Apparatus, method, and computer program

Abstract

A dual steer device comprising: means for sending to a network a request for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; means for receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering; and means for sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering.

Description

APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAMRelated Applications

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202441011015 filed February 16, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if reproduced in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to methods, an apparatus and computer programs and in particular, but not exclusively, methods, an apparatus and computer programs relating to dual steering.Background

[0003] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path.

[0004] The communication system and associated entities typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the associated entities are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters that shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. Examples of standard include the so-called 5G standards.Summary

[0005] Some example embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various example embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0006] According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for sending a request to a network for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and means for receiving from the network a response, the response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a modified first data session supporting dual steering.

[0007] The apparatus may comprise means for providing information identifying the first data session supporting dual steering, said information being used when establishing a second data session to support the dual steering, the second data session associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0008] The first and second data sessions may comprise packet data unit session or protocol data unit sessions.

[0009] The means for sending may be for sending to the network, a request to establish the first data session supporting single access, said session establishment request comprising an indication that modifying the first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering is permitted.

[0010] The apparatus may comprise means for determining that the first data session supporting single access is to be modified to a data session supporting dual steering in response to one or more of: information received from the network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; information relating to the apparatus; and information received from a controller of the dual steer device.

[0011] One or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0012] The information relating to the apparatus may comprise one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

[0013] The response from the network indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to the modified first data session supporting dual steering may comprise one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

[0014] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0015] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0016] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0017] The apparatus may comprise means for sending a request to the network to establish the second data session, said request comprising a request for a data session which supports dual steering and information associated with the modified first data session.

[0018] The information associated with the modified first data session may comprise identity information for the modified first data session.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method comprising: sending a request to a network for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and receiving from the network a response, the response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a modified first data session supporting dual steering.

[0020] The method may comprise providing information identifying the first data session supporting dual steering, said information being used when establishing a second data session to support the dual steering, the second data session associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0021] The first and second data sessions may comprise packet data unit session or protocol data unit sessions.

[0022] The method may comprise sending to the network, a request to establish the first data session supporting single access, said session establishment request comprising an indication that modifying the first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering is permitted.

[0023] The method may comprise determining that the first data session supporting single access is to be modified to a data session supporting dual steering in response to one or more of: information received from the network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; information relating to an apparatus performing the method; and information received from a controller of the dual steer device.

[0024] One or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0025] The information relating to the apparatus may comprise one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

[0026] The response from the network indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering may comprise one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

[0027] The method may comprise sending a request to the network to establish a second data session supporting dual steering, said request comprising a request for a data session which supports dual steering and information associated with the modified first data session.

[0028] The information associated with the modified first data session may comprise identity information for the modified first data session.

[0029] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0030] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the second aspect.

[0031] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0032] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0033] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for determining that a first data session which supports dual steering is no longer required to support dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and means for sending a request to a network for updating the network that the first data session is no longer required to support dual steering.

[0035] The means for sending may for sending to the network, a session modification request for modifying the first data session supporting dual steering to a data session which supports single access, said request comprising an indication of the cause of the modification.

[0036] The means for sending may for sending to the network, a session release request for releasing the first data session supporting dual steering, said request comprising an indication of the cause of the release.

[0037] The means for determining may be for determining that the first data session which supports dual steering is no longer required to supporting dual steering in response to one or more of: information received from a network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; information relating to the apparatus; and information received from a controller of the dual steer device.

[0038] The one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0039] The information relating to the apparatus may comprise one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

[0040] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0041] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0042] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0043] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: determining that a first data session which supports dual steering is no longer required to support dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and sending a request to a network for updating the network that the first data session is no longer required to support dual steering.

[0044] The method may comprise sending to the network, a session modification request for modifying the first data session supporting dual steering to a data session which supports single access, said request comprising an indication of the cause of the modification.

[0045] The method may comprise sending to the network, a session release request for releasing the first data session supporting dual steering, said request comprising an indication of the cause of the release.

[0046] The method may comprise determining that the first data session which supports dual steering is no longer required to supporting dual steering in response to one or more of: information received from a network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; information relating to a apparatus performing the method; and information received from a controller of the dual steer device.

[0047] The one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0048] The information relating to the apparatus may comprise one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

[0049] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0050] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the fourth aspect.

[0051] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0052] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0053] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0054] According a fifth aspect, there is provide an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a session modification command from a network indicating that first data session which supports dual steering is to be modified to a data session which supports single access; and means for sending a response to the network to confirm the first data session is modified to support single access.

[0055] The session modification command may indicate that one or more rules relating to the dual steering are removed.

[0056] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first data session.

[0057] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0058] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0059] According a sixth aspect, there is provide a method comprising: receiving a session modification command from a network indicating that first data session which supports dual steering is to be modified to a data session which supports single access; and sending a response to the network to confirm the first data session is modified to support single access.

[0060] The session modification command may indicate that one or more rules relating to the dual steering are removed.

[0061] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0062] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the sixth aspect.

[0063] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first data session.

[0064] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0065] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0066] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a dual steer device comprising: means for sending a request to a network for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; means for receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering; and means for sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering.

[0067] The session establishment request may comprise information identifying the first data session supporting dual steering.

[0068] The second data session may be associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0069] The first and second data sessions comprise packet data unit sessions.

[0070] The means for sending the request to the network for the modification of the first data session may be for sending the request via a first access network and the means for sending the session establishment request may be for sending the request via a second access network.

[0071] The means for sending the request to the network may further be for sending to the network, a request to establish the first data session supporting single access, said session establishment request comprising an indication that modifying the first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering is permitted.

[0072] The dual steer device may comprise means for determining that the first data session supporting single access is to be modified to a data session supporting dual steering in response to one or more of: information received from a network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; and information relating to the dual steer device.

[0073] The one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0074] The information relating to the dual steer device may comprises one or more energy related conditions of the dual steer device.

[0075] The response from the network indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering may comprise one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

[0076] The dual steer device may comprise means for receiving a response from the network indicating that the second data session supporting dual steering is established, the response comprising one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

[0077] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0078] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0079] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0080] According to a eighth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: sending a request to a network for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering; and sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering.

[0081] The said second data session may be associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0082] The session establishment request may comprise information identifying the first data session supporting dual steering.

[0083] The first and second data sessions comprise packet data unit sessions.

[0084] The method may comprise sending the request via a first access network and sending the session establishment request may be for sending the request via a second access network.

[0085] The method may comprise sending to the network, a request to establish the first data session supporting single access, said session establishment request comprising an indication that modifying the first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering is permitted.

[0086] The method may comprise determining that the first data session supporting single access is to be modified to a data session supporting dual steering in response to one or moreof: information received from a network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; and information relating to the dual steer device.

[0087] The one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0088] The information relating to the dual steer device may comprises one or more energy related conditions of the dual steer device.

[0089] The response from the network indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering may comprise one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

[0090] The method may comprise receiving a response from the network indicating that the second data session supporting dual steering is established, the response comprising one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

[0091] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0092] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the eighth aspect.

[0093] The apparatus may be a dual steer device, a first user equipment being associated with the first data session.

[0094] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0095] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0096] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0097] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a dual steer device comprising: means for removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; and means for sending a modification request to a network for modification of a second data session supporting dual steering to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0098] The session modification request may comprise an indication of the cause of the modification.

[0099] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0100] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0101] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0102] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and sending a modification request to a network for modification of a second data session supporting dual steering to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0103] The session modification request may comprise an indication of the cause of the modification.

[0104] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0105] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the tenth aspect.

[0106] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0107] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0108] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0109] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a dual steer device comprising: means for removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; and means for receiving from a network information indicating that a second data session supporting dual steering is modified to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0110] The dual steer device may comprise means for determining that dual steering is no longer required in response to one or more of: information received from a network; one ormore rules or policies relating to dual steering; and information relating to the dual steer device.

[0111] The one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0112] The information relating to the dual steer device may comprise one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

[0113] The means for removing the first data session may be for sending a session release request to the network for the release of the first data session, said session release request comprises an indication of the cause of the release of the first data session.

[0114] The means for removing the first data session may be for removing the first data session is by receiving a session release request from the network for the release of the first data session, said session release request comprises an indication of the cause of the release of the first data session.

[0115] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; and receiving from a network information indicating that a second data session supporting dual steering is modified to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0116] The method may comprise determining that dual steering is no longer required in response to one or more of: information received from a network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; and information relating to the dual steer device.

[0117] The one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering may comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

[0118] The information relating to the dual steer device may comprise one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

[0119] The method may comprise removing the first data session by sending a session release request to the network for the release of the first data session, said session release request comprises an indication of the cause of the release of the first data session.

[0120] The method may comprise removing the first data session by receiving a session release request from the network for the release of the first data session, said session release request comprises an indication of the cause of the release of the first data session.

[0121] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0122] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the twelfth aspect.

[0123] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0124] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0125] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0126] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving information identifying an address of a first data session supporting dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription; and means for sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering, said session establishment request comprising information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering, wherein the first data session and the second data session have the same address.

[0127] The address may be an internet protocol address.

[0128] The information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering may be received from control means of the dual steer device.

[0129] The information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering may be a packet data units session identifier of the first data session supporting dual steering.

[0130] The first data session and the second data session may comprise packet data unit sessions.

[0131] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving from the network information indicating that the second data session supporting dual steering has been established with address.

[0132] The means for receiving may be for receiving one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering.

[0133] The apparatus may comprise a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

[0134] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprises a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

[0135] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0136] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving information identifying an address of a first data session supporting dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription; and sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering, said session establishment request comprising information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering, wherein the first data session and the second data session have the same address.

[0137] The address may be an internet protocol address.

[0138] The information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering may be received from control means of the dual steer device.

[0139] The information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering may be a packet data units session identifier of the first data session supporting dual steering.

[0140] The first data session and the second data session may comprise packet data unit sessions.

[0141] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving from the network information indicating that the second data session supporting dual steering has been established with address.

[0142] The means for receiving may be for receiving one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering.

[0143] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0144] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the fourteenth aspect.

[0145] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of the dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with the first data session.

[0146] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0147] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, the first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0148] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request for establishing a second data session for a dual steer device, the second data session being associated with a second subscription, and means for assigning a first address to the second data session, the first address being associated with a first data session supporting dual steering for the dual steer device.

[0149] The apparatus may comprise means for providing a response to the request comprising the first address and one or more dual steer rules or policies.

[0150] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request for modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and means for providing one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering.to the dual steer device.

[0151] The request may comprise identity information associated with the first data session

[0152] According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for determining that a first data session supporting dual steering, is be modified to a single access session, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and means for providing a request or command that one or more dual steer device related policies for the dual steer device are to be removed or updated.

[0153] The apparatus of any of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects may comprise means for implementing a session management function.

[0154] The apparatus of any of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects may be a session management function,

[0155] According to a eighteenth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving a request for establishing a second data session for a dual steer device, the second data session being associated with a second subscription, and assigning a first address to the second data session, the first address being associated with a first data session supporting dual steering for the dual steer device.

[0156] The method may comprise providing a response to the request comprising the first address and one or more dual steer rules or policies.

[0157] According to a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving a request for modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscriptionof a dual steer device; and providing one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering.to the dual steer device.

[0158] The request may comprise identity information associated with the first data session

[0159] According to a twentieth aspect, there is provided a method comprising determining that a first data session supporting dual steering, is be modified to a single access session, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and providing a request or command that one or more dual steer device related policies for the dual steer device are to be removed or updated.

[0160] The method of any of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects may be performed by an apparatus.

[0161] The apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the methods discussed in relation to the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects.

[0162] The apparatus may implement a session management function.

[0163] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0164] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0165] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0166] In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0167] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.Brief Description of the Figures

[0168] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system;Fig. 2 shows schematically a first example of a dual steer device and a UPF of a 5GC;Fig. 3 shows schematically a second example of a dual steer device and a UPF of a5GC;Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus;Figs. 5a to c schematically shows a first procedure in which a single access PDU session is updated to act as dual steer PDU session;Figs. 6a and b schematically shows a second procedure in which a dual steer PDU session is downgrade to a single access PDU session;Fig. 7 shows a first method of some example embodiments:Fig. 8 shows a second method of some example embodiments;Fig. 9 shows a third method of some example embodiments;Fig.10 shows a fourth method of some example embodiments;Fig. 11 shows a fifth method of some example embodiments;Fig. 12 shows a sixth method of some example embodiments;Fig.13 shows a seventh method of some example embodiments;Fig. 14 shows a eighth method of some example embodiments; and Fig. 15 shows a ninth method of some example embodimentsDetailed Description

[0169] In the following certain example embodiments are explained with reference to communication devices capable of communication via a wireless communication system (e.g., a cellular system or a mobile communication system) serving such communication devices. An example wireless communication system is shown in Fig. 1.

[0170] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a communication network comprising 5G system (5GS).

[0171] The communication may comprise a public land mobile network (PLMN). The PLMN may comprise a wireless access network comprising a plurality of 5G (radio) access networks (RAN) (illustrated as 5G-RAN 3GPP-1 and 5G-RAN 3GPP2), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF) and one or more data networks (DN) 210. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a dual steer device 200 / 300 of some example embodiments is connected to the 5GC via two different RANs (e.g., 5G-RAN 3GPP-1 and 5G-RAN 3GPP2). The dual steer devices 200 / 300 of some example embodiments are described in more detail later. However, it should be appreciated that the dual steer device may be connected via one or one or more different access networks to the example RANs shown in Figure 1.

[0172] Some examples of an access network is a 5G (radio) access network, for example a3GPP RAN. Other examples of access networks may be untrusted or wireline non 3GPP access to a 3GPP core (N3IWF -Non-3GPP Inter- Working Function or W-AGF- wireline5G access gateway function). In another example, one RAN may correspond to a terrestrial (radio access) network while the other RAN may correspond to a terrestrial (radio access) network. In another example, the two (R)AN may be operated by different operators e.g. different PLMN(s), thus possibly controlled by different AMF(s).

[0173] A 3GPP access network may a radio access networks (RAN) specified in 3GPP standardisation such as 5G RAN.

[0174] A 5G RAN may comprise one or more base stations. A base station may be an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a gNodeB (gNB). AgNB may comprise distributed units connected to one or more centralized units.

[0175] The 5GC shown in Fig. 1 comprise network functions (NF). The network functions shown in Fig. 1 comprise a unified data repository (UDR), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a user data management (UDM) function, a policy control function (PCF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF) 206. It should be appreciated that more than one of a given type of network function may be provided in the 5GC.

[0176] Some embodiments relate to a so-called “dual steer device”.

[0177] A dual steer device is a device supporting traffic steering, traffic splitting and / or traffic switching, of user data across two access networks. The user data may relate to a user equipment data session. The two access networks may be different access networks. The access networks may be two 3 GPP access networks. For example, in some embodiments, the two access networks may be two different 3GPP access networks. For example, the two different access networks may be provided by different RANs.

[0178] Traffic steering may steer the traffic to one or other or both of the two access networks. Traffic may be split between both of the two access networks. In another example, the traffic may be directed to only one of the access networks. In another example, the traffic may be switched from one of the two access networks to the other of the two access networks.

[0179] A dual steer device may be associated with a first subscription and a second subscription. The first subscription is associated with a first subscriber identifier and thesecond subscription is associated with a second subscriber identifier. The first and second subscriber identifiers are different subscriber identifiers. The first and second subscriber identifiers may be unique identifiers which are used to represent the identity of a subscriber in a network. The first and second subscriber identifiers may comprise a SUPI (subscription permanent identifier) or any other suitable subscriber identifier.

[0180] Each of the first and second identifiers may be stored in a respective subscriber identity module SIM. For example, the SIM may be store in a universal SIM (USIM).

[0181] The first and second subscriber identities may be linked to a single subscription profile.

[0182] When a dual steer device provides dual steering, the dual steer device has a first data session with a network associated with the first subscriber identifier and via a first access network and a second data session associated with the second subscriber identifier and via a second access network. Traffic such as user data may be sent to the network via the first and second data sessions. The traffic may be steered, switched and / or split between the first and second sessions.

[0183] The traffic may, for example, comprise data from an application of the dual steer device.

[0184] The first and second sessions may be packet data unit (PDU) sessions.

[0185] Reference is made to Figure 2 which shows a first example of a dual steer device 200. The dual steer device 200 in this example comprises a first UE, UE1 and a second UE, UE2. The first UE, UE 1 is associated with the first subscriber identifier, SUPI-land the second UE is associated with a second subscriber identifier, SUPI-2. For example, the first UE, UE1 may have a first SIM, e.g. a USIM, storing the first subscriber identifier, SUPI-1 and the second UE may have a second SIM, e.g. a USIM, storing the second subscriber identifier SUPI-2.

[0186] A so-called dual steer layer 204 is provided. The dual steer layer comprises a controlling function. The dual steer layer may be implemented by computer executable code running on at least one processor. The dual steer layer may be referred to a controller. The dual steer layer may be implemented by an apparatus such as shown in Figure 4.

[0187] The first UE. UE 1 has network access via first access network 3GPP1 and the second UE, UE2 has network access via a second access network 3GPP2. The first and second access networks are different.

[0188] The dual steer layer will manage the steering, switching and / or splitting of traffic to one or other or both of the two access networks via the first and second UEs.

[0189] The dual steer device may support, if required, simultaneous data transmission over both of the two access networks.

[0190] The traffic which is managed by the dual steer layer may comprise application traffic from an application 202 or any other suitable traffic.

[0191] In some embodiments the dual steer device may be provided, for example, within a single housing.

[0192] In other embodiments, the dual steer device may be implemented as a system. Where the dual steer device is implemented as a system, the dual steer layer part of the system is arranged to communicate with the application, for example, and the first and second UEs. That communication may be wired and / or wireless.

[0193] Reference is made to Figure 3 which shows a second example of a dual steer device 300. The dual steer device in this example comprises a one UE 302. The UE 302 is associated with the first subscriber identifier SUPI-2 and the second subscriber identifier SUPI-2. For example, the UE may have a first SIM, e.g. a USIM, storing the first subscriber identifier SUPI-land a second SIM, e.g. a USIM, storing the second subscriber identifier SUPI-2.

[0194] Again a dual steer layer 204 is provided, as discussed in relation to Figure 2. In some embodiments, the dual steer layer and the application may be provided within the UE. The dual steer device may be implemented within the UE In other embodiments, the application and / or the dual steer layer may be outside the UE.

[0195] The UE has a first network access associated with the first subscriber identifier via a first access network 3GPP1 and a second network access associated with the second subscriber identifier via a second access network 3GPP2. The first and second access networks are different.

[0196] Regardless of the implementation of the dual-steer device, the dual steer layer 204 may be provided with one or more rules / policies for controlling the steering, switching and / .or splitting of the traffic. The dual steer layer is responsible for steering of UL (uplink) data, that is the data from the dual steer device to the network.

[0197] As shown in both Figures 2 and 3, a user plane function UPF 206 is provided which responsible for steering DL (downlink) data, that is the data from the network to the dualsteer device. The UPF is provided with one or more rules / policies 208 for controlling the steering, switching and / or splitting of the DL traffic.

[0198] The traffic from the dual steer device may be provided by the UPF 206 to a DN 210. The DN 210 may provide traffic to the UPF which is for the dual steer device.

[0199] In some embodiments, the dual-steer device may support traffic steering, splitting, and / or switching of the user data across two access networks.

[0200] Data anchoring may be provided in the HPLMN (home public land mobile network) or in the SNPN (Standalone Non Public Network). The user data may be for different services or for the same service.

[0201] In some embodiments, the dual-steer device may aim to minimize service interruption when switching the user data, between the two access networks.

[0202] In some embodiments, the dual-steer device may support changing one 3 GPP access network to a non-3GPP access network of the same subscription (and vice versa).

[0203] One or more of the following traffic steering, switching and / or splitting examples may be supported by a dual steer device of some embodiments: traffic steering, switching and / or splitting between two 3GPP access networks belonging to the same or different PLMN(s) or SNPN. The two 3 GPP access networks may be associated with the same or with different RAT (radio access technology). An example of usage of different kinds of 3GPP access is where one corresponds to a terrestrial access network (TNT) and the other to a non-terrestrial access network; traffic steering, switching and / or splitting between two 3GPP access networks of one PLMN and one PNI-NPN (public network integrated non-public network). The two 3GPP access networks may be associated with the same or with different RAT (radio access technology); and / or traffic steering, switching and / or splitting across LTEZEPC (long term evolution / evolved packet core) and NR / 5GC (new radio / 5G core), with anchoring in 5GC. In other words, one access network may be a 4G access network and the other access network may be a 5G access network.

[0204] A dual steer PDU (packet data unit) session is a PDU session that is triggered by a dual steer device and is intended to be used for dual steering. Dual steering is steering, switching and / or splitting of traffic. The traffic may be of an application.

[0205] In the following examples, a dual steer device with two UEs each having its own subscriber identifier is used to illustrate some example embodiments. However, it should beappreciated that the example embodiments may also be used with a dual steer device having a UE with one part associated with one subscriber identifier and one part associated with the other subscriber identifier. In the following references to parts of the UE are to a dual steer device which has a UE with one part associated with the first subscriber identifier and one part associated with the second subscriber identifier.

[0206] For a dual steer device to achieve dual steering, the dual steer device registers with each of the two access networks (which may be the same or different). The two access networks may each be a 3 GPP network access Each registration is triggered by a different subscription, for example SUPI and / or IMSI (iintemational mobile subscriber identity). After registration, the dual steer device establishes two dual steer PDU sessions, one for each different subscription. A first dual steer PDU session, PDU session 1 that goes over the first access network, where the first dual steer PDU session, PDU session 1 corresponds to the first identity, SUPI-1. The first identity, SUPI-1 corresponds to the first registration. The first dual steer PDU session, PDU session 1 has a leg (user-plane resources) on the first access network.

[0207] A second dual steer PDU session, PDU session 2 that goes over the second access network, where the second dual steer PDU session, PDU session 2 corresponds to the second identity, SUPI-2. The second identity, SUPI-2 corresponds to the second registration. The second dual steer PDU session, PDU session 2 has a leg (user-plane resources) on the second access network.

[0208] In some embodiments, the dual steer device may have a common network access for both of the sessions associated with different subscriptions. The two UEs of the dual steer device or the two parts of the UE may be connected to the same cell. In other words, the two sessions may be via a common access network. The first and second access network in the above example may the same access network.

[0209] The first and second dual steer PDU sessions may serve certain application traffic.

[0210] In some embodiments, the core network may be the same for both registrations.

[0211] A single access PDU session is a PDU session established by a UE and is associated with only one access network. The single access PDU session does not have any rules or policies for switching / steering / splitting the traffic of the application. The PDU session has user-plane resources over only one access network. This single access PDU session does not support dual steering.

[0212] The dual steer device has two UEs or one UE with two identities each of which may have a single access PDU session over a network access (like any regular UE) such as discussed. For example, each UE may serve traffic of an application specific to that UE.

[0213] When the dual steer device needs to start working in a dual steer mode in order to serve an application that requires dual steering, the same IP (Internet Protocol) address is allocated and used for the two dual steer PDU sessions, which are established to serve the application traffic of the application which requires dual steering. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the address may not be an IP address. For example, the same address may be used to support for example Ethernet sessions.

[0214] In some embodiments, the dual steer device may update a single access PDU session to act as a one of the dual steer PDU Sessions and add another dual steer PDU session.

[0215] In some embodiments, a UE or a part of the UE of the dual steer device may, during the establishment of the single access PDU session, provide to the network an indication that upgrade to dual steer is allowed during the lifetime of that PDU session. The indication may be a flag. The indication is used by the AMF to ensure that the AMF selects a SMF that supports dual steering.

[0216] When that UE or the part of the UE of the dual steer receives a request from the dual steer layer, that UE or the part of the UE may initiate a PDU session modification procedure for its single access PDU sessions. The UE or the part of the UE may provide an indication which indicates to the network that the single access PDU session is to be updated to a dual steer PDU session. This indication may be a flag. This indication may be used by the SMF and / or AMF.

[0217] In some embodiments, as an alternative to the PDU session modification procedure, a SM (session management) NAS (non-access stratum) or MM (mobility management) NAS procedures can be used to provide the indication to the network that the single access PDU session is to be updated to a dual steer PDU session.

[0218] If the request from the UE or the part of the UE for the single access PDU session to be updated to a dual steer PDU session is accepted by the network, the network may provide dual steer rules / policies to that UE or the part of the UE. The SMF may accept the request from the from the UE or the part of the UE for the single access PDU session to be updated to a dual steer PDU session. The SMF may provide the dual steer rules / policies to the UE or the part of the UE. The providing the of the dual steer rules to the UE or the part of the UE will indicate to the UE or the part of the UE that the PDU session has been updatedto be a dual steer PDU session. The UE or the part of the UE may provide the dual steer PDU Session ID to the dual steer laver in the dual steer device.

[0219] In some embodiments, if the request from the UE or the part of the UE for the single access PDU session to be updated to a dual steer PDU session is rejected by the network, for example the SMF, then a response is provided indicating that that request is rejected. The response may be provided by the network. The response may comprise an indication which indicates to the UE or the part of the UE the reason for the rejection of the request. For example, the reason may indicate that the update is not allowed, the update is not supported, the update is not possible, and / or the like. The indication may be in the form of one or more error codes.

[0220] The request may be rejected when for example, there is no support from the network to support PDU sessions for dual steering. The request may be rejected when for example, the operator policy and / or subscription policy does not allow a dual steer PDU session for the UE or the part of the UE. The request may be rejected when for example, the network supports this capability but does not have the resources currently available to establish a dual steer PDU session. The request may be rejected due for example, to one or more conditions in a network area related to the UE or the part of the UE. The condition may be for example, detected network congestion in RAN.

[0221] The other UE or the other part of the UE then receives a request from the dual steer layer along with the linked PDU Session ID for the UE or the part of the UE which requested the PDU session to be updated to a dual steer PDU session. The other UE or the other part of the UE may then initiate an PDU session establishment procedure in order to establish the second dual steer PDU session.

[0222] In some embodiments, the trigger for the UE requesting an update of the single access PDU session to a dual steer PDU session of to a dual steer PDU session may be in response to the UE or the part of the UE receiving a request from the dual steer layer. The request from the dual steer layer may be based on an evaluation of the URSP (UE route selection policy ) rules / policies by dual steer layer. For example, dual steering may be preferred for some applications.

[0223] In some embodiments, the trigger for the UE or the part of the UE requesting an update of the single access PDU session to a dual steer PDU session of to a dual steer PDU session may be in response to an evaluation made by one or other of the UEs or or the parts of the UE of the dual steer device of the URSP rules / policies.

[0224] In some embodiments, it may be determined if the already established single access PDU session is suitable to acting as the dual steer PDU session. For example, it may be determined if the parameters of the already established single access PDU session are the same as those required for the dual steer PDU session. For example, the one or more parameters may be DNN (data network name), S-NSSAI (single network slice selection assistance information), PDU session type, and / or the like.

[0225] In some embodiments, the power and / or energy conditions of one or more of the UEs or one or more parts of the UE and / or dual steer device may be taken into account. For example, it may be more power-efficient to reuse the existing PDU sessions rather than establishing new PDU sessions for dual steering.

[0226] Some embodiments may ensure that same IP address is used for the two dual steer PDU sessions. This may be required in some embodiments for handling certain application traffic.

[0227] The dual steer device may ensure that same IP address is used for the two dual steer PDU sessions.

[0228] In order to keep the same IP address for both dual steer PDU sessions, when the second of the two UEs or the other part of the UE of the dual steer device receives a request from the dual steer layer to establish a new dual steer PDU session, that second UE or the other part of the UE provides an indication of the identity of the linked PDU session of the first UE or the part of the UE. This indication may be referred to a "linked dual steer PDU session ID". This indication may be provided by the second UE or the other part of the UE during the new dual steer PDU session establishment. This may indicate to the network, for example the SMF, the identity of the dual steer PDU session of the first UE or the part of the UE. This allows the IP address associated with the existing dual steer PDU session to be reused for the new dual steer PDU session.

[0229] In some embodiments one or more of the dual steer PDU sessions may be downgraded to be a single access PDU session. One of two dual steer PDU sessions may be released, leaving one single access PDU session.

[0230] In some embodiments, one of the two UEs or one or the parts of the UE of a dual steer device can trigger a PDU session release procedure towards the network for a dual steer PDU session. This PDU session release procedure may be triggered by the dual steer layer. The PDU session release procedure may include a cause that indicates the release dual of steer mode.

[0231] In some embodiments, the network can trigger aPDU session release procedure one of the PDU Sessions. This may be due to network policies and / or resource situation.

[0232] In some embodiments, the network may remove the dual steer rules from both the UE or the part of the UE and the UPF.

[0233] In some embodiments, a dual steer PDU session may be downgraded to a single access PDU session when an application no longer requires dual steering. This may be due to updated URSP policies.

[0234] In some embodiments, a dual steer PDU session may be downgraded to a single access PDU session based on a consideration of the power / energy conditions of the dual steer device. For example, if the dual steer device has a low battery power or if the dual steer device has to go into a low power mode, then the dual steer device may need to stop dual steering.

[0235] In some embodiments, a dual steer PDU session may be downgraded to a single access PDU session based on a consideration by the network of power consumption, resource consumption, congestion and / or overloading. The network may request that the dual steer device stop providing dual steering.

[0236] Reference is made to Figs. 5a to c which shows a first example of a procedure of some embodiments.

[0237] In this example procedure, the dual steer device is able to update a single access PDU session to act as dual steer PDU session.

[0238] In this example procedure, the dual steer device may ensure that same IP address is used for the two dual steer PDU sessions. This may allow certain application traffic to be handled.

[0239] In this example, there is a first access network, 3GGP access 1 and a second access network 3 GPP access 2.

[0240] As referenced at 0a, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE while establishing the single access PDU session, PDU1 can optionally indicate that upgrading to dual steer is allowed during the lifetime of that PDU session. The indication may be provided in the form of a flag.

[0241] The indication may be provided to the AMF. The indication may be included in NAS signalling message from the UE to AMF. That indication assists the AMF to select an SMF that supports dual steering.

[0242] The AMF may provide an indication to the SMF, during the establishment of the single access PDU session, PDU1, that an upgrade of that PDU session to dual steer is allowed during the lifetime of single access PDU session, PDU1. This indication may assist the SMF to select a PCF and / or UPF that supports dual steering.

[0243] During the successful establishment of the single access PDU session, PDU1, the SMF may indicate to the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE whether the single access PDU session, PDU1 may be upgraded to a dual steer PDU session. This enables the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE to know in advance whether that UE or part of the UE may later on request modification of the single access PDU session, PDU1 to a dual steer PDU session.

[0244] As referenced at 0b, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE is registered to the network via the second access network, 3GPP access 2. The second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE may or may not have established a second single access PDU session, PDU2 over the second access network, 3GPP access 2.

[0245] As referenced at 1, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE and / or the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE decides to modify the first single access PDU session, PDU1 and / or the second single access PDU session, PDU2 if it has been established. This may be based on a trigger from the dual steer layer, a trigger from the network, and / or a determination by one or both of the first and second UEs, UE-1 and UE-2. This may be as previously described. For example, the first UE, UE-1 or the second UE, UE-2 may determine that dual steering is required based on an evaluation of URSP rules / policies.

[0246] As referenced a t2, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE sends a request for the modification or updating of the first single access PDU session, PDU1 to a dual steer PDU session. The request for modification may comprise an indication that dual steering is requested. The indication may comprise a flag. The request may identify the first single access PDU session, PDU1. The request may be provided to an AMF.

[0247] The indication may be provided in a MM message (for example via UL NAS Transport). Alternatively, the indication may be provided in a SM message (for example a PDU session modification request) that is sent inside the MM message.

[0248] As referenced at 3, the AMF provides the request for the modification or updating of the first single access PDU session, PDU1 to a dual steer PDU session to the SMF. This includes the indication that dual steering is requested. The request may identify the first single access PDU session, PDU1.

[0249] The indication may be provided in a PDU session modification request. The request may be provided in a PDU session update SM context request.

[0250] As referenced at 4, the SMF accepts the request and obtains the dual steer device related policies / rules from the PCF.

[0251] As referenced at 5, the SMF provides the dual steer device related policies / rules obtained from the PCF to the UPF serving the PDU session of the first UE or the first part of the UE.

[0252] As referenced at 6, the SMF provides the dual steer device related policies / rules obtained from the PCF to the AMF. This may in provided in PDU session modification command. This may be a Common_NlN2MsgTransfer.

[0253] As referenced at 7, the AMF provides the dual steer device related policies / rules obtained to the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE. This may be provided in PDU session modification command. This may be via DL NAS transport.

[0254] As referenced at 8, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE considers the migration from a single access PDU session to dual steer PDU session to be successful upon receiving the dual steer rules / policies.

[0255] As referenced at 9, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE sends a message to the AMF indicating that the PDU session modification is completed. This may be via UL NAS transport.

[0256] As referenced at 10, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE decides to establish a new dual steer PDU session (PDU3) which uses same IP address that was used for dual steer PDU session 1 (PDU 1) of the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE. The decision of the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE may be based on the rules / policies and / or a request from dual steer layer and / or a request from the network. This may be as previously described.

[0257] As referenced at 11, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF. This may comprise an indication that a dual steer PDU session is requested. The indication may be in the form of a flag. The request may comprise the identity of the linked dual steer PDU session PDU 1. This may be via UL NAS transport.

[0258] As referenced at 12, the AMF selects the same SMF that was used for the linked dual steer PDU session PDU1. This may be based on the linked dual steer PDU session ID.

[0259] As referenced at 13, the AMF sends the PDU session establishment request to the SMF. This comprises an indication that a dual steer PDU session is requested. The request may comprise the identity of the linked dual steer PDU session PDU1. The request may be provided in a PDU session update SM context request.

[0260] As referenced at 14, the SMF and the UPF assign the same IP address for the dual steer PDU session for the second UE, UE2 or the second part of the UE as was used for the linked dual steer PDU session for the first UE, UE 1. The SMF uses the identity of the linked dual steer PDU session provided by the AMF to indicate which existing IP address is to be used for the dual steer PDU session for the second UE, UE2 or the second part of the UE.

[0261] The linked dual steer PDU Session ID is also mapped to the PDU Session ID of the dual steer PDU session for the second UE, UE2 or the second part of the UE. This mapping may be by the SMF. This mapping may be provided when the SMF initiates a request for PDU resource setup for the dual steer PDU session for the second UE, UE2 or the second part of the UE. This mapping may be used by a RAN node to select the same or a different gNB (e.g. master vs secondary gNB) for the two PDU sessions. This will help ensure different gNBs can be selected for the two PDU Sessions in order to enable redundancy and reliability. This mapping may be provided by the SMF in a N2 SM container over NGAP (next generation application protocol).

[0262] As referenced at 15, the SMF obtains the dual steer device related policies / rules from the PCF.

[0263] As referenced at 16, the SMF provides the dual steer device related policies / rules obtained from the PCF to the UPF serving the PDU sessions of both the first UE and the second UE, UE-1 and UE-2 or both parts of the UE.

[0264] As referenced at 17, the SMF provides the dual steer rules and the assigned IP address for the second UE, UE-2 to the AMF. This may in provided in PDU session establishment accept message. This may be a Common_NlN2MsgTransfer.

[0265] As referenced atl8, the AMF provides, to the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE, the dual steer rules and the assigned IP address for the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE.

[0266] As referenced at 19, the AMF establishes user-plane resources (e.g. access network resources) for the dual steer PDU session, PDU 3 for the second UE, UE2 or the second part of the UE. The user plane resources are established the dual steer PDU session, PDU 3 for the second UE, UE2 over the second access network, 3 GPP access 2.

[0267] As referenced at 20, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE considers establishment of the dual steer PDU session to be successful upon receiving the dual steer rules / policies. The pair of dual steer PDU sessions for the first and second UE, UE-1 and UE-2 or for the two parts of the UE is successfully established. The dual steer device is thus provided with dual steering.

[0268] Reference is made to Figs. 6a and b which shows a second example of a procedure of some example embodiments.

[0269] In this example procedure, the dual steer device is able to downgrade a dual steer PDU session to a single access PDU session.

[0270] In this example, there is a first access network, 3GGP access 1 and a second access network 3 GPP access 2.

[0271] As referenced at 0a, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE is registered to the network via the first access network, 3GPP access 1. The first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE has established a dual steer PDU session, PDU1 over the first access network, 3GGP access 1.

[0272] As referenced atOb, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE is registered to the network via the second access network, 3GPP access 2. The second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE has established a dual steer PDU session, PDU2 over the second access network, 3 GPP access 2.

[0273] As referenced at la, the dual steer device decides to exit the dual steer mode. In this example, the dual steer device decides that a single access PDU session is required and that only the PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE is to be kept. The decision to exit may be based on a trigger from the dual steer layer, a trigger from the network, and / or first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE as previously described. For example, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE or the second UE, UE- 2 or the second part of the UE may determine that dual steering is no longer required based on an evaluation of URSP rules / policies.

[0274] As referenced at lb, the dual steer device determines that PDU session, PDU1 associated with the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE is to be removed. For example, the dual steer layer may determine that the PDU session, PDU1 associated with the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE is to be removed.

[0275] As referenced at 2, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE triggers a PDU session release procedure for the PDU session, PDU1 associated with the first UE, UE-1 orthe first part of the UE. The PDU session, PDU1 associated with the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE is released.

[0276] The first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE may provide an indication as to the cause of the release of that PDU session. The indication may indicate that dual steering is no longer to be provided. For example, the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE may include in the PDU session release procedure an indication of the cause of the release. The cause of the release may be exi ting / ending the dual steer mode, and / or downgrading of the dual steer PDU session to be a single access PDU session.

[0277] As referenced at 3, the SMF determines that the PDU session, PDU1 associated with the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE is released and that there is a linkage between the PDU session, PDU1 associated with the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE and the PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE .

[0278] The cause of the release provided by the first UE, UE-1 or the first part of the UE may assist the SMF. The SMF knows the reason for the request of the release of the PDU Release and this can be used to trigger the changes in respect of the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE.

[0279] As referenced at 4, the SMF triggers a PDU session modification procedure for the dual steer PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE. This is to trigger an update or removal of the dual steer rules at the UPF and the UE- 2 or the second part of the UE. The dual steer PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE is to be modified to a single access PDU session.

[0280] As referenced at 5, the PCF updates or removes the dual steer rules. For example, the dual steering support may be removed from the rules. The SMF causes the dual steer rules to be updated or removed from the UPF.

[0281] As referenced at 6, the SMF provides a request or command to the AMF that the dual steer device related policies / rules are to be removed or updated. This may in provided in PDU session modification command. This may be a common_NlN2MsgTransfer.

[0282] As referenced at 7, the AMF provides a request or command to the second UE, UE- 2 or the second part of the UE that the dual steer device related policies / rules are to be removed or updated. This may be provided in PDU session modification command. This may be via DL NAS transport.

[0283] As referenced at 8, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE considers the migration from a dual steer PDU session to a single access PDU session to be successful. This may be based upon receiving the modified dual steer rules / policies or the removal of the dual steer rules / policies.

[0284] As referenced at 9, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE sends a message to the AMF indicating that the PDU session modification is completed. This may be via UL NAS transport.

[0285] The parts of the procedure referenced 3 to 8 describe one example of a network initiated PDU session modification procedure for the dual steer PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE or the second part of the UE,

[0286] In another example, the dual steer device may decide to release or modify the PDU session PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE to be a single access PDU session. In this example embodiment, the second UE, UE2 or the second part of the UE would not need to wait for a trigger from the network to modify the PDU session PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE. The parts of the procedure referenced 3 to 8 may be omitted. For example, in a similar manner to the part of the procedure lb, the dual steer device determines that PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE is to be updated to a single access PDU session. In a similar manner to the part of the procedure referenced 2, the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE triggers a PDU session modification procedure for the PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2. The PDU session modification procedure provides an indication that that PDU session, PDU2 associated with the second UE, UE-2 or the second part of the UE is to be updated to a single access PDU session.

[0287] In another example, the release of the first PDU session PDU1 and the modification of the second PDU session PDU2 may both be triggered from the network side. In this example the network may update or remove the dual steer rules / policy and update the dual steer device.

[0288] Some example embodiments may allow an existing single access PDU session to be upgraded to a dual steer PDU session. This may be more energy efficient for one or more of the dual steer devices, a UE or the UE of the dual steer device, and / or the network. This may provide for a better use of network resources.

[0289] Some example embodiments may allow an existing dual steer PDU session to be downgraded to a single access PDU session. This may be more energy efficient for one ormore of the dual steer devices, a or the UE of the dual steer device, and / or the network. This may provide for a better use of network resources.

[0290] Some example embodiments may ensure that a same IP address is used for both of the two dual steer PDU sessions.

[0291] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an apparatus 201.

[0292] The apparatus 201 may comprise or implement one or more of the network functions shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus 201 may have at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of one or more the network functions shown in FIG. 1 that, when executed by at least one of the at least one processor cause operations or actions of the one or more network functions to be performed.

[0293] Alternatively, the apparatus 201 may comprise or implement at least a part of the dual steer device of Fig. 2 or of Fig. 3. The apparatus 201 may have at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the at least one processor cause operations or actions of at least a part of the dual steer device to be performed.

[0294] In this example, the apparatus 201 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, and / or at least one read only memory (ROM) 211b. The apparatus 201 may comprise at least one processor 212, 213 and / or a network interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the at least one memory which in this example is the RAM 211a and the ROM 21 lb. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215.

[0295] The software code 215 may, for example, include software code of one or more of the network functions or at least a part of the dual steer device. The software code may include software code which allows the apparatus to perform one or more operations of one or more of the present aspects.

[0296] Reference is made to Fig. 7 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0297] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0298] The apparatus may be provided in a dual steer device.

[0299] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of a dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with first subscription.

[0300] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0301] The apparatus may comprise a dual steer device.

[0302] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, a first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0303] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0304] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0305] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4.

[0306] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0307] The method may comprise as referenced Al, sending a request to a network for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device.

[0308] The method may comprise as referenced A2, receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a session supporting dual steering

[0309] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 7 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0310] Reference is made to Fig. 8 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0311] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0312] The apparatus may be provided in a dual steer device.

[0313] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of a dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with first subscription.

[0314] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0315] The apparatus may comprise a dual steer device.

[0316] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, a first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0317] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0318] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processorcause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0319] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4.

[0320] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0321] The method may comprise as referenced Bl, determining that a first data session which supports dual steering is no longer required to support dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device.

[0322] The method may comprise as referenced B2, sending to a network a request for updating the network that the first data session is no longer required to support dual steering.

[0323] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 8 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0324] Reference is made to Fig. 9 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0325] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0326] The apparatus may be provided in a dual steer device.

[0327] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of a dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with first subscription.

[0328] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0329] The apparatus may comprise a dual steer device.

[0330] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, a first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0331] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0332] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0333] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4.

[0334] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0335] The method may comprise as referenced Cl receiving a session modification command from a network indicating that first data session which supports dual steering is to be modified to a session which supports single access.

[0336] The method may comprise as referenced C2 sending to the network a response to confirm the first data session is modified to support single access.

[0337] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 9 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0338] Reference is made to Fig. 10 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0339] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0340] The apparatus may be a dual steer device.

[0341] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with a first subscription.

[0342] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0343] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, a first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0344] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0345] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0346] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4.

[0347] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0348] The method may comprise as referenced DI, sending to a network a request for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device.

[0349] The method may comprise as referenced D2, receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a session supporting dual steering.

[0350] The method may comprise as referenced D3, sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering,

[0351] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 10 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0352] Reference is made to Fig. 11 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0353] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0354] The apparatus may be a dual steer device.

[0355] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with a first subscription.

[0356] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0357] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, a first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0358] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0359] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0360] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4.

[0361] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0362] The method may comprise as referenced El, removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device.

[0363] The method may comprise as referenced E2, sending to a network a modification request for modification of a second data session supporting dual steering to a session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0364] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 11 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0365] Reference is made to Fig. 12 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0366] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0367] The apparatus may be a dual steer device.

[0368] The dual steer device may comprise a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with a first subscription.

[0369] The dual steer device may comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0370] The dual steer device may comprise a user equipment, a first subscription and a second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0371] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0372] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0373] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4.

[0374] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0375] The method may comprise as referenced Fl, removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device.

[0376] The method may comprise as referenced F2, receiving from a network information indicating that a second data session supporting dual steering is modified to a session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

[0377] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 12 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0378] Reference is made to Fig. 13 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0379] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0380] The apparatus may be provided in a dual steer device.

[0381] The apparatus may comprise or be a first user equipment of a dual steer device, the first user equipment being associated with first subscription.

[0382] The apparatus may be the dual steer device and may further comprise a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with a second subscription.

[0383] The apparatus may comprise a dual steer device.

[0384] The apparatus may comprise or be a user equipment of the dual steer device, a first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

[0385] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0386] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0387] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 2, 3 or 4,

[0388] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0389] The method may comprise as referenced Gl, receiving information identifying an address of a first data session supporting dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription.

[0390] The method may comprise as referenced G2, sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering, said session establishment request comprising information identifying the address of the first data session supporting dual steering, wherein the first data session and the second data session have the same address.

[0391] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 13 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0392] Reference is made to Fig. 14 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0393] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0394] The apparatus may comprise or implement a session management function.

[0395] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0396] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0397] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 4.

[0398] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0399] The method may comprise as referenced Hl, receiving a request for modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device.

[0400] The method may comprise as referenced H2, providing one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering.to the dual steer device.

[0401] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 14 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0402] Reference is made to Fig. 15 which shows a method of some example embodiments.

[0403] This method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0404] The apparatus may comprise or implement a session management function.

[0405] The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method.

[0406] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below.

[0407] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Fig. 4.

[0408] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0409] The method may comprise as referenced JI, determining that a first data session supporting dual steering, is be modified to a single access session, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device.

[0410] The method may comprise as referenced J2, providing a request or command that one or more dual steer device related policies for the dual steer device are to be removed or updated.

[0411] It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Fig. 14 may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0412] Computer program code may be downloaded and stored in one or more memories of the apparatus described herein.

[0413] Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for communication systems operated bymobile network operators, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein. In this example, some embodiments have been described in relation to a 5G communication system (5GS). It should be appreciated that other embodiments may be provided in any other suitable communication system.

[0414] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0415] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0416] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor s) or a portion of a microprocessor s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0417] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application,including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, an integrated circuit such as a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0418] The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

[0419] Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non- transitory media.

[0420] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0421] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductorbased memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general- purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits andprocessors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0422] Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0423] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Indeed, there are further embodiments comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed. The scope of protection sought for some embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the disclosure. It should be noted that different claims with differing claim scope may be pursued in related applications such as divisional or continuation applications.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A dual steer device comprising: means for sending to a network a request for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; means for receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering; and means for sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering,2. The dual steer device of claim 1, wherein said session establishment request comprises information identifying the first data session supporting dual steering, said second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

3. The dual steer device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second data sessions comprise packet data unit sessions.

4. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein means for sending the request to the network for the modification of the first data session is for sending the request via a first access network and the means for sending the session establishment request is for sending the request via a second access network.

5. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for sending the request to the network is further for sending to the network, a request to establish the first data session supporting single access, said session establishment request comprising an indication that modifying the first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering is permitted.

6. The dual steer device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising means for determining that the first data session supporting single access is to be modified to a data session supporting dual steering in response to one or more of: information received from anetwork; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; and information relating to the dual steer device.

7. The dual steer device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

8. The dual steer device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the information relating to the dual steer device comprises one or more energy related conditions of the dual steer device.

9. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the response from the network indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering comprises one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

10. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, comprising means for receiving a response from the network indicating that the second data session supporting dual steering is established, the response comprising one or more rules and / or policies relating to dual steering.

11. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a first user equipment, the first user equipment being associated with the first subscription.

12. The dual steer device as claimed in claim 11, comprising a second user equipment, the second user equipment being associated with the second subscription.

13. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a user equipment, the first subscription and the second subscription being associated with the user equipment.

14. A dual steer device comprising: means for removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; andmeans for sending a modification request to a network for modification of a second data session supporting dual steering to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

15. The dual steer device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said session modification request comprises an indication of the cause of the modification.

16. A dual steer device comprising: means for removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; and means for receiving from a network information indicating that a second data session supporting dual steering is modified to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

17. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, comprising means for determining that dual steering is no longer required in response to one or more of: information received from a network; one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering; and information relating to the dual steer device.

18. The dual steer device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the one or more rules or policies relating to dual steering comprise one or more user equipment route selection policies.

19. The dual steer device as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the information relating to the dual steer device comprises one or more energy related conditions of the apparatus.

20. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the means for removing the first data session is for sending a session release request to the network for the release of the first data session, said session release request comprises an indication of the cause of the release of the first data session.

21. The dual steer device as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the means for removing the first data session is by receiving a session release request from the network for the release of the first data session, said session release request comprises an indication of the cause of the release of the first data session.

22. A method performed by a dual steer device, the method comprising: sending a request to a network for a modification of a first data session supporting single access to a data session which supports dual steering, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; receiving from the network a response indicating the first data session supporting single access is modified to a data session supporting dual steering; and sending to the network, a request to establish a second data session supporting dual steering.

23. A method performed by a dual steer device, the method comprising: removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of a dual steer device; and sending a modification request to a network for modification of a second data session supporting dual steering to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

24. A method performed by a dual steer device, the method comprising: removing a first dual steering session when dual steering is no longer required, the first data session being associated with a first subscription of the dual steer device; and receiving from a network information indicating that a second data session supporting dual steering is modified to a data session which supports single access, the second data session being associated with a second subscription of the dual steer device.

25. A computer program comprising instructions, wherein when the program is run on a dual steer device, the dual steer device is caused to perform the method of any of claims 22 to 24.

26. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a dual steer device, cause the dual steer device to perform the method of any of claims 22 to 24.

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