enables a NG-RAN node (e.g., NG-RAN node 130) to associate the N2 and N3 connections for different registrations. Each NGAP association can be associated to the tuple {5G-S-TMSI, UE NGAP ID}. The AMF 320 can associate the two registrations in case the same Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) is being registered or in case different Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) are registered when the AMF receives from the device or from the UDM an indication that the two registrations (e.g., SUPI(s)) need to be associated.

[0059] In some cases, the dual steer 170 maintains UE contexts, including the Registration Management (RM) state, the CM state, RRC state, and the Enterprise Mobility Management EMM security context, for each 5G-GUTI / S-TMSI. When establishing a RRC connection, the dual steer 170 selects the 5G-S-TMSI (derived from 5G GUTI) that has been assigned for the corresponding registration.

[0060] The dual steer device 170 which has two registrations with the AMF 320 is seen as two different UEs (with distinct 5G S-TMSIs and NGAP-UE-IDs) by the NG-RAN node 310. In some cases, when establishing a UE context for the dual steer device 170 in the NG- RAN node 310, the AMF 320 provides linkage information to the NG-RAN node 310 which the NG-RAN node 310 uses to determine that UE contexts are associated with the same device (e.g., the dual steer device 170). The AMF 320 provides linkage information by sending a NGAP Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a common identifier (that need not be the SUPI for security reasons) or any other identifier that allows the NG- RAN node 310 to correlate the multiple UE contexts it receives from the AMF 320 to the dual steer device 170. This can be achieved, in the example shown in FIG. 3, by AMF 320 including again the UE NGAP ID 1 included in the first NGAP initial UE Context setup request sent during the first N2 connection setup into the NGAP initial UE context setup request message sent to NG-RAN node 310 during the second N2 connection setup.

[0061] In some cases, the NG-RAN node 310 is made aware that different UE contexts correspond to the dual steer device 170 (e.g., are for the same device) enables the NG-RAN node 310 to allocate radio resources to the dual device 170 in a way to avoid interference between radio signals exchanged between the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 310 in relation with the two registrations of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF When paging the dual steer device 170, the AMF 320 selects and includes the 5G-S-TMSI of thedual steer device 170 corresponding to the registration for which the UE 170 needs to initiate a Service Request.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, an example of a context information associated with a device identifier of the dual steer device 170 is shown. In some example embodiments, the context information is stored in memory of dual steer device as one or more context tables 400 corresponding to each SUPI, PLMN ID, or standalone NPN ID, and possible the registration identifier (registration ID) in the PLMN ID and each context table stores the corresponding 5G-GUTIs. In particular, a given context table 402 (e.g., per a given SUPI, PLMN ID, or standalone NPN ID, and registration ID in the PLMN ID) is shown in FIG. 4 and includes the following data components:• SUPI: o PLMN ID or standalone NPN ID; o Registration ID 1 :■ 5G-GUTI-1;■ 5G-S-TMSI-1 derived from 5G-GUTI-1; o Registration ID 2:■ 5G-GUTL2;■ 5G-S-TMSL2 derived from 5G-GUTL2; o Security context.

[0001] When the dual steer device 170 is operating in RRC idle mode, the dual steer device 170 determines which of its two registrations with the AMF 320 it needs to perform the RRC Connection reconfiguration. Accordingly, the dual steer device 170 selects one of the first and second network identifiers (e.g., a 5G-GUTI (e.g., 5G-GUTL1 for Registration 1) that maps to the given registration, uses the corresponding derived 5G-S-TMSI for establishing RRC connection and 5G-GUTI for the registration update. The UE 170 may store the security context generated from the successful authentication on a per SUPI basis.

[0002] In some cases, the procedure described in FIG. 3 facilitates re-using the combo of 5G-S-TMSI and UE NGAP IDs for the NG-RAN node 310 to identify the individual registration for a dual steer device in any RRC state at any time.

[0003] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary initial registration procedure for initial registration of a dual steer device 170 with the communication network 100. The dual steerdevice 170 comprises two UEs (illustrated as UE-1 and UE-2) and a first UE (UE-1) of the two UEs has a first identifier that identifies the first UE (UE-1) (generally referred to herein as a first UE identifier) and a second UE (UE-2) of the two UEs has a second identifier that identifies the second UE (UE-2) (generally referred to herein as a first UE identifier). The UDM stores subscription information for the first UE (UE-1) and subscription information for the second UE (UE-2). The first UE identifier may be a first Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) that represents the first UE’s permanent identity in the communication network 100. The second UE identifier may be a second Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) that represents the second UE’s permanent identity in the communication network 100.

[0004] The procedure begins at 1. At 1, the first UE (UE-1) of the dual steer device 170 generates a first concealed identifier from the first UE identifier (e.g., generates SUCI-1 from a SUPI-1), and sends a NAS registration request to an AMF 420 of a communication network (e.g., communication network 100) via a first 3GPP access path that includes an RRC connection between the first UE (UE-1) of the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 410 and a first signalling connection (e.g., NG connection) between the NG-RAN node 410 and the AMF 420. The NAS registration request comprises a first concealed identifier of the first UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-1). At 2, the AMF 420, upon receipt of the first NAS Registration request from the first UE (UE-1), generates the first UE identifier from the first concealed identifier and retrieves from the UDM 430, subscription information associated with the first UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-1). The AMF 420 uses a Nudum_Get service operation and the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1) to retrieve subscription information associated with the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1). The subscription information associated with the first UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-1) includes the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1) and a linked subscription identifier. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the linked subscription identifier is set to the second UE identifier e.g., SUPI-2) which indicates to the AMF 420 that the subscription information associated with the first UE identifier is linked to the subscription information associated with a second UE identifier.

[0005] At 3, the AMF 420 allocates a first NGAP identifier that uniquely identifies the first UE (UE-1) of the dual device steer 170 over the NG interface between the NG-RAN node 410 and the AMF 420 (illustrated as NGAP-UE-ID-1 in FIG. 5) and sends, to the NG-RANnode 410, an Initial Context Setup message to the NG-RAN node 410 to establish a first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) at the NG-RAN node 410. At 4, the NG-RAN node 410, after establishing the first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) and associating the first UE context with the first NGAP identifier (NGAP-UE-ID-1), sends an Initial Context Setup response message to the AMF 420 to indicate that the first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) has been established at the NG-RAN node 410. At 5, the AMF 420 registers the first UE (UE-1) with the AMF 420 (e.g., stores a registration of the first UE-1), allocates a first GUTI (illustrated as GUTI-1) to the registration of the first UE (UE-1), and sends, to the first UE (UE-1), a NAS Registration Accept message that includes the first GUTI (e.g., GUTI-1).

[0006] At 6, a second UE (UE-2) of the dual steer device 170 generates a second concealed identifier from the second UE identifier (e.g., generates SUCI-2 from a SUPI-2), sends a NAS Registration request via a second 3 GPP access path that includes an RRC connection between the second UE (UE-2) of the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 410 and a second signalling connection (e.g., a second NG connection) between the NG-RAN node 410 and the AMF 420. The NAS registration request comprises the second concealed identifier. At 7, the AMF 420, upon receipt of the NAS Registration request from the second UE (UE-2), generates the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPU-2) from the second concealed identifier (e.g., SUCI-2) and retrieves, from the UDM 430, subscription information associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-2). The AMF 420 uses a Nudum_Get service operation and the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2) to retrieve subscription information associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2). The subscription information associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-2) includes the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2) and a linked subscription identifier. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the linked subscription identifier is set to the second UE identifier e.g., SUPI-2) which indicates to the AMF 420 that the subscription information associated with the first UE identifier is linked to the subscription information associated with a second UE identifier.

[0007] At 8, the AMF 420 allocates a second NGAP identifier that uniquely identifies the second UE (UE-2) of the dual device steer 170 over the NG interface between the NG-RAN node 410 and the AMF 420 (illustrated as NGAP-UE-ID-2 in FIG. 7) and sends, to the NG- RAN node 410, a second Initial Context Setup message to establish a second UE context for the second UE (UE-2) associated with the second NGAP identifier (NGAP-UE-ID-2) at theNG-RAN node 410. At 9, the NG-RAN node 410 sends a second Initial Context Setup response message to the AMF 420 to indicate that the second UE context for the second UE (UE-2) has been established at the NG-RAN node 410 and linked with the first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) of the dual steer device 170.

[0008] At 10, the AMF 420 registers the second UE (UE-2) with the AMF 420 (e.g., stores a registration for the second UE (UE-2)), allocates a second GUTI (illustrated as GUTI-1) to the registration of the second UE (UE-2), and sends, to the second UE (UE-2), a NAS Registration Accept message that includes a linking identifier and the second GUTI (e.g., GUTI-2). The linking identifier indicates to the second UE (UE-2) that the registration of the first UE-1 and the registration of the second UE-2 are linked to each other. In some example embodiments, the linking identifier may be GUTI-1 which is allocated by the AMF 430 for the registration of the first UE-1 with the AMF 420.

[0009] At 11, the AMF 420 sends, to a SMF (e.g., a SMF of SMF / PCF 440 illustrated in FIG. 5), a request to establish and / or modify a PDU session and / or sends, to a PCF (e.g., a PCF of the SMF / PCF 440 illustrated in FIG. 5), a request to establish and / or modify a policy association for the dual steer device 170. In response to the request to establish and / or modify a policy association for the dual steer device 170, the PCF (e.g., the PCF of the SMF / PCF 440 illustrated in FIG. 5) provides coordinated URSP policies for the first UE (UE-1) and the second UE (UE-2) of the dual steer device 170.

[0010] Although FIG. 5 shows a dual steer device 170 that includes two UEs, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the dual steer device 170 may comprise\ two USIMs rather than two UEs. In the embodiments the dual steer device 170 comprises two USIMs, a first USIM of the two USIMs is associated with the first UE identifier and a second USIM of the two USIMs is associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2) and procedure illustrated in FIG. 5 operates in the same manner as described above expect that the first and second NAS Registration requests are sent by the dual steer device 170 rather than by the first and second UEs (e.g., UE-1, UE-2) and the first and second NAS Registration Accepts messages are received by the dual steer device 170 rather than the first and second UEs.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary initial registration procedure for initial registration of a dual steer device 170 with the communication network 100. The dual steer device 170 comprises two UEs (illustrated as UE-1 and UE-2) and a first UE (UE-1) of thetwo UEs has a first identifier that identifies the first UE (UE-1) (generally referred to herein as a first UE identifier) and a second UE (UE-2) of the two UEs has a second identifier that identifies the second UE (UE-2) (generally referred to herein as a first UE identifier). The UDM stores subscription information for the first UE (UE-1) and subscription information for the second UE (UE-2). The first UE identifier may be a first Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) that represents the first UE’s permanent identity in the communication network 100. The second UE identifier may be a second Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) that represents the second UE’s permanent identity in the communication network 100.

[0012] The procedure begins at 1. At 1, the first UE (UE-1) of the dual steer device 170 generates a first concealed identifier from the first UE identifier (e.g., generates SUCI-1 from a SUPI-1), and sends a NAS registration request to an AMF 520 of a communication network (e.g., communication network 100) via a first 3GPP access path that includes an RRC connection between the first UE (UE-1) of the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 510 and a first signalling connection (e.g., NG connection) between the NG-RAN node 510 and the AMF 520. The NAS registration request comprises a first concealed identifier of the first UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-1). At 2, the AMF 520, upon receipt of the first NAS Registration request from the first UE (UE-1), generates the first UE identifier from the first concealed identifier and retrieves from the UDM 530, subscription information associated with the first UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-1). The AMF 520 uses a Nudum_Get service operation and the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1) to retrieve subscription information associated with the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1).

[0013] At 3, the AMF 520 allocates a first NGAP identifier that uniquely identifies the first UE (UE-1) of the dual device steer 170 over the NG interface between the NG-RAN node 510 and the AMF 520 (illustrated as NGAP-UE-ID-1 in FIG. 6) and sends, to the NG-RAN node 510, an Initial Context Setup message to the NG-RAN node 510 to establish a first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) at the NG-RAN node 510. At 4, the NG-RAN node 510, after establishing the first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) and associating the first UE context with the first NGAP identifier (NGAP-UE-ID-1), sends an Initial Context Setup response message to the AMF 520 to indicate that the first UE context for the first UE (UE-1) has been established at the NG-RAN node 510. At 5, the AMF 520 registers the first UE (UE-1)with the AMF 520 (e.g., stores a registration of the first UE-1), allocates a first GUTI (illustrated as GUTI-1) to the registration of the first UE (UE-1), and sends, to the first UE (UE-1), a NAS Registration Accept message that includes the first GUTI (e.g., GUTI-1).

[0014] At 6, a second UE (UE-2) of the dual steer device 170 generates a second concealed identifier from the second UE identifier (e.g., generates SUCI-2 from a SUPI-2), sends a NAS Registration request via a second 3 GPP access path that includes an RRC connection between the second UE (UE-2) of the dual steer device 170 and the NG-RAN node 510 and a second signalling connection (e.g., a second NG connection) between the NG-RAN node 410 and the AMF 520. The NAS registration request comprises the second concealed identifier and the first GUTI (e.g., GUTI-1). At 7, the AMF 420, upon receipt of the NAS Registration request from the second UE (UE-2), generates the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPU-2) from the second concealed identifier (e.g., SUCI-2) determines, based on the presence of the first GUTI (e.g., GUTI-1), that a registration of the second UE-2 at the AMF 520 is to be linked with the registration of the first UE-1 at the AMF 520. The AMF 520 also retrieves, from the UDM 430, subscription information associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-2). The AMF 520 uses a Nudum_Get service operation and the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2) to retrieve subscription information associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2).

[0015] At 8, the AMF 520 allocates a second NGAP identifier that uniquely identifies the second UE (UE-2) of the dual device steer 170 over the NG interface between the NG-RAN node 510 and the AMF 520 (illustrated as NGAP-UE-ID-2 in FIG. 7) and sends, to the NG- RAN node 410, a second Initial Context Setup message to establish a second UE context for the second UE (UE-2) associated with the second NGAP identifier (NGAP-UE-ID-2) at the NG-RAN node 510. At 9, the NG-RAN node 510 sends a second Initial Context Setup response message to the AMF 520 to indicate that the second UE context for the second UE (UE-2) has been established at the NG-RAN node 510.

[0016] At 10, the AMF 520 registers the second UE (UE-2) with the AMF 520 (e.g., stores a registration of the second UE (UE-2), allocates a second GUTI (illustrated as GUTI-1) to the registration of the second UE (UE-2), and sends, to the second UE (UE-2), a NAS Registration Accept message that includes the second GUTI (e.g., GUTI-2). At 11, the AMF 520 sends, to a SMF (e.g., SMF of the SMF / PCF 540 illustrated in FIG. 6), a request toestablish and / or modify a PDU session and / or sends, to a PCF (e.g., a PCF of the SMF / PCF 540 illustrated in FIG. 6), a request to establish and / or modify a policy association for the dual steer device 170. In response to the request to establish and / or modify a policy association for the dual steer device 170, the PCF (e.g., the PCF of the of the SMF / PCF 540 illustrated in FIG. 6) provides coordinated URSP policies for the first UE (UE-1) and the second UE (UE-2) of the dual steer device 170.

[0017] Although FIG. 6 shows a dual steer device 170 that includes two UEs, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the dual steer device 170 may comprise\ two USIMs rather than two UEs. In the embodiments the dual steer device 170 comprises two USIMs, a first USIM of the two USIMs is associated with the first UE identifier and a second USIM of the two USIMs is associated with the second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2) and procedure illustrated in FIG. 6 operates in the same manner as described above expect that the first and second NAS Registration requests are sent by the dual steer device 170 rather than by the first and second UEs (e.g., UE-1, UE-2) and the first and second NAS Registration Accepts messages are received by the dual steer device 170 rather than the first and second UEs.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary procedure for registration of a dual device with a communication network and establishment of a PDU session for the dual steer device.

[0019] The procedure depicted in FIG. 7 include the involvement of a dual steer device 170, AMF 620, a policy control function PCF of the AMF (illustrated as AM PCF 630), a PCF of a UE (illustrated as UE PCF 635), a PCF of a SMF (illustrated as SM PCF 650) and a SMF 640.

[0020] As shown in FIG 7, the dual steer device 170 comprises two UEs, including a first UE 170-1 and a second UE 170-2. As described above, the first UE has a first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1_ and the second UE 170-2 has a second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2). It will be appreciated that the procedure shown in FIG. 7 would work the same way when the dual steer device 170 comprises a single UE having two USIMs and with the first USIM of the two USIMs being associated with a first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1) and a second USIM of the two USIMs being associated with a second UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-2).

[0021] The procedure begins at 10. At 10, the first UE 170-1 of the dual device 170, registers with the AMF 620 by sending, to the AMF 620, a first registration request. The first registration request may comprise a first NAS Registration Request. The first registrationrequest includes a concealed identifier of the first UE identifier (e.g., SUCI-1) generated by the dual steer device 170 from the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1) or a first GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) allocated to the first UE 170-1 during a previous registration of the first UE 170-1 with the AMF 620.

[0022] At step 12, as part of the handling of the registration request send by the first UE 170-1 of the dual steer device 170, the AMF 620 may establish a UE Policy Association with the UE PCF 635 by sending a Npcf UEPolicyControl Create Request message to the UE PCF635. The Npcf UEPolicyControl Create Request message includes the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1). Also at step 12, as part of the handling of the registration procedure the AMF 620 may establish an AM Policy Association with the AM PCF 630 by sending a Npcf AMPolicyControl Create Request message to AM PCF 630. The Npcf AMPolicyControl Create Request message comprises the first UE identifier (e.g., SUPI-1) of the first UE 170-1 of the dual steer device.

[0023] At step 14 the AMF 620 accepts the first registration of the first UE 170-1 of the dual steer devicel70 and sends a first Registration Accept message to the first UE 170-1 of the dual steer device 170. The first Registration Accept message may comprise a NAS Registration Accept message The registration accept message comprises a first GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) allocated by the AMF 620 to the registration of the first UE 170-1 with the AMF 620. In FIG. 7, the first GUTI is illustrated as GUTI-1.

[0024] At step 20 the second UE 170-2 of dual steer device 170 registers to the network (e.g., AMF 620) by sending a second Registration request to the AMF 620. The second registration request may comprise a second NAS Registration Request. The second registration request may comprise a second concealed identifier generated by the second UE 170-2 (e.g., a second SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier)) from the second UE identifier (e.g. SUPI-2) or a GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) allocated by the AMF 520 to a previous registration of the second UE 170-2 of with the AMF 620 and a linked identifier i.e. the GUTI received at step 14 for the first UE 170-1. The second UE 170-2, after it establishes a radio connection (e.g., RRC connection) with a NG-RAN node (not shown), provides to the NG-RAN node the GUAMI of the GUTI received at step 14 for the fist UE 170-1 in order to ensure the NG-RAN node selects the same AMF (e.g., AMF 620) as used in the first registration (steps 10 to 14).

[0025] At step 22, as part of the handling of the registration procedure the AMF 620 may establish a UE Policy Association with to the UE PCF 635 by sending a Npcf UEPolicyControl Create Request message to the UE PCE 635. The Npcf UEPolicyControl Create Request message comprises the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2) of the second UE 170-2 and the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1) of the first UE 170-1 as a linked SUPI; At step 22, as part of the handling of the registration procedure the AMF 620 may establish an AM Policy Association with to the AM PCF 630 by sending a Npcf_AMPolicyControl Create Request to the AM PCF 630. The Npcf AMPolicyControl Create Request message comprises the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2) of the second UE 170-2 and the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1) of the first UE 170-1 as a linked SUPI.

[0026] The UE PCF 635 or the AM PCF 630 receiving linkage information linking the two policy control sessions together may determine to provide consistent UE policy related with the policy control sessions established at steps 12 and 22. For example the UE PCF 635 may provides consistent UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules over the UE policy associations associated with each other (here the policy association for the first UE 170-1 and the policy association for the second UE 170-2).

[0027] At step 25 the AMF 320 accepts the registration of the second UE 170-2 of the device 170 to the network and sends a NAS Registration Accept message to the second UE 170-2. The Registration Accept message may comprises a second network identifier (e.g., the GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) allocated to the second UE 170-2 for this registration but also an indication that the AMF 620 has accepted the linked registration by for example echoing the Linked GUTI for the first UE 170-1 received at step 20.

[0028] At step 30 the dual steer device 170, for example one of the UE in the dual steer device 170-1 requests to establish a PDU Session to a DNN and S-NSSAI. This request may comprise a NAS a PDU Session establishment request. The PDU Session establishment request message may comprise a DNN and a S-NSSAI as well as other parameters for the PDU session. At step 31 the AMF 620 propagates the PDU session establishment request to a SMF 640 it has selected via a Nsmf PDUSession UpdateSMContext Request that includes the SUPI of the first UE 170-1 but that may also carry linkage information in the form of the linked SUPI of the second UE 170-2

[0029] At step 32, as part of the handling of the PDU Session establishment request procedure the SMF 640 may establish an SM Policy Association with the SM PCF 650 by sending a Npcf SMPolicyControl Create Request message to the SM PCF 650. The Npcf SMPolicyControl Create Request comprises the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1) of the involved first UE 170-1 and may also include linkage information in the form of the linked SUPI of the second UE 170-2.

[0030] At step 35 the SMF 640 accepts the PDU Session establishment by sending Namf_Communication_NlN2MessageTransfer message comprising a NAS PDU Session establishment accept message that the AMF transfers to the first UE 170-1 at step 36

[0031] At step 40 the dual steer device 170, for example the second UE 170-2 in the dual steer device 170 requests to establish a PDU Session to a DNN and S-NSSAI. This request may comprise a NAS a PDU Session establishment request. The PDU Session establishment request may comprise a DNN and a S-NSSAI as well as other parameters for the PDU session. At step 41 the AMF 620 propagates the PDU establishment request to the SMF 640 via a Nsmf PDUSession UpdateSMContext Request message that comprises the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2) of the second UE 170-2 and may also comprise linkage information in the form of the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1 of the first UE 170-1

[0032] At step 42, as part of the handling of the PDU Session establishment request procedure the SMF 640 may establish an SM Policy Association with the SM PCF 650 by sending a Npcf_SMPolicyControl Create Request message. The Npcf_SMPolicyControl Create Request message comprises the SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2) of the involved second UE 170- 2 and may also comprise linkage information in the form of the linked SUPI of the first UE 170-1.

[0033] At step 45 the SMF 640 accepts the PDU Session establishment by sending Namf_Communication_NlN2MessageTransfer message comprising a NAS PDU Session establishment accept that the AMF 620 transfers to the second UE 170-2 at step 46.

[0034] At step 48 the SM PCF 650 having received linkage information linking the two SM policy control sessions established at steps 32 and 42 together can determine to provide consistent QoS policies related with these two SM policy control sessions.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of an example method 800 performed by an AMF of a communication network (e.g., communication network 100) is shown. In some embodiments, one or more memories of an apparatus may store instructions of the AMF and execution of the instructions of the AMF by one or more processors of the apparatus causes the apparatus to carry out or perform the method 800. In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store instructions of an AMF and execution of the instructions of the AMF by one or more processors of an apparatus causes the apparatus to carry out or perform the method 800.

[0036] The method 800 begins at 802. At 802, the AMF receives from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device. In some embodiments, the first identifier may be a first concealed identifier that is generated based on the first user equipment identifier. The first concealed identifier may be a SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1 described herein). In some embodiments, the first identifier is a GUTI provided to the dual steer device 170 in a previous registration of the dual steer device 170 with the AMF. At 804, the AMF obtains, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier, the first subscription information comprising a first linked subscription identifier. At 806, the AMF sends to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device. In some embodiments, the AMF sends first registration accept message via the first 3 GPP access path. At 808, the AMF receives from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device. In some embodiments, the second identifier may be a second concealed identifier that is generated based on the second user equipment identifier. The second concealed identifier may be a SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2 described herein). At 810, the AMF obtains from the unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, the second subscription information comprising a second linked subscription identifier. At 812, the AMF determines that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the first linkedsubscription identifier and the second linked subscription identifier. At 814, the AMF sends to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device. The linking identifier indicates that the AMF has linked the first registration and the second registration. In some embodiments, the AMF sends the second registration accept message via the second 3 GPP access path. In some embodiments, the AMF associates the first GUTI and the first linking subscription identifier with the first registration and / or associates the second GUTI and the second linking subscription identifier with the second registration.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of another example method 900 performed by an AMF of a communication network (e.g., communication network 100) is shown. In some embodiments, one or more memories of an apparatus may store instructions of the AMF and execution of the instructions of the AMF by one or more processors of the apparatus causes the apparatus to carry out or perform the method 900. In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store instructions of an AMF and execution of the instructions of the AMF by one or more processors of an apparatus causes the apparatus to carry out or perform the method 900.

[0038] The method 900 begins at 902. At 902, the AMF receives from a dual steer device via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device. In some embodiments, the first identifier may be a first concealed identifier that is generated based on the first user equipment identifier. The first concealed identifier may be a SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1 described herein). At 904, the AMF sends to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device. In some embodiments, the AMF sends first registration accept message is sent via the first 3GPP access path. At 906, the AMF receives from the dual steer device via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the first GUTI. In some embodiments, the second identifier may be a second concealed identifier that is generated based on the second user equipment identifier. The secondconcealed identifier may be a SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2 described herein). At 908, the AMF determines that first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier and second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier are linked based on the second registration request comprising the first GUTI. At 910, the AMF sends to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device. In some embodiments, the AMF sends the second registration accept message via the first 3GPP access path. In some embodiments, the AMF sends the second registration accept message via the second 3 GPP access path. In some embodiments, the AMF associates the first GUTI and the first linking subscription identifier with the first registration and / or associates the second GUTI and the second linking subscription identifier with the second registration.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart of an example method 1000 performed by a dual steer device 170 is shown. In some embodiments, one or more memories of the dual steer device 170 stores instructions and execution of the instructions causes the apparatus to carry out or perform the method 1000.

[0040] The method begins at 1002. At 1002, the dual steer device sends via a first 3GPP access path a first registration request to register the dual steer device with a communication network (e.g., an AMF of the communication network), the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device. The first identifier may comprise a first concealed identifier that is generated based on the first user equipment identifier. The first concealed identifier may be a SUPI (e.g., SUPI-1 described herein).

[0041] At 1004, the dual steer device receives via the first 3 GPP access path, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first GUTI allocated by the communication network to a first registration of the dual steer device.

[0042] At 1006, the dual steer device sends, via a second 3 GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the communication network, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the first GUTI. The second identifier may comprise a second concealed identifier that is generated based on the second user equipmentidentifier. The second concealed identifier may comprise a SUPI (e.g., SUPI-2 described herein).

[0043] At 1008, the dual steer device receives via the second 3 GPP access path, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated by the communication network to a second registration of the dual steer device. The linking identifier indicates that the communication network has linked the first registration and the second registration.

[0044] Various systems or processes have been described to provide examples of embodiments of the claimed subject matter. No such example embodiment described limits any claim and any claim may cover processes or systems that differ from those described. The claims are not limited to systems or processes having all the features of any one system or process described above or to features common to multiple or all the systems or processes described above. It is possible that a system or process described above is not an embodiment of any exclusive right granted by issuance of this patent application.

[0045] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the subject matter described herein.

[0046] As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to "one example" or “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and / or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and / or implementation of the subject matter according to the subject disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example” and similar language throughout the subject disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject mattercharacterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0047] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments "comprising" or "having" or “including” an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms “comprises”, “has”, “includes” means “including but not limited to” and the terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” have equivalent meanings.

[0048] As used herein, the term “and / or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features.

[0049] The terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanical, electrical or communicative connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, electrical signal, or a mechanical element depending on the particular context. Furthermore, the term “operatively coupled” may be used to indicate that an element or device can electrically, optically, or wirelessly send data to another element or device as well as receive data from another element or device.

[0050] Reference herein to “configured” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the element or feature to the physical characteristics of the element or feature preceding the phrase “configured to.”

[0051] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of a lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and / or a higher- numbered item (e.g., a “third” item).

[0052] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. Forexample, the terms “approximately” and “about” may refer to an amount that is within engineering tolerances that would be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0053] The embodiments described herein may be implemented as a combination of hardware or software, as described above. Further, in some examples, one or more of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in or as part of a distributed or cloud-based computing system having multiple computing components distributed across a computing network.

[0054] Some aspects of the embodiments described herein may be implemented via software that is written in a high-level procedural language such as object-oriented programming language. Accordingly, the program code may be written in any suitable programming language such as Java, Python or Rust, for example. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, some of these elements implemented via software may be written in assembly language, machine language or firmware as needed. In either case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language.

[0055] At least some of these software programs may be stored on a storage media (e.g., a computer readable medium such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, magnetic disk, optical disc) or a device that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable device. The software program code, when read by the programmable device, configures the programmable device to operate in a new, specific, and predefined manner to perform at least one of the methods described herein.

[0056] Furthermore, at least some of the programs associated with the systems and methods described herein may be capable of being distributed in a computer program product including a computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms, including non-transitory forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, and magnetic and electronic storage.

[0057] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising: access and mobility management function (AMF) configured for: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3 GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier, the first subscription information comprising a first linked subscription identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3 GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from the unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, the second subscription information comprising a second linked subscription identifier; determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the first linked subscription identifier and the second linked subscription identifier; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device, wherein the linking identifier indicates that the AMF has linked the first registration and the second registration.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first linked subscription identifier comprises the second user equipment identifier and the second linked subscription identifier comprises the first user equipment identifier.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the linking identifier comprises the first GUTI.

4. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier associated with the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) generated based on the first SUPI, and wherein the second user equipment identifier associated with the second user equipment identifier is a second SUPI and the second identifier is a second SUCI generated based on the second SUPI.

5. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier is the first GUTI, and wherein the second user equipment identifier is a second subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier is the second GUTI.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dual steer device comprises two user equipment, and wherein the first registration request is received from a first user equipment (UE) of the two user equipment and the second registration request is received by a second user equipment (UE) of the two user equipment.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dual steer device comprises two subscriber identity modules, and wherein the first user equipment identifier comprises a first subscription permanent identifier associated with a first subscriber identify module of the two subscriber identity modules, and wherein the second user equipment identifier comprises a second subscription permanent identifier associated with a second subscriber identify module of the two subscriber identity modules.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determining comprises determining that the first subscription information and second subscription information are linked to a subscription profile of the dual steer device based on first linking subscription information and the second linking subscription information.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first user equipment identifier comprises a first subscription permanent identifier of the first user equipment and the second user equipment identifier comprises a second subscription permanent identifier of the second user equipment.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first 3GPP access path comprises a first RRC connection between the dual steer device and a radio access network node and a first signalling connection between the RAN node and the AMF, and the second 3GPP access path comprises a second RRC connection between the dual steer device and the RAN node and a second signalling connection between the RAN node and the AMF.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the AMF is further configured to perform: after obtaining the first subscription information, sending, to the RAN node, a first request to setup a first user equipment context for the first user equipment; and after obtaining the second subscription information, sending, to the RAN node, a second request to setup a second user equipment context for the second user equipment that is associated with the first user equipment context for the first user equipment.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first request comprises a first Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a first user equipment context identifier for association with the first user equipment context, and wherein the second request comprises a second Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a second user equipment context identifier for association with the second user equipment context and the linking information that indicates to the RAN node that the first user equipment context is to be associated with the second user equipment context.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first user equipment context identifier comprises a first Next-Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) user equipment identifier, and wherein the second user equipment context identifier comprises is a second NGAP UE ID.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the linkage information comprises the first user equipment context identifier.

15. An apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising: access and mobility management function (AMF) configured for: receiving, from a dual steer device via a first 3 GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, first subscription information associated with the first user equipment identifier; sending, to the dual steer device, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated to a first registration of the dual steer device; receiving, from the dual steer device via a second 3 GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the AMF, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the GUTI allocated to the first registration of the dual steer device; obtaining, from a unified data management entity, second subscription information associated with the second user equipment identifier, and determining that the first subscription information and the second subscription information are linked based on the GUTI included in the second registration request; and sending, to the dual steer device, a second registration accept message comprising a second GUTI allocated to a second registration of the dual steer device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first linked subscription identifier comprises the second user equipment identifier and the second linked subscription identifier comprises the first user equipment identifier.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein the linking identifier comprises the first GUTI.

18. The apparatus of any one of claim 15 to 17, wherein the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier associated with the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) generated based on the first SUPI, and wherein the second user equipment identifier associated with the second user equipment identifier is a second SUPI and the second identifier is a second SUCI generated based on the second SUPI.

19. The apparatus of any one of claim 15 to 18, wherein the first user equipment identifier is a first subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier is the first GUTI, and wherein the second user equipment identifier is a second subscription permanent identity (SUPI) and the first identifier is the second GUTI.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the dual steer device comprises two user equipment, and wherein the first registration request is received from a first user equipment (UE) of the two user equipment and the second registration request is received by a second user equipment (UE) of the two user equipment.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the dual steer device comprises two subscriber identity modules, and wherein the first user equipment identifier comprises a first subscription permanent identifier associated with a first subscriber identify module of the two subscriber identity modules, and wherein the second user equipment identifier comprises a second subscription permanent identifier associated with a second subscriber identify module of the two subscriber identity modules.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the determining comprises determining that the first subscription information and second subscription information are linked to a subscription profile of the dual steer device based on first linking subscription information and the second linking subscription information.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the first user equipment identifier comprises a first subscription permanent identifier of the first user equipment and the second user equipment identifier comprises a second subscription permanent identifier of the second user equipment.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the first 3GPP access path comprises a first RRC connection between the dual steer device and a radio access network node and a first signalling connection between the RAN node and the AMF, and the second 3GPP access path comprises a second RRC connection between the dual steer device and the RAN node and a second signalling connection between the RAN node and the AMF.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the AMF is further configured to perform: after obtaining the first subscription information, sending, to the RAN node, a first request to setup a first user equipment context for the first user equipment; and after obtaining the second subscription information, sending, to the RAN node, a second request to setup a second user equipment context for the second user equipment that is associated with the first user equipment context for the first user equipment.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first request comprises a first Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a first user equipment context identifier for association with the first user equipment context, and wherein the second request comprises a second Initial Context Setup Request message comprising a second user equipment context identifier for association with the second user equipment context and the linking information that indicates to the RAN node that the first user equipment context is to be associated with the second user equipment context.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first user equipment context identifier comprises a first Next-Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) user equipment identifier, and wherein the second user equipment context identifier comprises is a second NGAP UE ID.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 or 27, wherein linkage information comprises the first user equipment context identifier.

29. A dual steer device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor cause the dual steer device to perform at least the following: sending via a first 3GPP access path, a first registration request to register the dual steer device with a communication network, the first registration request comprising a first identifier associated with a first user equipment identifier of the dual steer device; receiving, via the first 3 GPP access path, a first registration accept message, the first registration accept message comprising a first Globally Unique Temporary Identity GUTI allocated by the communication network to a first registration of the dual steer device; sending, via a second 3GPP access path, a second registration request to register the dual steer device with the communication network, the second registration request comprising a second identifier associated with a second user equipment identifier of the dual steer device and the first GUTI; and receiving, via the second 3GPP access path, a second registration accept message comprising a linking identifier and a second GUTI allocated by the communication network to a second registration of the dual steer device, wherein the linking identifier indicates that the communication network has linked the first registration and the second registration.

30. The dual steer device of claim 29, wherein the linking identifier comprises the first GUTI.

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