System and method for edge service access via UE handover

The system facilitates seamless UE handovers in 5G/6G networks by using UE-initiated trigger signals and RA-managed handovers with mobile edge computing, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in accessing specialized services.

WO2025254324A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-11SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2025/004545
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-04
Filing Date
2025-04-04
Publication Date
2025-12-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing solutions for seamless handover of user equipment (UE) connections in 5G/6G networks lack the ability to make handover decisions based on specialized edge computing services and often rely on UE-to-UE connections instead of UE-to-MEC server connections, leading to suboptimal service access and quality.

Method used

A system and method for UE handover that includes a UE, first and second radio access (RA), where the UE initiates a trigger signal for accessing specialized services, and the RAs manage handovers using mobile edge computing and network slicing to ensure seamless transitions and quality of service.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient handover to specialized services based on user intent, improving quality of service and accessibility by leveraging mobile edge computing and network slicing, reducing latency, and enhancing user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for handing over a connection of a user equipment to access specialized services via a radio access. The system comprises at least one user equipment, a first radio access, and at least one second radio access associated with at least one specialized service. The UE establishes its connection to RAs, transmits information, such as a trigger signal to request access to the specialized service, receives information from the RAs, and processes information from the RAs. The first RA establishes the connection to the UE, the other RA, and a data network.
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Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EDGE SERVICE ACCESS VIA UE HANDOVER

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for handing over a connection of an at least one user equipment (UE) from a first radio access (RA) to an at least one second radio access (RA) to access an at least one specialized service, using a system which can provide at least the functionality of the following modules including, but not limited to: user equipment (UE), first radio access (RA), and second radio access (RA).

[0002] In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, there's an increasing demand for providing extremely high data throughput, low latency, and high edge intelligence, just to maintain swift and seamless access to a specialized service. To meet these demands, 5G and 6G networks, new computational paradigms, and architectures are being explored. One promising solution revolves around facilitating smooth transitions for user equipment (UE) connections from one radio access network (RAN) to another, all while leveraging an optimization technology, such as mobile edge computing (MEC) or network slicing, enabling to access high-intelligence and high throughput service with usable latency. Moreover, the adoption of 5G / 6G systems provides the required bandwidth and network slicing capabilities to support a wide array of specialized services tailored to specific user needs. A solution that has these capabilities can significantly enhance the ease-of-use and quality of service (QoS) of the users' experience, which are key factors in the economic viability of deployed consumer-oriented services, such as, location specific services (e.g. Vehicle-to-everything, AR navigation), video streaming services, interaction with local IoT devices (e.g. multi-device experience, SmartThings), and many more.

[0003] US20230026671A1 (US' 671) presents a system called edge application handover client (EAHC), which is placed in a user equipment (UE) that uses application client (AC) information, such as type service, provider, location, context, and sendee requirements, to assist seamless edge application handovers of application clients between edge application servers (EAS). The system can only access the same service as the previous one, and the main purpose of the handover is just for continuity and seamless mobility transfer. In addition, it uses mainly edge application handover client (EAHC) instead of a radio access (RA).

[0004] US11190989B2 (US' 989) presents a system that provides a device having a processing circuit that is configured to transfer a handover request message to initiate the handover of a user equipment (UE) from a source Next Generation Node B (gNB) to a target gNB. This includes the reception of handover request acknowledgement, transfer of UE context modification request and response message, and the transfer of downlink data delivery status. The system only discusses the transmission of signals broadly defined as "data, control and / or other" and does not specifically disclose a trigger signal to request access to a specialized service.

[0005] US10390275B2 (US' 275) presents a handover method, an apparatus, and a system involving a mobile edge computing (MEC) entity. The handover method includes receiving, by a first base station, MEC information from a MEC entity, performing, by the first base station, a handover decision based on the MEC information, and transmitting, by the first base station, a handover request to a second base station in response to the handover decision. The system only discusses the handover method itself, which lacks the trigger aspect from the UE based on requested service.

[0006] The existing solutions in providing accessibility to these edge applications as well as suitable mobility have several limitations, such as handover decisions being primarily based on network KPI and mobility, service access handovers not covering handover decisions on the basis of specialized edge computing services, and accessed services usually using UE to UE connection via some radio device (e.g. P2P) instead of a connection of UE to an MEC server behind some radio device.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

[0008] The present invention relates to a system for handing over a connection of an at least one UE from a first RA to an at least one second RA to access an at least one specialized service. The system comprises the at least one UE, the first RA, and the at least one second RA.

[0009] The at least one UE serves as the endpoint device that connects to the data network, facilitates communication, and accesses services and applications. The functions of the at least one UE include, but are not limited to, establishing the connection to the first RA or the at least one second RA, transmitting an at least one information (e.g., first information) to the first RA or the at least one second RA, wherein the at least one information comprises an at least one trigger signal to request access to the at least one specialized service of the at least one second RA, receiving at least one information (e.g., second information) from the first RA or the at least one second RA, and processing the at least one information from the first RA or the at least one second RA.

[0010] The first RA is capable of establishing connections with UE, communicating between different RAs and the Core Network, and managing the UE handover process for seamless transition of connection between RAs. The functions of the first RA include, but are not limited to, establishing connection to one of the at least one UE the at least one second RA, and the at least one data network, managing the connection of the at least one UE to an at least one data network, transmitting the at least one information to one of the at least one UE, the at least one second RA, and the at least one data network, wherein the at least one information comprises control information necessary for the handover procedure and information on the presence of the at least one specialized service of the at least one discoverable second RA, receiving the at least one information, such as the at least one trigger signal from the at least one UE, the information on the presence of the at least one specialized service in the at least one discoverable second RA, and the information from the data network, processing the at least one information, such as the at least one trigger signal from the at least one UE, the information on the presence of the at least one specialized service in the at least one discoverable second RA, and the information from the data network, and facilitating the handover of the connection of the at least one UE from the first RA where the at least one UE is initially connected to, to the at least one second RA requested.

[0011] The at least one second RA is utilized to deliver and administer the at least one specialized service requested by the at least one UE, ensuring quality of service (QoS) and accessibility for optimal user experience. The functions of the at least one second RA include, but are not limited to, establishing connection to one of the at least one UE, the first RA, and the at least one data network, receiving the at least one information from one of the at least one UE, the first RA, and the at least one data network, wherein the at least one information comprises the control information necessary for the handover procedure and the at least one trigger signal to request access to the at least one specialized service, transmitting the at least one information to one of the first RA, the at least one UE, and the at least one data network, wherein the at least one information comprises the at least one specialized service provided by the at least one second RA, managing the connection of the at least one UE to the at least one data network, and providing access to the at least one specialized service requested by the at least one UE.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for handing over a connection of an at least one user equipment (UE) from a first radio access (RA) to an at least one second radio access (RA) to access an at least one specialized service. The method comprises the steps of:

[0013] a. establishing the connection between the first RA and the at least one second RA;

[0014] b. establishing the connection between the first RA and the at least one UE;

[0015] c. establishing the connection of the at least one UE to an at least one data network via the first RA;

[0016] d. transmitting an at least one information, such as an at least one trigger signal to request access to the at least one specialized service, to the first RA via the at least one UE;

[0017] e. receiving the at least one information, such as the at least one trigger signal from the at least one UE or the at least one specialized service provided by the at least one second RA, via the first RA;

[0018] f. transmitting the at least one information to the at least one UE, wherein the at least one information comprises the information on the presence of the at least one requested specialized service of the at least one discoverable second RA, via the first RA;

[0019] g. selecting the at least one second RA based on the at least one trigger signal from the at least one UE and the at least one specialized service that the at least one second RA provides;

[0020] h. processing the at least one information from the first RA via the at least one UE;

[0021] i. transmitting control information necessary for the handover procedure to the at least one second RA via the first RA;

[0022] j. executing the handover of the connection of the at least one UE to the at least one second RA via the first RA;

[0023] k. establishing the connection between the at least one UE and the at least one second RA;

[0024] l. establishing the connection of the at least one UE to the at least one data network via the at least one second RA; and

[0025] m. providing access to the at least one requested specialized service for the at least one UE via the at least one second RA.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are included to understand the present invention further, are incorporated herein to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. Along with the description, they also explain the principle of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. In the drawings:

[0028] FIG.1aand1bpresent the diagram of the system for handing over a connection of an at least one user equipment (UE) from a first radio access (RA) to an at least one second radio access (RA) to access an at least one specialized service;

[0029] FIG.2presents a flow chart for the method of handing over a connection of an at least one user equipment (UE) from a first radio access (RA) to an at least one second radio access (RA) to access an at least one specialized service;

[0030] FIG.3exhibits the paths of an XN and an N2 interfaces used by an XN handover procedure and an N2 handover procedure, respectively;

[0031] FIG.4exhibits a possible sequence to handover a connection of an at least one UE from a source gNB to a target gNB using an XN handover procedure or an N2 handover procedure;

[0032] FIG.5exhibits a possible sequence to handover a connection of an at least one UE from a source gNB to a target gNB using an N2 handover procedure;

[0033] FIG.6 exhibits a more expanded and verbose explanation of the possible sequence to handover a connection of an at least one UE from a source gNB to a target gNB using an N2 handover procedure.

[0034] FIG.7a,7b, and7cpresent the use cases for an embodiment according to the invention wherein the invention is utilized to handover a UE connection to smaller radio devices on a basis of intent to localized services available in their respective edge servers or localized RA capabilities like an increased bandwidth or a capacity to handle massive / critical lot use cases.

[0035] FIG.8shows an embodiment according to the invention wherein the RAs utilize content delivery nodes (CDN) for handing over a UE's connection to access contents such as, but not limited to, visual media, information from other RAs, or combinations thereof.

[0036] FIG.9shows an embodiment according to the invention wherein the invention is used to trigger via a UE, a handover of its connection from an unauthorized RA to an authorized RA to access a private access networks (AN).

[0037] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment

[0038] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0039] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0040] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0041] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0042] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth®chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0043] The present invention relates a system for handing over a connection of an at least one UE from a first RA to an at least one second RA to access an at least one specialized service.

[0044] FIG.1aand FIG.1bpresents the diagram of the system for handing over a connection of an at least one UE from a first RA to an at least one second RA to access an at least one specialized service. The system100comprises an at least one UE102, a first RA104, and an at least one second RA106.

[0045] In an embodiment, the at least one UE102comes in the form of, but not limited to, mobile devices, controllers, and / or equipment. The at least one UE102is a device that can interface and generate traffic between itself and a data network110. The at least one UE102represents a device equipped with the necessary hardware and / or software capabilities to establish and maintain connections to data network110. It is conceivable that the at least one UE102refers to any device which can communicate to a data network110via wireless means to access services. The service includes, but is not limited to, communicating with another device within the same data network110. The at least one UE102communicates with the network infrastructure using a PDU session, enabling the exchange of data packets with the network. This connection is crucial for the seamless transmission of information, allowing users to stay connected, access online content, and engage in digital activities on the go. The at least one UE's102ability to initiate and manage PDU sessions ensures efficient data transfer, making it an indispensable tool for modern communication and connectivity.

[0046] The trigger that initiates the handover process comes in the form of, but not limited to, broadcasted token, manual input, or user prompts. The trigger from a user or UE-initiated input includes, but is not limited to, user input in the form of data comprising audio, text, sensor sources, UE-determined quantifiers, such as application-specific services and KPI exceptions to policy, and UE-determined indicators derived from user-input, such as app suggestions and user-specified preferences. Furthermore, the handover procedure can be initialized through the following processes, including but not limited to, from trigger via broadcast discovery query or forwarding of trigger query from current RA104to other prospective target RA106.

[0047] The first RA104and the at least one second RA106come in the form of any device that serves as an access point to a data network110. The RA104,106facilitates the connection between the at least one UE102and data networks110. The RA104,106is a network element equipped with hardware and software capabilities such as, but not limited to, establish, manage, and maintain wireless or wired connections with UEs102. Managing includes, but is not limited to, establishing connection, discarding connection, and handing over connection. These connections enable UEs102to access services and resources available within the data network110environment, and communicate with other devices, both locally and remotely. The RA104,106supports various wireless communication protocols and technologies, allowing UEs102to transmit and receive data packets seamlessly. The RA's104,106functionality includes the establishment and management of packet data unit (PDU) sessions with UEs102. These sessions facilitate the exchange of data packets between UEs102and the network infrastructure, enabling efficient data transfer and communication. The RA104,106ensures the reliability, security, and quality of service for these data transmissions, enhancing the overall user experience.  The RA104,106may be part of a larger network topology that includes wired and / or wireless networks, such as, but not limited to, packet-switched networks, cellular networks (e.g., 6G, 5G), local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud computing networks.

[0048] The RA104,106is configured to hand over the UE 102 to one or more specialized services, rather than just the same service.

[0049] The RAs104,106are integrated with an optimization technology, such as, but not limited to, a mobile edge computing (MEC) or a network slicing, to reduce latency, improving performance, and enhancing the overall user experience.

[0050] The at least one specialized service that the at least one second RA offers is any consumer-oriented service, such as, but not limited to, location-specific services (e.g. Vehicle-to-everything, augmented reality navigation), video streaming services, interaction with local IoT devices (e.g. multi-device experience, SmartThings), and many more. The way to access the at least one specialized service includes, but is not limited to, using a single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). A Network Slice includes, but is not limited to, type of use case service, network characteristics, and / or resources needed such as radio access network resources required by slice.

[0051] The at least one data network110includes one or more wired and / or wireless networks. For example, the network may include a packet switched network, a cellular network (e.g., a sixth generation (6G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, such as a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, a cloud computing network, or the like, and / or a combination of these or other types of networks. In an embodiment, the at least one data network110is a system wherein several devices communicate with each other, such as, but is not limited to, the general internet, a private network, and a public cloud service.

[0052] In an embodiment, the handover procedure comes in the form of, but not limited to, XN handover or N2 handover. XN handover uses the XN interface to facilitate handover by direct communication between source and target gNB. The gNB is a specific type of RA104,106that uses 5G wireless networks. The gNB is responsible for providing wireless access to 5G-enabled devices and facilitating communication between these devices and the core network. The gNB implements the RA104,106functionality for 5G networks, supporting features such as beamforming, massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), and higher data rates compared to previous generations of wireless technology. The XN interface is the interface between two gNBs. The N2 handover uses N2 interface to execute handover using AMF as facilitator between source and target gNB. N2 interface is the interface between the gNBs and the AMF / Core Network. The N2 handover can be done if XN handover is not possible (no direct communication between source and target gNB).

[0053] According to an embodiment, a system for handing over a user connection to another radio access (RA) which can provide access to one or more of these specialized services after a certain trigger may be provided. The trigger can be defined in such a way that approximates plausible services a user may want to access. By providing a seamless and frictionless mechanism for users to connect to locale-specific or specialized services / computing at the edge, the present invention improves quality of service (QoS) and accessibility to such applications.

[0054] According to an embodiment, to minimize user experience disruption, the UE connection can be transferred from one radio access (RA) to another radio access (RA) in response to a trigger.

[0055] FIG.2presents a flow chart for the method of handing over a connection of an at least one user equipment (UE) from a first radio access (RA) to an at least one second radio access (RA) to access an at least one specialized service. The method comprises the steps of:

[0056] Step200: establishing the connection between the first RA and the at least one second RA;

[0057] Step201: establishing the connection between the first RA and the at least one UE;

[0058] Step202: establishing the connection of the at least one UE to an at least one data network via the first RA;

[0059] Step203: transmitting an at least one information (e.g., first information), such as an at least one trigger signal to request access to the at least one specialized service, to the first RA via the at least one UE;

[0060] Step204: receiving the at least one information, such as the at least one trigger signal from the at least one UE, or the at least one specialized service provided by the at least one second RA, via the first RA;

[0061] Step205: transmitting the at least one information (e.g., second information) to the at least one UE, wherein the at least one information comprises the information on the presence of the at least one requested specialized service of the at least one discoverable second RA, via the first RA;

[0062] Step206: selecting the at least one second RA based on the at least one trigger signal from the at least one UE and the at least one specialized service that the at least one second RA provides;

[0063] Step207: processing the at least one information from the first RA via the at least one UE;

[0064] Step208: transmitting control information necessary for the handover procedure to the at least one second RA via the first RA;

[0065] Step209: executing the handover of the connection of the at least one UE to the at least one second RA via the first RA;

[0066] Step210: establishing the connection between the at least one UE and the at least one second RA;

[0067] Step211: establishing the connection of the at least one UE to the at least one data network via the at least one second RA; and

[0068] Step212: providing access to the at least one requested specialized service for the at least one UE via the at least one second RA.

[0069] FIG.3exhibits the paths of an XN and an N2 interfaces used by an XN handover procedure and an N2 handover procedure, respectively.

[0070] The handover procedure comes in the form of, but not limited to, XN handover or N2 handover. XNhandover procedure uses the XNinterface308to facilitate handover by direct communication between a source gNB300and a target gNB302. The gNB300,302is a specific type of RA that uses 5G wireless networks. The gNB300,302is responsible for providing wireless access to 5G-enabled devices and facilitating communication between these devices and the core network. The gNB300,302implements the RA functionality for 5G networks, supporting features such as beamforming, massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), and higher data rates compared to previous generations of wireless technology. The XN interface308is the interface between two gNBs300,302. The N2 handover procedure uses the N2 interface310to execute handover using access and mobility management function (AMF)306as facilitator between the source300and the target gNB302. The N2 interface310is the interface between the gNBs300,302and the AMF / Core Network306. The N2 handover can be done if XN handover is not possible (no direct communication between the source gNB300and the target gNB302).

[0071] The AMF306is one of the control plane network functions (NF). The AMF306is located at the 5G Core Network (CN). The AMF306can be deployed as its own software module in the 5G CN. The AMF306manages the UE's102mobility, access, and connection to the core network. The UEs102and RAN communicate with AMF306to coordinate handover.

[0072] The Core Network is the network that can be interfaced to manage PDU sessions. The operations that govern PDU sessions include, but are not limited to, PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and PDU session release.

[0073] The Service X304that the target gNB302offers may be any consumer-oriented service, such as, but not limited to, location-specific services (e.g. Vehicle-to-everything, augmented reality navigation), video streaming services, interaction with local IoT devices (e.g. multi-device experience, SmartThings). The way to access the at least one specialized service includes, but is not limited to, using a single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). A Network Slice includes, but is not limited to, type of use case service, network characteristics, and / or resources needed such as radio access network resources required by slice.

[0074] FIG.4exhibits a possible sequence to handover a connection of an at least one UE from a source gNB to a target gNB using an XN handover procedure or an N2 handover procedure.

[0075] In step401, the data connection of the UE102is established to a user plane function (UPF)400via the source gNB300.

[0076] In step402, the handover is triggered by a user's attempt to access an Edge Service X304via the UE102.

[0077] In step403, a Service X request is sent from the UE102to the access and mobility management function (AMF)306in a form of a non-access stratum (NAS) message, for an allocated slice for the Service X304. The NAS message is the communication protocol between the UE102and the AMF306. The NAS is done through the connected gNB300as a forwarder.

[0078] In step404, the AMF306responds with a target S-NSSAI with its associated Service X304.

[0079] In step405, the UE's102response is used to modify the UE context via the UE Service Request to include a slice information.

[0080] In step406, the AMF306sends PDU session modification requests to the source gNB300, indicating the change in the NSSAI. If the source gNB300sees this change, it triggers a handover to the target gNB302that supports the service304corresponding to the allocated slice.

[0081] In step407, the handover of the connection of the UE102from the source gNB300to the target gNB302is executed using either the XN handover procedure or the N2 handover procedure.

[0082] In step408, the UE's102data connection is established to the UPF400via the target gNB302with the Service X304requested by the UE102.

[0083] In step409, the UE102accesses the Service X304at the edge via the target gNB302.

[0084] The UPF400is a 5G Core Network Function that facilitates the transfer of network traffic between the UE102and the Data Network (e.g. internet)110. The UPF400can be located at the Core Network or closer to the edge in an access network near the UE102. The UPF400can be deployed as a software module.

[0085] FIG.5exhibits a possible sequence to handover a connection of an at least one UE from a source gNB to a target gNB using an N2 handover procedure.

[0086] In step500, the source gNB300and the target gNB302send an NG setup request each to an AMF306to initiate setup for interaction with the AMF306. The gNBs300,302that support services are included in a custom S-NSSAI in their setup request. The AMF306, upon receiving this, notes discovery of a Service X304and the gNB that supports it, in this case, the target gNB302.

[0087] In step501, the data connection between the UE102and a UPF400is established via the source gNB300. The UE102accesses a data network110via the UPF400.

[0088] In step502, the handover is triggered by a user's attempt to access an Edge Service X304via the UE102. The UE102sends a NAS message to the AMF306via the source gNB300, requesting the details of the Service X304. The AMF306responds in a form of the NAS message with a custom S-NSSAI associated with the Service X304.

[0089] In step503, the UE102keeps a copy of the NSSAI from the source gNB300. If the custom S-NSSAI is not included, then the UE102sends a Service Request message requiring a specific NSSAI including the custom S-NSSAI for the Service X304.

[0090] In step504, once the Service Request is complete, the source gNB300detects unsupported custom S-NSSAI in a UE session. The UE102triggers the handover to the target gNB302. Any handover can be supported, but in this sequence, the N2 handover procedure is used.

[0091] In step505, after the handover is complete, the data connection is still connected to the same UPF400, but the Service X304is now available at the edge.

[0092] FIG.6exhibits a more expanded explanation of the possible sequence to handover a connection of an at least one UE from a source gNB to a target gNB using an N2 handover procedure.

[0093] In step600, the source gNB300and the target gNB302send an NG setup request each to an AMF306to initiate setup for interaction with the AMF306. The gNBs302that support services are also included in a custom S-NSSAI in their setup request. The AMF306, upon receiving this, will note discovery of a Service X304and the gNB that supports it, in this case, the target gNB302. The AMF306notes the Service capabilities of the connected gNBs300,302beforehand, through starting configuration of a non-3GPP-compliant communication.

[0094] In step601, a data connection between the UE102and a UPF400is established via the source gNB300. The UE102accesses a data network110via the UPF400.

[0095] In step602, the handover is triggered by a user's attempt to access an Edge Service X304via the UE102. The UE102sends a NAS message to the AMF400via the source gNB300, requesting the details of the Service X304. The AMF400responds in a form of the NAS message with the global IDs of the connected gNBs302that support the Service X304.

[0096] In step603, the UE102determines if the connected gNB, which is the source gNB300, supports the Service X304. If not, the UE102sends a MeasurementReport message to the connected gNB300, with a custom message attached that requests for the handover which includes the list of candidate gNB global IDs. The custom message can be inserted in a non-critical extension of the message or other parameters that are not used by the source gNB300.

[0097] In step604, if a custom handover request is detected from the MeasurementReport, the source gNB300selects the target gNB302from the included candidate gNB list. The source gNB300triggers the handover to the target gNB302. Any handover is supported, but in this sequence, the N2 handover procedure is used.

[0098] In step605, after the handover is complete, the data connection is still connected to the same UPF400, but the Service X304is now available at the edge and is accessible to the UE102.

[0099] FIG.7a,7b, and7cpresent the use cases for an embodiment according to the invention wherein the invention is utilized to handover a UE connection to smaller radio devices on a basis of intent to localized services available in their respective edge servers or localized RA capabilities like an increased bandwidth or a capacity to handle massive / critical lot use cases.

[0100] FIG.7apresents the UE102which transmits a service-based trigger to initiate a handover of the connection of the UE102from an RA 1104to an RA 2106to access an immersive navigation service, which is a specialized service area 2700provided by the RA 2106.

[0101] The specialized service area700refers to a specific region within a network that is configured to provide tailored services or optimized performance for particular applications or user groups, such as the UE102.

[0102] The immersive server702is a specialized server or a network infrastructure optimized to deliver content, data, or services for immersive experiences, such as, but not limited to, augmented reality (AR) technology, extended reality (XR) technology, streaming immersive media content, or supporting real-time interactions within virtual environments.

[0103] FIG.7band7cpresent the handover of the connection of the UE102, which now starts from the RA 2106, to an RA 3706, which is also connected to an immersive server 3710, that enables the RA 3706to provide the immersive navigation service, which is a specialized service area 3708. Accessing the immersive navigation service must be connected to the RA that provides the same immersive service as in the immersive server 2702. Instead of being handed over to an RA 4712, the handover goes to the RA 3706, since it can provide the same immersive service for an augmented reality (AR) navigation.

[0104] In thisembodiment, it has advantages of providing different services based on localized service, or specialized service area700,708, providing different services based on fidelity, or preferences, and being able to have localized analytics based on service usage, engagement, and interest.

[0105] According to an embodiment, a seamless and frictionless mechanism for users to connect to locale-specific or specialized services / computing at the edge and increase in quality of experience (e.g. lower latency) for access to specific services and content may be provided. Moreover, with the use of radio access (RA), the present invention also provides significant advantages such as broader coverage, efficient resource allocation, seamless handover capabilities, scalability, and adherence to standardized protocols. These advantages contribute to the robustness and effectiveness of RANs in delivering high-quality mobile services and applications.

[0106] FIG.8shows an embodiment according to the invention wherein the RAs utilize content delivery nodes (CDN) for handing over a UE's connection to access contents such as, but not limited to, visual media, information from other RAs, or combinations thereof.

[0107] When storing a content806,808,810in various RAs104,106,706through their CDNs800,802,804, this allows for content management and more secure data. The content806,808,810is cached for various RAs104,106,706based on location, preferences, and priority. Caching the content806,808,810stored in CDNs800,802,804allows for faster load times, reduced bandwidth costs, and improved availability and redundancy. The UE102may request the content806,808,810across the CDNs800,802,804, such as, but not limited to, localized visual media, audio streams from radio / podcasts, news alerts based on the local area, or combinations thereof. In addition, the embodiment also allows for the allocation of various settings and preferences for the content806,808,810, such as type of content, media quality, and / or media availability. Utilizing CDNs800,802,804enables the distribution of content volume, localized analytics based on content views, engagement, and interest, and the censoring and limiting of content to only authorized users.

[0108] The CDN's800,802,804functions encompass the storage, distribution, and optimization of web content. This involves caching frequently accessed content like web pages, images, and videos. The CDN800,802,804employs load balancing mechanisms across multiple servers to ensure optimal resource utilization and uphold high availability standards. Additionally, it integrates content optimization features such as image compression and file minification to improve delivery efficiency and decrease page load times. Furthermore, CDNs800,802,804prioritize security measures such as DDoS protection, SSL / TLS encryption, and web application firewalls to mitigate cyber threats effectively.

[0109] In this embodiment, it has advantages of distributing content volume, being able to have localized analytics based on content views, engagement, and interest, and being able to censor and limit content to only authorized users.

[0110] FIG.9shows an embodiment according to the invention wherein the invention is used to trigger via a UE, a handover of its connection from an unauthorized RA to an authorized RA to access a private access network (AN).

[0111] The third embodiment can be used as an additional procedure that operates by rerouting the connection of the UE900to the another radio access (RA)904which is connected to the private access network (AN)906. Utilizing the invention in this way allows the invention to provide a secure API to which wireless devices can connect to, enable devices to switch connection types from "personal mode" to "work mode" that can open up new resources or authorization to access certain services or connections that are only available on the private AN906, be an alternative to virtual private networks (VPN) for small containerized services that can operate on lower layers for less overhead. The authorized RA904provides the UE900with authorized connection to the private AN906. The private AN906provides the UE900access to restricted resources only available on that network.

[0112] In similarity with the first two embodiments as described in FIG.7a,7b,7c, and8, the UE900initiates the handover of the connection of the UE900from one RA902to another RA904by transmitting a request to access a specialized service, which includes, but not limited to, specialized service area700,708, content806,808,810, a private AN906, or combinations thereof. The trigger that initiates the handover process comes in the form of, but not limited to, broadcasted token, manual input, or user prompts. The trigger from a user or UE-initiated input, which includes, but is not limited to, user input in the form of data, which can be, but not limited to, audio, text, sensor sources, UE-determined quantifiers, including, but not limited to, application-specific services, and / or KPI exceptions to policy, UE-determined indicators derived from user-input, including, but not limited to, app suggestions, and user-specified preferences. Furthermore, the handover procedure can be initialized through the following processes, including but not limited to, from trigger via broadcast discovery query or forwarding of trigger query from current RA to other prospective target RA. In this embodiment, instead of requesting access to the specialized service area700,708or the content806,808,810, the UE900requests access to the private AN906via transferring its connection from the unauthorized RA902to the authorized RA904. After handing over the UE's900connection to the authorized RA904, the UE900connection to the internet remains established, but now with an additional access to the private AN906. To put it briefly, this embodiment's advantages are having a more secure access point, enhanced security, and privacy, and being capable of operating on lower layers for less overhead.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 1001 (e.g., user equipment 102) in the network environment 1000 may communicate with an electronic device 1002 via a first network 1098 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of an electronic device 1004 and a server 1008 via a second network 1099 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1001 may communicate with the electronic device 1004 via the server 1008. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1001 may include a processor 1020, a memory 1030, an input module 1050, a sound output module 1055, a display module 1060, an audio module 1070, and a sensor module 1076, an interface 1077, a connecting terminal 1078, a haptic module 1079, a camera module 1080, a power management module 1088, a battery 1089, a communication module 1090, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 1096, or an antenna module 1097. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal 1078) may be omitted from the electronic device 1001, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 1001. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module 1076, the camera module 1080, or the antenna module 1097) may be integrated as a single component (e.g., the display module 1060).

[0115] The processor 1020 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 1040) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 1001 connected to the processor 1020 and may perform various data processing or computations. According to an embodiment, as at least a part of data processing or computations, the processor 1020 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 1076 or the communication module 1090) in a volatile memory 1032, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 1032, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory 1034. According to an embodiment, the processor 1020 may include a main processor 1021 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 1023 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from or in conjunction with the main processor 1021. For example, when the electronic device 1001 includes the main processor 1021 and the auxiliary processor 1023, the auxiliary processor 1023 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 1021 or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 1023 may be implemented separately from the main processor 1021 or as a part of the main processor 1021.

[0116] The auxiliary processor 1023 may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display module 1060, the sensor module 1076, or the communication module 1090) of the components of the electronic device 1001, instead of the main processor 1021 while the main processor 1021 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or along with the main processor 1021 while the main processor 1021 is an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1023 (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as a portion of another component (e.g., the camera module 1080 or the communication module 1090) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 1023. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1023 (e.g., an NPU) may include a hardware structure specifically for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. The machine learning may be performed by, for example, the electronic device 1001, in which artificial intelligence is performed, or performed via a separate server (e.g., the server 1008). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence (AI) model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. An artificial neural network may include, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), and a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. The AI model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

[0117] The memory 1030 may store various pieces of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 1020 or the sensor module 1076) of the electronic device 1001. The various pieces of data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 1040) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory 1030 may include the volatile memory 1032 or the non-volatile memory 1034.

[0118] The program 1040 may be stored as software in the memory 1030 and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 1042, middleware 1044, or an application 1046.

[0119] The input module 1050 may receive, from outside (e.g., a user) the electronic device 1001, a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor 1020) of the electronic device 1001. The input module 1050 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0120] The sound output module 1055 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 1001. The sound output module 1055 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing a recording. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part of the speaker.

[0121] The display module 1060 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 1001. The display module 1060 may include, for example, a control circuit for controlling a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control its corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 1060 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force of the touch.

[0122] The audio module 1070 may convert sound into an electric signal or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 1070 may obtain the sound via the input module 1050 or output the sound via the sound output module 1055 or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1002, such as a speaker or headphones) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 1001.

[0123] The sensor module 1076 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 1001 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 1001 and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 1076 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0124] The interface 1077 may support one or more specified protocols to be used by the electronic device 1001 to couple with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1002) directly (e.g., by wire) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 1077 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0125] The connecting terminal 1078 may include a connector via which the electronic device 1001 may physically connect to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1002). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal 1078 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphones connector).

[0126] The haptic module 1079 may convert an electric signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or an electrical stimulus, which may be recognized by a user via their tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 1079 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0127] The camera module 1080 may capture a still image and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 1080 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, and flashes.

[0128] The power management module 1088 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 1001. According to an embodiment, the power management module 1088 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0129] The battery 1089 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 1001. According to an embodiment, the battery 1089 may include, for example, a primary cell, which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell, which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[0130] The communication module 1090 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 1001 and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1002, the electronic device 1004, or the server 1008) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 1090 may include one or more CPs that are operable independently from the processor 1020 (e.g., an AP) and that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 1090 may include a wireless communication module 1092 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 1094 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device, for example, the electronic device 1004, via the first network 1098 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth쪠, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network 1099 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 1092 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 1001 in a communication network, such as the first network 1098 or the second network 1099, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM 1096.

[0131] The wireless communication module 1092 may support a 5G network after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 1092 may support a high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module 1092 may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), an array antenna, analog beam-forming, or a large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 1092 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 1001, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1004), or a network system (e.g., the second network 1099). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 1092 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

[0132] The antenna module 1097 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device 1001. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 1097 may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 1097 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 1098 or the second network 1099, may be selected by, for example, the communication module 1090 from the plurality of antennas. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 1090 and the external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 1097.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 1097 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a PCB, an RFIC on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the PCB, or adjacent to the first surface of the PCB and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the PCB, or adjacent to the second surface of the PCB and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

[0134] At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0135] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 1001 and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1004) via the server 1008 coupled with the second network 1099. Each of the external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device 1002 or 1004) may be a device of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device 1001. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed by the electronic device 1001 may be executed by one or more external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices 1002 and 1004 and the server 1008). For example, if the electronic device 1001 needs to perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 1001, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or service, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request and may transfer a result of the performance to the electronic device 1001. The electronic device 1001 may provide the result, with or without further processing the result, as at least part of a response to the request. To that end, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device 1001 may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or MEC. In an embodiment, the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1004) may include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server 1008 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1004) or the server 1008 may be included in the second network 1099. The electronic device 1001 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., a smart home, a smart city, a smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

[0136] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0137] It should be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A, B, or C," each of which may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0138] As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry". A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0139] Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program 1040) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., the internal memory 1036 or the external memory 1038) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 1001). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 1020) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device 1001) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0140] According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore쪠), or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[0141] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0142] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0143] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0144] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0145] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1.A user equipment (UE) (102) comprising:at least one processor; anda memory configured to store instructions,wherein the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to:- establish the connection to the first radio access (RA) (104),- transmit a first information to the first RA (104), wherein the first information comprises an at least one trigger signal to request access to the at least one specialized service (108),- receive a second information from the first RA (104), wherein the second information comprises information on the presence of the at least one specialized service (108) of the at least one discoverable second RA (106),and- process the second informationwherein the connection of the UE (102) is handed over from the first RA (104) to the second RA (106).2.The UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one trigger signal is based on an input from the UE (102) that is in a form selected from the group comprising of a broadcasted token, a manual input, user prompts, an audio, a text, sensor sources, UE-determined quantifiers, UE-determined indicators, and combinations thereof.3.The UE according to claim 2, wherein the UE-determined quantifiers comprise application-specific services, key performance indicator (KPI) exceptions to policy, and combinations thereof.4.The UE according to claim 2, wherein the UE-determined indicators comprise application suggestions, user-specified preferences, and combinations thereof.5.The UE according to claim 1, wherein the handover can be initialized via one of trigger via broadcast discovery query, forwarding of trigger query from the first RA (104) to the second RA (106) selected, and combinations thereof.6.The UE according to claim 1, wherein a data network (110) that the UE (102) connects to via the first RA (104) or the second RA (106), comprises 5G system, 6G system, and combinations thereof.7.The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first RA (104) and the one second RA (106) uses an optimization technology, such as mobile edge computing (MEC) or network slicing.8.The UE according to claim 1, wherein the UE (102) is capable to revoke its access to the at least one specialized service (108) or request another at least one specialized service.9.The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first RA (104) communicates with other discoverable RAs, in this case, the second RA (106), via a data network (110) using N2 interface (310) or directly to the second RA using Xn interface (308).10.The UE according to claim 1, wherein the second information comprises control information necessary for the handover procedure.11.A method for accessing an at least one specialized service by handing over a connection of an at least one user equipment (UE) from a first radio access (RA) to an second RA, the method comprising :establishing the connection between the first RA and the UE;establishing the connection of the at least one UE to an at least one data network via the first RA;transmitting a first information to the first RA, wherein the first information comprises an at least one trigger signal to request access to the at least one specialized service (108);receiving a second information from the first RA (104), wherein the second information comprises information on the presence of the at least one requested specialized service of the at least one discoverable second RA (106); andprocessing the second information,wherein the connection of the UE (102) is handed over from the first RA (104) to the second RA (106).12.The method of claim 11, further comprising one of revoking access of the at least one UE to the at least one specialized service and requesting another at least one specialized service to access the at second RA.13.The method of claim 11, wherein the handover procedure is achieved through a valid series of steps such as but not limited to XN handover procedure and N2 handover procedure.14.The method of claim 11, wherein the processing comprises selection of a target RA based on the discoverable RAs received from the first RA.15.The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one trigger signal is based on an input from the UE (102) that is in a form selected from the group comprising of a broadcasted token, a manual input, user prompts, an audio, a text, sensor sources, UE-determined quantifiers, UE-determined indicators, and combinations thereof.

Citation Information

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