Method, apparatus and computer program for PDU session establishment of dualsteer devices

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; means for receiving, from a network entity and by the first device: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; means for establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device; means for sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: one or more parameters of the data session, the first application traffic filtering information or the second application traffic filtering information.

Description

[0001] METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates to methods, an apparatus and computer programs, and in particular - but not exclusively - to methods, apparatus and computer programs relating to handling rules for DualSteer devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0006] Such communication networks operate in according with standards such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 4G (4thGeneration), 5G (5th Generation) standards provided by 3GPP.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] 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 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.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a performed by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; the method comprising: receiving, from a network entity, at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions established using the first subscriber identity and application traffic filtering information to identify application traffic sent using the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity; establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device; sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data session or the application traffic filtering information.

[0010] According to some examples, the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

[0011] According to some examples, the application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic; at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic; Connection Capability for the application traffic.

[0012] According to some examples, the method comprises: registering the second device with a network using the second subscriber identity and the second access network.

[0013] According to some examples, the method comprises: storing the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and the application traffic filtering information, wherein the at least one rule and the application traffic filtering information is sent from the means for storing to the second device after the second device registers with the network.

[0014] According to some examples, the method comprises: establishing a second data session for the second device based on the at least one rule for the at least one parameter for the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and the application traffic filtering information.

[0015] According to some examples, the second data session is established only when the second device can access the network without disturbing traffic of the first device.

[0016] According to some examples, the notification is sent either directly from the first device to the second device or is sent via a DualSteer layer in the apparatus. According to some examples, the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and the application traffic filtering information is received from the network entity with an indication that the at least one rule is for a dual steer apparatus.

[0017] According to some examples, the method is performed by a DualSteer device.

[0018] According to some examples, the first device is a first user equipment and the second device is a second user equipment, and wherein the first and second user equipments are different to one another.

[0019] According to some examples wherein the first device and the second device are the same user equipment.

[0020] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0021] The apparatus may comprise means for implementing the method.

[0022] 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 first aspect.

[0023] The apparatus may implement a DualSteer apparatus.

[0024] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method comprising: comprising: determining that a first subscriber identity associated with a first device and a first access network is also associated with a second apparatus, wherein the second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and the second subscriber identity; and application traffic filtering information to identify application traffic sent using the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity.

[0025] According to some examples, the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

[0026] According to some examples, the application traffic filtering information comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic; at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic; Connection Capability for the application traffic.

[0027] According to some examples, the method is performed by a policy and control function.

[0028] According to some examples, the at least one rule comprises an indication that the at least one rule is for a DualSteer apparatus.

[0029] According to some examples, the method comprises sending, to the second device, at least one further rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity.

[0030] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0031] The apparatus may comprise means for implementing the method.

[0032] The apparatus may implement a Policy Control Function, PCF.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method formed by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; the method comprising: receiving, by the first device from a first network entity and after the first device registers with a network, at least one rule comprising first traffic descriptor information to identify traffic that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity; receiving, by the second device from the second network entity and after the second device registers with the network, at least one rule comprising second traffic descriptor information that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the second subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity; establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule using the first device; sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing of the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established, session correlation information or the first traffic descriptor information.

[0035] According to some examples, the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and / or the second subscriber identity comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; any Route Selection Descriptor parameter.

[0036] According to some examples, the first traffic descriptor information and / or the second traffic descriptor information comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic; at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, NonIP, for the application traffic; Connection Capability for the application traffic.

[0037] According to some examples, the method comprises: registering the second device with the network using the second subscriber identity and the second access network.

[0038] According to some examples, the method comprises: storing the notification comprising the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established, the session correlation information and the first application traffic filtering information.

[0039] According to some examples, the method comprises: for establishing a second data session for the second device based on the notification received from the first device.

[0040] According to some examples, the second data session is established only when the second device can access the network without disturbing traffic of the first device. According to some examples, the notification is sent either directly from the first device to the second device or is sent via a DualSteer layer in the apparatus.

[0041] According to some examples, the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity is received from the network entity with an indication that the at least one rule is for a dual steer apparatus, and the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity is received from the network entity with an indication that the at least one rule is for a dual steer apparatus.

[0042] According to some examples, the method is performed by a DualSteer device.

[0043] According to some examples, the first device is a first user equipment and the second device is a second user equipment and the first and second user equipments are different to one another.

[0044] According to some examples, first device and the second device are the same user equipment.

[0045] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0046] The apparatus may comprise means for implementing the method.

[0047] The apparatus may implement a DualSteer device.

[0048] 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 third aspect.

[0049] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network, at least one rule comprising first traffic descriptor information to identify traffic that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; sending, to the second device, at least one rule comprising second traffic descriptor information to identify traffic that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the second subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity.

[0050] According to some examples, the method comprises: the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and / or the second subscriber identity comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

[0051] According to some examples, the first traffic descriptor information and / or the second traffic descriptor information comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic; at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, NonIP, for the application traffic; Connection Capability for the application traffic

[0052] According to some examples, the method is performed by a Policy Control Function.

[0053] According to some examples, the at least one rule comprises an indication that the at least one rule is for a DualSteer apparatus.

[0054] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0055] The apparatus may comprise means for implementing the method.

[0056] The apparatus may implement a Policy Control Function.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a performed by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; the method comprising: receiving, from a network entity and by the first device: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device; sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data session, the first application traffic filtering information or the second application traffic filtering information.

[0059] According to some examples, the parameters of the data sessions comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

[0060] According to some examples, the application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic; at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic; Connection Capability for the application traffic.

[0061] According to some examples, the method comprises: registering the second device with a network using the second subscriber identity and the second access network.

[0062] According to some examples, the method comprises: storing: the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter for data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; the first application traffic filtering information; the second application traffic filtering information; wherein the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity, the at least one rule for at least one parameter for data sessions established using the second subscriber identity, the first application traffic filtering information and the second application traffic filtering information is sent from the means for storing to the second device after the second device registers with the network. According to some examples, the method comprises: establishing a second data session for the second device based on the at least one rule for the at least one parameter for the data sessions established using the second subscriber identity and the second application traffic filtering information.

[0063] According to some examples, the second data session is established only when the second device can access the network without disturbing traffic of the first device.

[0064] According to some examples, the notification is sent either directly from the first device to the second device or is sent via a DualSteer layer in the apparatus.

[0065] According to some examples, the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity, the at least one rule for at least one parameter for data sessions established using the second subscriber identity, the first application traffic filtering information and the second application traffic filtering information are received from the network entity with an indication that the at least one rule is for a dual steer apparatus.

[0066] According to some examples, the method is performed by a DualSteer device.

[0067] According to some examples, the first device is a first user equipment and the second device is a second user equipment, and the first and second user equipments are different to one another.

[0068] According to some examples, the first device and the second device are the same user equipment.

[0069] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0070] The apparatus may comprise means for implementing the method.

[0071] The apparatus may comprise a DualSteer device.

[0072] 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 fifth aspect. According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.

[0073] According to some examples, the the at least one parameter of the data session comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

[0074] According to some examples, the application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic; at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic; Connection Capability for the application traffic

[0075] According to some examples, the method is performed by a Policy Control Function.

[0076] According to some examples, the at least one rule comprises an indication that the at least one rule is for a DualSteer apparatus.

[0077] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0078] The apparatus may comprise means for implementing the method.

[0079] 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. 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

[0084] In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

[0085] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0086] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a communication network comprising a 5thgeneration communication network;

[0088] FIG. 2 shows an example DualSteer device and how it may interact with an example network;

[0089] FIG. 3 shows an example signal flow diagram;

[0090] FIG. 4 shows an example signal flow diagram;

[0091] FIG. 5 shows an example method performed by an apparatus, which in some examples may be a DualSteer device;

[0092] FIG. 6 shows an example method performed by a network entity;

[0093] FIG. 7 shows an example method performed by an apparatus, which in some examples may be a DualSteer device;

[0094] FIG. 8 shows an example method performed by a network entity; FIG. 9 shows an example method performed by an apparatus, which in some examples may be a DualSteer device;

[0095] FIG. 10 shows an example method performed by a network entity;

[0096] FIG. 11 shows a representation of an apparatus for the communication system of FIG. 1 according to some example embodiments;

[0097] FIG. 12 shows a representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments; and

[0098] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods disclosed herein.

[0099] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] A DualSteer device can register via two different access networks using two identities (e.g., two different subscription permanent identifiers (SLIPIs)). For data connectivity to a Data Network (DN), the DualSteer device may establishes 2 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session, with one through each identifier (e.g., through each SUPI). The network then links the 2 PDU Sessions such that the 2 PDU Sessions are served by a single Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), etc.

[0101] In some examples, this may allow the two PDU Sessions to be associated with the same Internet protocol (IP) address. A DualSteer device can send application traffic at each instance of time only via one SUPI (accordingly to steering rules provided by network) and may switch all the traffic to the other SUPI when switching conditions are met.

[0102] FIG. 2 shows an example DualSteer device 202. Each UE / SUPI 204a and 204b may be associated with a respective access network 210a and 210b. The UE / SUPIs 204a and 204b may be connected by a DualSteer layer 206.

[0103] An application 208 may establish a data session (e.g., PDU session) with UPF 214 to access DN 216. The session establishment and / or the PDU session may be managed by rules 212 (“DualSteer rules”). These rules may comprise UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules.

[0104] A DualSteer device may be considered to comprise an apparatus supporting traffic steering and switching of user data (e.g., for different services) across two 3GPP access networks. A DualSteer device can be a single UE in the case of non-simultaneous data transmission over the two networks, or it can be two separate UEs in case of simultaneous data transmission over the two networks. In the following various example embodiments are explained with reference to communication devices (e.g., UEs) that are capable of communication with a communications network. Before explaining in detail the embodiments of the methods and apparatuses of the present disclosure, a communications network comprising a 5thgeneration communication system (5GS), a radio access network and a core network (5GC) thereof, are briefly explained with reference to FIG. 1.

[0105] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a communications network comprising a cellular or mobile communication system (e.g., a 5G communication system (5GS), and data network. The 5GS may comprise a radio access network such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) or next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC). An application function may be deployed in the 5GS as trusted application function or may be deployed or hosted on one or more application servers of the data network. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects a UE to a data network via the access network and the 5GC (e.g., a II PF of the 5GC).

[0106] The 5GC may comprise the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); UDM; Application Function (AF); Authentication Server Function (ALISF); an AMF; and Session Management Function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF). FIG. 1 also shows the various interfaces (N1 , N2 etc.) that may be implemented between the various elements of the system.

[0107] FIG. 2 shows an example DualSteer device 202. The device 202 may comprise two different UEs 204a and 204b, each UE having a respective identifier (the identifier may be SUPIs, for example). In other examples, DualSteer device 202 may comprise a single UE having two SUPIs.

[0108] In some examples, application traffic from application 208 may be detected when only one of UE / SUPI 204a and 204b are registered with the network. As such, a DualSteer device can at this point of time only establish a data session using the registered UE / SUPI (204a or 204b).

[0109] Considering an example where application traffic is detected when only UE-1 / SUPI-1 204a (that is, either: SUPI-1 of UE-1 which is one of two UEs of DualSteer device 202 or SUPI-1 which is one of two SUPIs for a single UE of DualSteer device 202) is registered. UE-1 / SUPI-1 204a matches the detected application traffic (e.g., according to an application traffic descriptor) with the available USRP rules 212. PDU session parameters are then determined for UE-1 / SUPI-1 204a based on the Route Selection Descriptor (RSD) of the matched LISRP rule.

[0110] Some examples described herein provide a trigger for UE-2 / SUPI-2 204b to establish a data session linked to the data session of UE-1 / SUPI-1 204a when the second UE-2 / SUPI-2 204b registers at a later time. Some examples also provide information (either directly or via DualSteer layer 206) from the first registered UE-1 / SUPI-1 204a to UE-2 / SUPI-2 204b to establish the corresponding data session. Some examples provide a trigger for a second SlIPI to perform registration after only one SLIPI being registered.

[0111] In some examples, UE-1 / SUPI-1 204a may have different LIRSP rules to UE-2 / SUPI-2 204b, as they may be registered to different networks.

[0112] FIG. 3 shows an example message flow. Dual steer device 320 may comprise UE-1 304a and UE-2 304b, each having a respective SLIPI. In other examples, a single UE may have two SLIPIs 304a and 304b.

[0113] UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a is associated with access network 310a. UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b is associated with access network 310b Each of UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a and UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b may use their respective associated access network (310a and 310b) to access a network comprising AMF 316, SMF 318, PCF 320 and UPF 322.

[0114] At 301 , UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a registers with the network through access network 310a. UE- 1 / SUPI-1 304a may then inform a DualSteer layer of DualSteer device 302. It should be noted that which UE / SUPI to register first is implementation specific. In this example, the DualSteer layer of DualSteer device 302 triggers UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a to register first. The DualSteer layer may ensure that (in case the two UEs / SUPIs 304a and 304b have been registered and after receiving a triggering traffic from Application layer) the two PDU sessions are established in sequence and not at the same time (to avoid racing conditions on which PDU Session is established first).

[0115] After the successful registration at 301 of UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a to the network, UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a receives URSP rules sent at 303. Alternatively, UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a may use the URSP rules set that it has received from a previous registration. The URSP rules set may contain, application traffic filtering information to identify application traffic sent using the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity and a corresponding DualSteer indication. The application traffic filtering information may comprise a Traffic Descriptor(s). The URSP rules may also comprise data session (e.g. PDU session) parameters (e.g., Data Network Name (DNN) for the data session, Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) for the data session, a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session, service correlation information for the data session, etc.) for the application traffic identified by the application traffic filtering information. The application traffic filtering information may comprise at least one of:

[0116] • an Application Identifier for the application traffic;

[0117] • an internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic;

[0118] • a port number of the application traffic;

[0119] • a protocol identifier for the application traffic;

[0120] • a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic;

[0121] • at least one Descriptors for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic;

[0122] • Connection Capability for the application traffic.

[0123] In the example of FIG. 3, the decision of the data session (e.g., PDU session) parameters used to establish the DualSteer PDU sessions is done based only on one set of rules received by DualSteer device 202 (e.g., after the first registration for UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a or from a previous registration of UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a). The network (e.g., the PCF) knows from the UE's subscription information (in UDM or UDR) that the two SUPIs are linked together. The network therefore does not deliver a second URSP rules after the second registration. A flag can be introduced in UDM or UDR that indicates “URSPs for the DualSteer device sent” so that if the PCF for the UE of the second SUPI UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b is different to the PCF of the first UE, it learns that URSP rules are already sent. Alternatively, the method of FIG. 3 also covers the case where the network (e.g., PCF(s)) delivers two URSP rules sets to DualSteer device 202, i.e. one to each of UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a and UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b, but the URSP rules set delivered to the second UE / SUPI doesn't contain rules for applications requiring DualSteer.

[0124] At 305, application traffic A starts in DualSteer device 202. The traffic may be in application layer of DualSteer device 202. At 307, the DualSteer layer requests the LIRSP layer of UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a of device 302 to evaluate is LISRP rules. As such, based on incoming traffic from the Application layer, DualSteer layer triggers UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a to evaluate the LIRSP rules which leads to establishing the data session.

[0125] At 309, UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a establishes a first data session based on the data session parameters provided at 303.

[0126] At 311 , after the data session establishment at 309, UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a provides to the DualSteer layer of device 302 a DualSteer indication and also data session parameters (e.g., DNN, NSSAI, etc.) with a corresponding traffic descriptor of application traffic A.

[0127] After 311 , if UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b is already registered at that time, the DualSteer layer provides the data session parameters and the corresponding application traffic filtering information (e.g., a traffic descriptor or any of the example filtering information discussed above) to UE- 2 / SUPI-2 304b. This triggers UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b to establish the corresponding linked data session using those provided parameters (or the trigger for establishing linked data session can be a separate indication from DualSteer layer that follows providing the information). It should be noted that in some examples where UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b is already registered, the data session parameters and the corresponding traffic descriptor may be provided directly, not via the DualSteer layer, to UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b.

[0128] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, if UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b is still not registered after 311 , the DualSteer layer stores this information (the data session parameters and the corresponding application traffic filtering information) and provides this information to UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b only after UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b is registered with the network. This triggers UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b to establish the corresponding linked data session (or the trigger for establishing linked PDU Session can be a separate indication from the DualSteer layer that follows providing the information).

[0129] At 315, traffic for application traffic A may be transmitted from UPF 322 to UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a.

[0130] At 317, at some point after 313, UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b registers to the network through access network 310b and informs the DualSteer layer of device 302. At 319, the DualSteer layer of device 302 provides data session parameters and the application traffic filtering information of application traffic A to UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a of device 302. At 321 , DualSteer layer requests UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b to use the forwarded information for establishing a second data session. At 323, UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b establishes the second data session based on the data session parameters received at 319. This second data session established at 323 is linked to the data session at 309. At 325 traffic for application traffic A is switched or steered based on the DualSteer rules.

[0131] According to some examples, the LIRSP rules for UE-1 / SUPI-1 304a and UE-2 / SUPI-2 304b in FIG. 3 are the same.

[0132] FIG. 4 shows a second method. This method differs from the method of FIG. 3 in that UE- 1 / SUPI-1 404a and UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b obtain their own LIRSP rules from PCF 420 after their registrations, i.e. there are two different sets of LIRSP rules. This is due to the fact that the two registrations can be from two separate UEs and are handled by different networks, hence there are two different sets of LIRSP rules. Also, one possibility is that the two LIRSP rules set are the same (i.e. identical), which can happen when e.g., the two UEs are served by the same PCF 420.

[0133] Dual steer device 420 may comprise UE-1 404a and UE-2 404b, each having a respective identifier (e.g., SUPI). In other examples, a single UE may have two SUPIs 404a and 404b.

[0134] UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a is associated with access network 410a. UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b is associated with access network 410b Each of UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a and UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b may use their respective associated access network (410a and 410b) to access a network comprising AMF 416, SMF 418, PCF 420 and UPF 422.

[0135] Which UE / SUPI to register first is implementation specific. In the example of FIG. 4, DualSteer layer triggers UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a to register first. Also, DualSteer layer ensures that (in case the two UEs have been registered and after receiving a triggering traffic from Application layer) the two PDU sessions are established in sequence and not at the same time (to avoid racing conditions on which PDU Session is established first).

[0136] At 451 , UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a registers with the network through access network 410a. UE- 1 / SUPI-1 404a may then inform a DualSteer layer of DualSteer device 402. It should be noted that which UE / SUPI to register first is implementation specific, in this example DualSteer layer triggers UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a to register first. The DualSteer layer may ensure that (in case the two UEs / SUPIs 404a and 404b have been registered and after receiving a triggering traffic from Application layer) the two PDU sessions are established in sequence and not at the same time (to avoid racing conditions on which PDU Session is established first).

[0137] After the successful registration at 451 of UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a to the network, UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a receives URSP rules sent at 453. Alternatively, UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a may uses the URSP rules set that it has received from a previous registration.

[0138] The URSP rules set may contain, for certain application traffic filtering information (e.g., traffic descriptor(s))to identify traffic used by the UE / SUPI receiving the USRP rules set. For applications that require DualSteer functionality, a DualSteer indication may be provided. The URSP rules may also comprise data session (e.g. PDU session) specific PDU session parameters (e.g., Data Network Name (DNN), Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), etc). The URSP rules may also comprise data session (e.g. PDU session) parameters (e.g., Data Network Name (DNN) for the data session, Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) for the data session, a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session, service correlation information for the data session, etc) for the application traffic identified by the application traffic filtering information. The application traffic filtering information may comprise at least one of:

[0139] • an Application Identifier for the application traffic;

[0140] • an internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic;

[0141] • a port number of the application traffic;

[0142] • a protocol identifier for the application traffic;

[0143] • a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic;

[0144] • at least one Descriptors for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic;

[0145] • Connection Capability for the application traffic.

[0146] For an Application Descriptor that requires DualSteer functionality, each URSP rules set contains a “DualSteer indication” plus some specific data session parameters (e.g., PDU session parameters such as DNN, NSSAI... etc). The data session parameters for each PDU session (for each UE / SUPI) may be different or can be the same.

[0147] At 455, application layer starts application traffic A. At 457, DualSteer layer request the URSP layer of UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a to evaluate its URSP rules. At 459, UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a establishes a first data session based on the data session parameters sent at 453.

[0148] Based on incoming traffic from the application layer, DualSteer layer triggers UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a to evaluate the LIRSP rules which leads to establishing the data session. After the data Session Establishment completion for UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a at 459, UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a provides the DualSteer indication and the corresponding Traffic Descriptor to the DualSteer layer.

[0149] At 461 , UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a provides to DualSteer layer a DualSteer indication and

[0150] Parameters (SNN, slice S-NSSAI, SSC modes, ...) of the data session that has been established at 459, session correlation information (e.g., the PDU Session Identifier of the data session) and the application traffic filtering information, . (e.g., a traffic descriptor of application traffic A).

[0151] At 463, DualSteer layer stores the information received in 461 .

[0152] At 465, traffic for application traffic A is transmitted to UE-1 / SUPI-1 404a of DualSteer device 402. If UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b is already registered at that time, the DualSteer layer provides this information stored at 463 to UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b. This triggers UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b to establish the corresponding linked PDU Session using those provided parameters (or the trigger for establishing linked PDU Session can be a separate indication from DualSteer layer that follows providing the information).

[0153] If UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b is not registered after 463, the DualSteer layer stores this information and provides this information to UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b only after UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b is registered (see 471). This triggers UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b to establish the corresponding linked data Session (or the trigger for establishing linked PDU Session can be a separate indication from DualSteer that follows providing the information).

[0154] At 467, UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b registers to the network through access network 410b. At 469, when 2 / SUPI-2 404b is registered to the network, a second set of URSP rules including a “DualSteer” indication and a second data session parameters (e.g., DNN. NSSAI, SSC mode,) for application traffic A. At 471 , DualSteer layer delivers the information stored at 463 to UE- 2 / SUPI-2 404b and requests UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b to evaluate its received URSP rules. At 473, UE-2 / SUPI-2 404b establishes a second data session based on the second data session parameters received at 469. At 475, traffic for application traffic A can be switched or steered based on the DualSteer rules received at 459 and 473.

[0155] Although in FIG. 3 and 4, UE-1 / SUPI-1 notifies (possibly via the dual steer layer) UE-2 / SUPI- 2 when a data session is established, a similar notification may be provided from UE-1 / SUPI- 1 to UE-2 / SUPI-2 when a data session is released by UE-1 / SUPI-1.

[0156] In some examples, the second data session for UE-2 / SUPI-2 is established only when the second device (UE-2 / SUPI-2) can access the network without disturbing traffic of the first device.

[0157] The LIRSP rules described herein may comprise an application traffic filtering information (e.g., a traffic descriptor) and corresponding RSD requirements. The RSD values may comprise parameters of data sessions.

[0158] In the example of FIG. 3, LIRSP rules are provided to a UE / SUPI of a DualSteer device that is already registered. The LIRSP rules may comprise a DualSteer indication. When that UE / SUPI establishes a new data session, it informs the DualSteer layer of the URSP rules and these URSP rules are provided to the other UE / SUPI of the DualSteer device. In this example, the URSP rules may be the same for the two UE / SUPIs of the DualSteer device.

[0159] In the example of FIG. 4, URSP rules for the first UE / SUPI are provided from a network entity (e.g., PCF) to the first UE / SUPI when it is registered. The URSP rules may comprise a DualSteer indication. When the second UE / SUPI registers with the network, URSP rules for the second UE / SUPI are provided from the network entity (this may be same network entity or a different network entity to the network entity that provided the URSP rules to the first UE / SUPI).

[0160] In another example, URSP rules may be provided to a UE / SUPI that is already registered. The URSP rules may comprise a DualSteer indication. The URSP rules provided to the first registered UE / SUPI may be extended to accommodate for two sets of data session parameters for the same application traffic. In other words, a single set of URSP rules is provided to one UE / SUPI of the DualSteer device, but the URSP rules specify different rules for each UE / SUPI in the DualSteer device. The already registered UE / SUPI may forward the URSP rules to the DualSteer layer which may store it until the second UE / SUPI registers, similarly to the method of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows an example method flow. The method may be performed by an apparatus comprising a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network. The method may be performed by a DualSteer device such as DualSteer device 302.

[0161] At 500, the method comprises receiving, from a network entity, at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and application traffic filtering information to identify application traffic sent using the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity.

[0162] At 502, the method comprises establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device.

[0163] At 504, the method comprises sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data session or the application traffic filtering information.

[0164] FIG. 6 shows an example method flow. The method may be performed by a network entity, such as PCF 320, for example.

[0165] At 600, the method comprises determining that a first subscriber identity associated with a first device and a first access network is also associated with a second apparatus, wherein the second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.

[0166] At 602, the method comprises sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and the second subscriber identity; and application traffic filtering information to identify application traffic sent using the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity.

[0167] FIG. 7 shows an example method flow. The method may be performed by an apparatus comprising a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network. The method may be performed by a DualSteer device such as DualSteer device 402.

[0168] At 700, the method comprises receiving, by the first device from a first network entity and after the first device registers with a network, at least one rule comprising first traffic descriptor information to identify traffic that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity.

[0169] At 702, the method comprises receiving, by the second device from the second network entity and after the second device registers with the network, at least one rule comprising second traffic descriptor information that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the second subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity.

[0170] At 704, the method comprises establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule using the first device.

[0171] At 706, the method comprises sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing of the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data sessions to be established, session correlation information or the first traffic descriptor information.

[0172] FIG. 8 shows an example method flow. The method may be performed by a network entity, such as PCF 420, for example.

[0173] At 800, the method comprises sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network, at least one rule comprising first traffic descriptor information to identify traffic that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity, wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.

[0174] At 802, the method comprises sending, to the second device, at least one rule comprising second traffic descriptor information to identify traffic that is to be sent via a data session that is to be established using the second subscriber identity and at least one parameter for data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity.

[0175] FIG. 9 shows an example method flow. The method may be performed by an apparatus comprising a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.

[0176] At 900, the method comprises receiving, from a network entity and by the first device: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity.

[0177] At 902, the method comprises establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device.

[0178] At 904, the method comprises sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: one or more parameters of the data session, the first application traffic filtering information or the second application traffic filtering information.

[0179] FIG. 10 shows an example method flow. The method may be performed by be performed by a network entity, such as a PCF.

[0180] At 1000, the method comprises sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an apparatus 1100 implementing or comprising at least the session management of the core network of the communication network illustrated on FIG. 1. The apparatus 1100 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 1111a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 1111 b, at least one processor 1112, 1113 and a network interface 1114. The at least one processor 1112, 1113 may be coupled to the RAM 1111a and the ROM 1111 b. The at least one processor 1112, 1113 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 1115 of the network entities described herein. Execution of the software code 1115 of the network entities described herein (or execution of instructions of the software code 1115) may for example may cause the apparatus to perform method shown in FIG. 5 to 10. The software code 1115 may be stored in the ROM 1111 b. The apparatus 1100 may be interconnected with another apparatus 1100 for controlling other network functions of the 5GC. In some embodiments, one or more network functions of the 5GC is deployed or hosted on an apparatus 1100. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may include software code of additional network functions of the core network of the communication network. The apparatus 1100 may comprise a computing device (e.g., a server), a computing system, such as a distributed computing system, or a virtual machine provided by a cloud computing system. In some examples, the apparatus 1100 may comprise a cloud computing system (e.g., a cloud core network) that comprises the session management function, and other network functions of the core network shown in FIG. 1.

[0181] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a communication device 1200, such as the terminal illustrated on FIG. 1 . The communication device 1200 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a communication device 1200 comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) type communication device or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device 1200 may comprise a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving, for example, wireless signals carrying communications, for example radio signals. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia data, machine data and so on.

[0182] The communication device 1200 may receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) over an air or radio interface 1207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit wireless signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In FIG. 12 transceiver is designated schematically by block 1206. The transceiver 1206 may comprise, for example, a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device and may comprise one or more antenna elements. The antenna arrangement may be a multi-input multi output (MIMO) antenna.

[0183] The communication device 1200 may be provided with at least one processor 1201 , at least one memory ROM 1202a, at least one RAM 1202b and other possible components 1203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is configured to perform, including control of access to and communications with radio access networks (e.g., the 5G-RAN or NG-RAN illustrated in FIG. 1) and other communication devices. The at least one processor 1201 is coupled to the RAM 1202b and the ROM 1202a. The at least one processor 1401 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 1208 (e.g., the at least one processor may execute instructions of the software code 1208). The execution of the software code 1208 may for example allow the communication device to perform one or more operations, including the operations described herein. The software code 1208 may be stored in the ROM 1202a.

[0184] The processor, the ROM, and the RAM, the transceiver and other circuitry of the communication device (e.g., a modem) can be provided on a circuit board, in chipsets, or in a system on chip. The circuit board, chipsets or system on chip is denoted by reference 1204. The communication device 1200 may optionally have a user interface such as key pad 1205, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of communication device.

[0185] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1300a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 1300b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1302 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of any method flow described herein.

[0186] It is understood that references in the above to various network functions (e.g., to an AMF, an AF, a PCF etc.) may comprise apparatus that perform at least some of the functionality associated with those network functions. Further, an apparatus comprising a network function may comprise a virtual network function instance of that network function.

[0187] It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0188] It is noted that whilst some embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

[0189] It is also noted herein that while the above describes various example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0193] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0194] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0195] (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

[0196] (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.”

[0197] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term “means” herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, 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.

[0198] 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 computerexecutable 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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).

[0201] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0202] Various example 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.

[0203] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims. The example embodiments and features thereof, if any, described in this disclosure that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the disclosure.

[0204] The foregoing description has provided, by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples, a full and informative description of the various example embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the various example embodiments of the disclosure as set forth in the claims. By way of non-limiting and illustrative example, there is a further example embodiment comprising a combination of one or more example embodiments with any of the other example embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

29Claims1. An apparatus comprising: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; means for receiving, from a network entity and by the first device: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; means for establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device; means for sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: one or more parameters of the data session, the first application traffic filtering information or the second application traffic filtering information.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the parameters of the data sessions comprises at least one of: a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic;30 at least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic;Connection Capability for the application traffic.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for registering the second device with a network using the second subscriber identity and the second access network.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for storing: the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter for data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; the first application traffic filtering information; the second application traffic filtering information; wherein the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity, the at least one rule for at least one parameter for data sessions established using the second subscriber identity, the first application traffic filtering information and the second application traffic filtering information is sent from the means for storing to the second device after the second device registers with the network.

6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for establishing a second data session for the second device based on the at least one rule for the at least one parameter for the data sessions established using the second subscriber identity and the second application traffic filtering information.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second data session is established only when the second device can access the network without disturbing traffic of the first device.

8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the notification is sent either directly from the first device to the second device or is sent via a DualSteer layer in the apparatus.

9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one rule for the at least one parameter of the data sessions established using the first subscriber identity, the at least one rule for at least one parameter for data sessions established using the second subscriber identity, the first application traffic filtering information and the second application traffic filtering information are received from the network entity with an indication that the at least one rule is for a dual steer apparatus.

10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a DualSteer device.

11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first device is a first user equipment and the second device is a second user equipment, and the first and second user equipments are different to one another.

12. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first device and the second device are the same user equipment.

13. A method performed by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; the method comprising: receiving, from a network entity and by the first device: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device; sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data session, the first application traffic filtering information or the second application traffic filtering information .

14. A computer program comprising instructions for an apparatus stored thereon, wherein the apparatus comprises: a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network; and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network; and wherein the instructions are for the apparatus performing at least the following: receiving, from a network entity and by the first device: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; establishing or releasing a data session according to the at least one rule for the at least one parameter using the first device; sending, from the first device to the second device and after the establishing or releasing the data session, a notification that the data session has been established or released, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: the at least one parameter of the data session, the first application traffic filtering information or the second application traffic filtering information .

15. An apparatus comprising: means for sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, the at least one parameter of the data session comprises at least one of:33 a data network name, DNN, for the data session; a single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI, for the data session; a session and service continuity, SSC, mode for the data session; session correlation information.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic comprises at least one of: an Application Identifier for the application traffic; internet protocol, IP, address, of the application traffic; a port number of the application traffic; a protocol identifier for the application traffic; a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN, for the application traffic;At least one Descriptor for Destination of Non-lnternet Protocol, Non-IP, for the application traffic;Connection Capability for the application traffic18. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the apparatus comprises a policy and control function.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the at least one rule comprises an indication that the at least one rule is for a DualSteer apparatus.

20. A method comprising: sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.3421. A computer program comprising instructions for a user equipment stored thereon for performing at least the following: sending, to a first device associated with a first subscriber identity and a first access network: at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using the first subscriber identity and at least one rule for at least one parameter of data sessions to be established using a second subscriber identity; first application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the first subscriber identity; second application traffic filtering information to identify the application traffic sent using data sessions established using the second subscriber identity; wherein a second apparatus comprises the first device and a second device associated with a second subscriber identity and a second access network.

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