Apparatus and method of managing user equipment mobility

Abstract

A method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a network function includes acquiring a mobility status of a UE from a core network element and enabling communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE. A method of managing UE mobility performed by a core network element includes receiving, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE and transmitting the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE.

Description

Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCTAPPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANAGING USER EQUIPMENTMOBILITYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 702,634, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS OF MANAGING USER EQUIPMENT (UE) MOBILITY IN 6G NETWORK WITH DISTRIBUTED NON-ACCESS STRATUM (NAS),” filed on October 2, 2024, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication systems, and more particularly, to apparatuses and methods of managing user equipment (UE) mobility.BACKGROUND

[0003] In current 5G networks, non-access stratum (NAS) messages from a user equipment (UE) are always processed and forwarded by an access and mobility management function (AMF), which serves as a sole anchor point for NAS signaling. The AMF identifies a target function and relays the NAS message to entities such as a session management function (SMF) or other network functions (NFs). However, with the evolution of 6G networks and the introduction of more distributed or edge-deployed network functions, the existing mechanism cannot effectively support low-latency and flexible service demands.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for apparatuses and methods of managing user equipment (UE) mobility.SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to propose apparatuses and methods of managing user equipment (UE) mobility, which can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a network function includes acquiring a mobility status of a UE from a core network element and enabling communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a network function includes an acquirer configured to acquire a mobility status of a UE from a core network element and an enablerAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT configured to enable communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a network function includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The network function is configured to perform the above method.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a core network element includes receiving, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE and transmitting the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a core network element includes a receiver configured to receive, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE and a transmitter configured to transmit the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a core network element includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The core network element is configured to provide the above method.

[0012] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium has stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above method.

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip includes a processor, configured to call and run a computer program stored in a memory, to cause a device in which the chip is installed to execute the above method.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, causes a computer to execute the above method.

[0015] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product includes a computer program, and the computer program causes a computer to execute the above method.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program causes a computer to execute the above method.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or related art more clearly, the following figures will be described in the embodiments are briefly introduced. It is obvious that the drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in this field can obtain other figures according to these figures without paying the premise.Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT

[0018] FIG. l is a block diagram of one or more user equipments (UEs), a radio access network (RAN), and one or more networks and of communication in a communication network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a core network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a core network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a core network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of a 6G NAS signaling without relying on an AMF as anchor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example in which a 6G core network (CN) determines that a UE is in a connected mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating an example in which a 6G CN determines that a UE is in an idle mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with the technical matters, structural features, achieved objects, and effects with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. Specifically, the terminologies in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for describing the purpose of the certain embodiment, but not to limit the disclosure.

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple accessAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT(WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS), a long term evolution (LTE) system, a LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, a LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, a new radio (NR) system, an evolution system of a NR system, a LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, a NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) system, an universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a global interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), a future 5th generation (5G) system (may also be called a new radio (NR) system) or other communication systems, etc.

[0032] Optionally, a base station mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can provide a communication coverage for a specific geographic area and can communicate with a user equipment (UE) located in the coverage area. Optionally, the base station may be a gNB, a base transceiver station (BTS) in the GSM or in the CDMA system, or may be a NodeB (NB) in the WCDMA system, or may be an evolutional Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in the LTE system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN).

[0033] A user equipment (UE) may refer to an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The access terminal may be a cellular radio telephone, a cordless telephone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) telephone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication functions, a computing device, other processing devices coupled with a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a future 5G network, a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0034] Optionally, the communication system in the embodiment of the present application may be applied to an unlicensed spectrum, where the unlicensed spectrum may also be considered as a shared spectrum; or the communication system in the embodiment of the present application may also be applied to a licensed spectrum, where the licensed spectrum can also be considered an unshared spectrum.

[0035] In 5G networks, a non-access stratum (NAS) is responsible for signaling between a user equipment (UE) and a core network (CN), such as communication between the UE and an access and mobility management function (AMF). NAS messages handle functions including registration, mobility management, and session management. When the UE sends a NAS message (e.g., a registration request or a session management request), the message is encapsulated in a radio resource control (RRC) message and transmitted to a next generation node B (gNB). The gNB, being transparent to NAS, forwards a NAS container to the AMF without interpreting its contents.Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCTUpon receiving the NAS message, the AMF decodes and processes the NAS message. If the NAS message is intended for the AMF itself, the AMF performs functions such as registration and mobility management. If the NAS message relates to a session (e.g., establishing a data session), the AMF forwards the NAS message to an appropriate core network function, such as a session management function (SMF). For messages targeting other network functions (NFs), the AMF forwards the messages accordingly. This NAS signaling framework enables the UE to interact with various core network functions while supporting efficient mobility, session handling, and connection management in 5G.

[0036] The existing NAS signaling mechanism relies on the AMF as a single anchor point for the UE. All NAS messages are first sent to the AMF for processing before any further handling. In 6G networks, it is expected that more network functionalities will be introduced as new services to the UE.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates that, in some embodiments, one or more user equipments (UEs) 10, a radio access network (RAN) 20, and one or more networks 30 of communication in a communication network system 40 (e.g., an NR system or 6G system) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are provided. The communication network system 40 includes the one or more UEs 10, the RAN 20, and the one or more networks 30. The one or more networks 30 may include one or more network functions and / or one or more core network elements. The one or more UEs 10 may include a memory 12, a transceiver 13, and a processor 11 coupled to the memory 12 and the transceiver 13. The RAN 20 may include a memory 22, a transceiver 23, and a processor 21 coupled to the memory 22 and the transceiver 23. The one or more networks 30 may include a memory 32, a transceiver 33, and a processors 1 coupled to the memory 32 and the transceiver 33. The processor 11, 21, or 31 may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and / or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 11, 21, or 31. The memory 12, 22, or 32 is operatively coupled with the processor 11, 21, or 31 and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 11, 21, or 31. The transceiver 13, 23, or 33 is operatively coupled with the processor 11, 21, or 31, and the transceiver 13, 23, or 33 transmits and / or receives a radio signal.

[0038] The processor 11, 21, or 31 may include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The memory 12, 22, or 32 may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. The transceiver 13, 23, or 33 may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and soAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules can be stored in the memory 12, 22, or 32 and executed by the processor 11, 21, or 31. The memory 12, 22, or 32 can be implemented within the processor 11, 21, or 31 or external to the processor 11, 21, or 31 in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 11, 21, or 31 via various means as is known in the art.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more networks 30 may be one or more network functions. The processor 31 is configured to acquire a mobility status of the UE 10 from a core network element and the processor 31 configured to enable communication with the UE 10 using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE 10. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0040] In some embodiments, the one or more networks 30 may be one or more core network elements. The transceiver 33 is configured to receive, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of the UE 10, and the transceiver 33 is configured to transmit the mobility status of the UE 10 to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE 10. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a network function 200A according to an embodiment of the present application. The network function 200A is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the network function 200A using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The network function 200 A includes an acquirer 201 A configured to acquire a mobility status of a UE from a core network element and an enabler 202A configured to enable communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a network function 200B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network function 200B is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the network function 200B using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The network function 200B may include a memory 20 IB, a transceiver 202B, and a processor 203B coupled to the memory 20 IB and the transceiver 202B. The processor 203B may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and / or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 203B. The memory 20 IB is operatively coupled with the processor 203B and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 203B . The transceiver 202B is operatively coupled with the processor 203B, and the transceiver 202B transmits and / or receives a radio signal. The processor 203B may include application-specificAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The memory 20 IB may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. The transceiver 202B may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules can be stored in the memory 20 IB and executed by the processor 203B. The memory 20 IB can be implemented within the processor 203B or external to the processor 203B in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 203B via various means as is known in the art.

[0043] In some embodiments, the processor 203B is configured to acquire a mobility status of a UE from a core network element and enable communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an example of a method 300 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by the network function is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the method 300 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by the network function using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. In some embodiments, the method 300 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by the network function includes: an operation 302, acquiring a mobility status of a UE from a core network element and an operation 304, enabling communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0045] In some embodiments, acquiring the mobility status of the UE from the core network element includes transmitting a request to the core network element to acquire the mobility status information of the UE and receiving, from the core network element, the mobility status of the UE. In some embodiments, enabling communication with the UE using the procedure based on the mobility status of the UE includes based on the mobility status of the UE, if the UE is in a connected mode, obtaining a radio access network (RAN) information from the core network element and communicating with the UE via a RAN. In some embodiments, enabling communication with the UE using the procedure based on the mobility status of the UE further includes transmitting a non-access stratum (NAS) message to the UE via the RAN. In some embodiments, the RAN information includes a RAN type and / or a RAN address. In some embodiments, the RAN address includes an internet protocol (IP) address of a serving RAN. In some embodiments, enabling communication with the UE using the procedure based on the mobility status of the UE includes based on the mobility status of the UE, if the UE is in an idleAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT mode, causing the core network element to initiate a paging procedure to enable the UE to reach the network function. In some embodiments, the paging procedure includes a paging message containing information of the network function, and the information of the network function includes at least one of: an identifier, a network address, or a name. In some embodiments, the core network element includes an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0046] In some embodiments, the network function acquires the mobility status of the user equipment (UE) from a core network element by transmitting a request and receiving a response. Based on whether the UE is in connected or idle mode, the network function either obtains radio access network (RAN) information to communicate with the UE or triggers a paging procedure. The RAN information may include a RAN type and / or a RAN address such as an IP address, while the paging message may carry identifying information of the network function. The core network element may include an access and mobility management function (AMF). This mechanism ensures efficient and adaptive UE communication handling based on real-time mobility status.

[0047] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of core network element 400A according to an embodiment of the present application. The core network element 400A is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the core network element 400A using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The core network element 400 A includes a receiver 401 A configured to receive, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE and a transmitter 402A configured to transmit the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0048] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a core network element 400B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The core network element 400B is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the core network element 400B using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The core network element 400B may include a memory 40 IB, a transceiver 402B, and a processor 403B coupled to the memory 40 IB and the transceiver 402B. The processor 403B may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and / or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 403B. The memory 40 IB is operatively coupled with the processor 403B and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 403B. The transceiver 402B is operatively coupled with the processor 403B, and the transceiver 402B transmits and / or receives a radio signal. The processor 403B may include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The memory 40 IB may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. The transceiver 402B may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When theAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules can be stored in the memory 40 IB and executed by the processor 403B. The memory 40 IB can be implemented within the processor 403B or external to the processor 403B in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 403B via various means as is known in the art.

[0049] In some embodiments, the transceiver 402B is configured to receive, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE and transmit the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0050] FIG. 5 is an example of a method 500 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a core network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by the core network element is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the method 500 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by the core network element using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. In some embodiments, the method 500 of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by the core network element includes: an operation 502, receiving, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE and an operation 504, transmitting the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues, reduce signaling latency, and / or improve routing flexibility.

[0051] In some embodiments, the mobility status indicates whether the UE is in a connected mode or an idle mode. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining that the UE is in a connected mode, identifying a radio access network (RAN) for the UE, and transmitting a RAN information to the network function, wherein the RAN information is usable by the network function to communicate with the UE via the RAN. In some embodiments, the RAN information includes a RAN type and / or a RAN address. In some embodiments, the RAN address includes an internet protocol (IP) address of the RAN. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining that the UE is in an idle mode and initiating a paging procedure to allow the UE to reach the network function. In some embodiments, the paging procedure includes transmitting a paging message containing information of the network function to the UE. In some embodiments, the information of the network function includes at least one of: an identifier, a network address, or a name. In some embodiments, the core network element includes an access and mobility management function (AMF).Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT

[0052] In some embodiments, the mobility status indicates whether the user equipment (UE) is in a connected or idle mode. Based on the status, the method may include determining the connected mode, identifying the serving radio access network (RAN), and providing RAN information (e.g., RAN type and IP address) to a network function for UE communication. If the UE is in idle mode, the method may initiate a paging procedure by sending a paging message that includes network function information such as an identifier, network address, or name. The core network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF). This approach enables dynamic and context-aware communication routing between the core network and UE, optimizing responsiveness and network efficiency.

[0053] Exemplary Technical Solutions:

[0054] FIG. 6 is an example of 6G NAS signaling without relying on an AMF as an anchor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates that, in some examples, more network functionalities are expected to be introduced in 6G networks as new services to the UE. These new functionalities, along with some existing core network (CN) functions, may be deployed closer to or co-located with the Radio Access Network (RAN) as part of an edge cloud architecture. This deployment aims to localize critical signaling processing, thereby reducing latency and improving overall performance. Accordingly, it is desirable to design a new NAS signaling transmission mechanism that enables the UE, via the RAN, to directly communicate with individual CN functions. The concept is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0055] One option to enable the user equipment (UE) to communicate directly with core network (CN) functions is to allow the 6G radio access network (RAN) to send and receive NAS signaling directly to and from the target CN functions, bypassing the access and mobility management function (AMF). In a 5G network, the AMF manages the UE’s mobility, and other CN functions do not have visibility into the UE’s mobility status. They rely on the AMF to route NAS signaling to the UE. Therefore, it is essential to design a mechanism that allows network functions (NFs) to communicate directly with the UE via the 6G RAN.

[0056] To enable the 6G RAN, instead of the AMF, to forward NAS signaling from the UE to a network function, the 6G RAN needs to understand the destination network function of the NAS message. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, several different design approaches are proposed to achieve this functionality.

[0057] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network (CN) function that intends to send NAS signaling to the user equipment (UE) contacts the access and mobility management function (AMF) to acquire the UE’ s mobility status. There are two possible scenarios: the UE is either in idle mode or in connected mode.

[0058] Proposal: In some embodiments, when the 6G core network (CN) network function (NF) wants to send a mobile-terminated NAS message to the user equipment (UE), it may first acquire the UE’s mobility status from the access and mobility management function (AMF). If the UE isAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT in connected mode, the AMF sends the serving 6G radio access network (RAN) information — including the RAN type and RAN address — to the CN NF, which then communicates with the UE via the 6G RAN. If the UE is in idle mode, the AMF initiates a paging procedure to locate the UE and includes the NF’s identifier and address information in the paging message. These details enable the UE to reach the CN NF via the 6G RAN. In both scenarios, the CN NF does not inherently know the UE’s mobility status and therefore queries the AMF to obtain the necessary mobility information.

[0059] FIG. 7A illustrates an example in which a 6G core network (CN) determines that a UE is in a connected mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The call flow of FIG. 7 A, when the UE is in a connected mode, may include at least one of the following operations:

[0060] Operation 1 : The 6G CN network function (NF) intends to send NAS signaling to the user equipment (UE).

[0061] Operation 2: The 6G CN NF sends a request to the 6G access and mobility management function (AMF) to acquire the UE’s mobility status.

[0062] Operation 3 : The 6G AMF determines that the UE is in a CM-Connected state.

[0063] Operation 4: The 6G AMF provides the UE’s mobility status to the CN NF, including information about the serving 6G radio access network (RAN), such as the 6G RAN’s IP address, which enables the CN NF to communicate with the serving RAN.

[0064] Operation 5: Using the 6G RAN information, the 6G CN NF sends the NAS signaling message to the 6G RAN.

[0065] Operation 6: The 6G RAN forwards the NAS signaling message to the UE.

[0066] Operation 7 : After receiving the downlink NAS signaling, the UE successfully establishes communication with the CN NF via the 6G RAN.

[0067] FIG. 7B illustrates an example in which a 6G CN determines that a UE is in an idle mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The call flow of FIG. 7B, when the UE is in an idle mode, may include at least one of the following operations:

[0068] Operation 1 : The 6G CN network function (NF) wants to send NAS signaling to the user equipment (UE).

[0069] Operation 2: The 6G CN NF sends a message to the 6G access and mobility management function (AMF) to acquire the UE’s mobility status.

[0070] Operation 3 : The 6G AMF determines that the UE is in the CM-Idle state.

[0071] Operation 4: The 6G AMF notifies the CN NF that the UE is in the CM-Idle state and indicates that it will initiate paging.

[0072] Operation 5: The 6G AMF uses an existing paging procedure to page the UE. The paging message includes the 6G CN NF’s information, such as the NF’s name, address, and other assistance information that allows the UE to reach the NF.

[0073] Operation 6: The UE responds to the AMF, acknowledging receipt of the paging message.Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT

[0074] Operation 7: Using the information included in the paging message, the UE initiates a service request procedure to reach the 6G CN NF.

[0075] Operation 8: The 6G RAN sends a paging response to the 6G CN NF.

[0076] Operation 9: The UE and the CN NF exchange NAS signaling messages via the 6G RAN.

[0077] The proposal in some embodiments are as follows: When a core network (CN) network function (NF) does not have knowledge of the user equipment's (UE’s) mobility status, it may communicate with the access and mobility management function (AMF) to obtain this information. Importantly, the UE and the 6G radio access network (RAN) are not required to register the UE’s mobility status with every CN NF. If the UE is in the CM-Idle state and the CN NF intends to send downlink (DL) NAS signaling to the UE, the AMF initiates a paging procedure and includes the CN NF’s address, identifier, name, and other relevant information in the paging message. This allows the UE to respond with uplink (UL) NAS signaling directly to the CN NF. If the UE is in the CM-Connected state, the AMF provides the serving RAN address to the CN NF, enabling the CN NF to communicate directly with the serving RAN.

[0078] Some embodiments of the present disclosure introduce a flexible NAS signaling architecture for 6G networks that enables direct communication between user equipment (UE) and core network (CN) functions via the 6G radio access network (RAN), without relying on the access and mobility management function (AMF) as a fixed signaling anchor. FIG. 6 illustrates the motivation for this design — decentralizing CN functions and relocating them closer to the RAN in an edge cloud environment to reduce latency and enhance performance. To support this, the 6G RAN is enhanced to forward NAS messages to the appropriate CN functions by recognizing destination identifiers. When a CN function intends to send a NAS message to the UE but lacks knowledge of the UE’s mobility state, it queries the AMF. If the UE is in connected mode, the AMF returns serving RAN information (e.g., IP address), enabling the CN function to send messages via the RAN. If the UE is in idle mode, the AMF initiates paging and includes the CN function’s information (e.g., address and ID) in the paging message, allowing the UE to establish communication directly with the CN function. This mechanism minimizes dependency on the AMF, reduces signaling delay, and improves communication efficiency by allowing direct, context-aware NAS signaling between the UE and individual CN functions through the 6G RAN.

[0079] Commercial interests for some embodiments are as follows. 1. Solve issues in the prior art and other issues. 2. Reduce signaling latency. 3. Improve routing flexibility. 4. Provide a good communication performance. 5. Provide high reliability. Some embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in many applications. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are used by chipset vendors, video system development vendors, automakers including cars, trains, trucks, buses, bicycles, moto-bikes, helmets, and etc., drones (unmanned aerial vehicles), smartphone makers, communication devices for public safety use, AR / VR / MR device maker for example gaming, conference / seminar, education purposes. Some embodiments of the present disclosure areAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT a combination of “techniques / processes” that can be adopted in video standards to create an end product. Some embodiments of the present disclosure propose technical mechanisms. The at least one proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus of some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for current and / or new / future standards regarding communication systems such as a UE, a base station, and / or a communication system. Compatible products follow at least one proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus of some embodiments of the present disclosure. The proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus are widely used in a UE, a base station, and / or a communication system. With the implementation of the at least one proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus of some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one modification to methods and apparatus of wireless communication are considered for standardizing.

[0080] In some embodiments, a network function includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The network function is configured to perform the above method. In some embodiments, a core network element includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The core network element is configured to provide the above method. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine- readable storage medium has stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above method. In some embodiments, a chip includes a processor, configured to call and run a computer program stored in a memory, to cause a device in which the chip is installed to execute the above method. In some embodiments, a computer readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, causes a computer to execute the above method. In some embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer program, and the computer program causes a computer to execute the above method. In some embodiments, a computer program causes a computer to execute the above method.

[0081] In some embodiments, a network function or a core network element may be implemented using a computing platform such as the example computing device 1100 illustrated in FIG. 8 or the communication system 1200 illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the computing device 1100 may include a processor 1112, memory 1114, and input / output (FO) interfaces 1118 coupled via a bus 1116. The processor 1112 may execute program code stored in the memory 1114 to perform one or more methods described above with respect to FIGs. 1 to 7. The memory 1114 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable NAS message handling, partial decoding, SRB-based routing, or collaboration with the AMF. In some cases, the program code may be stored on a separate computer-readable storage medium or integrated within the device as a computer program product. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication system 1200 may include RF circuitry 1210, baseband circuitry 1220, application circuitry 1230, and memory / storage 1240, among other components such as display 1250, camera 1260, sensor 1270, and FO interface 1280. The application circuitry 1230 and baseband circuitryAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT1220 may be configured to execute program instructions and perform processing functions related to NAS signaling, including determining the destination core network function, managing signaling bearers, and communicating with the AMF. These components may be integrated into a mobile or edge device, supporting edge-cloud deployment as described in earlier embodiments. The hardware and software integration in such devices enables flexible and efficient execution of the NAS message distribution mechanisms disclosed herein.

[0082] FIG. 8 is an example of a computing device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any suitable computing device can be used for performing the operations described herein. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the computing device 1100 that can implement some embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7B using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. In some embodiments, the computing device 1100 can include a processor 1112 that is communicatively coupled to a memory 1114 and that executes computer-executable program code and / or accesses information stored in the memory 1114. The processor 1112 may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a state machine, or other processing device. The processor 1112 can include any of a number of processing devices, including one. Such a processor can include or may be in communication with a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 1112, cause the processor to perform the operations described herein.

[0083] The memory 1114 can include any suitable non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include any electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage device capable of providing a processor with computer-readable instructions or other program code. Non-limiting examples of a computer-readable medium include a magnetic disk, a memory chip, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a configured processor, optical storage, magnetic tape or other magnetic storage, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read instructions. The instructions may include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler and / or an interpreter from code written in any suitable computer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#, visual basic, java, python, perl, javascript, and actionscript.

[0084] The computing device 1100 can also include a bus 1116. The bus 1116 can communicatively couple one or more components of the computing device 1100. The computing device 1100 can also include a number of external or internal devices such as input or output devices. For example, the computing device 1100 is illustrated with an input / output (“I / O”) interface 1118 that can receive input from one or more input devices 1120 or provide output to one or more output devices 1122. The one or more input devices 1120 and one or more output devices 1122 can be communicatively coupled to the I / O interface 1118. The communicative coupling can be implemented via any suitable manner (e.g., a connection via a printed circuit board, connection via a cable, communication via wireless transmissions, etc.). Non-limiting examplesAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT of input devices 1120 include a touch screen (e g., one or more cameras for imaging a touch area or pressure sensors for detecting pressure changes caused by a touch), a mouse, a keyboard, or any other device that can be used to generate input events in response to physical actions by a user of a computing device. Non-limiting examples of output devices 1122 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, an external monitor, a speaker, or any other device that can be used to display or otherwise present outputs generated by a computing device.

[0085] The computing device 1100 can execute program code that configures the processor 1112 to perform one or more of the operations described above with respect to some embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7B. The program code may be resident in the memory 1114 or any suitable computer-readable medium and may be executed by the processor 1112 or any other suitable processor.

[0086] The computing device 1100 can also include at least one network interface device 1124. The network interface device 1124 can include any device or group of devices suitable for establishing a wired or wireless data connection to one or more data networks 1128. Non limiting examples of the network interface device 1124 include an Ethernet network adapter, a modem, and / or the like. The computing device 1100 can transmit messages as electronic or optical signals via the network interface device 1124.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example of a communication system 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Embodiments described herein may be implemented into the communication system 1200 using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. FIG. 9 illustrates the communication system 1200 including a radio frequency (RF) circuitry 1210, a baseband circuitry 1220, an application circuitry 1230, a memory / storage 1240, a display 1250, a camera 1260, a sensor 1270, and an input / output (I / O) interface 1280, coupled with each other at least as illustrated.

[0088] The application circuitry 1230 may include a circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processors may include any combination of general -purpose processors and dedicated processors, such as graphics processors, application processors. The processors may be coupled with the memory / storage and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory / storage to enable various applications and / or operating systems running on the system. The communication system 1200 can execute program code that configures the application circuitry 1230 to perform one or more of the operations described above with respect to some embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7B. The program code may be resident in the application circuitry 1230 or any suitable computer-readable medium and may be executed by the application circuitry 1230 or any other suitable processor.

[0089] The baseband circuitry 1220 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processors may include a baseband processor. The baseband circuitry may handle various radio control functions that may enable communicationAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry. The radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation, encoding, decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may provide for communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and / or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol may be referred to as multimode baseband circuitry.

[0090] In various embodiments, the baseband circuitry 1220 may include circuitry to operate with signals that are not strictly considered as being in a baseband frequency. For example, in some embodiments, baseband circuitry may include circuitry to operate with signals having an intermediate frequency, which is between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency. The RF circuitry 1210 may enable communication with wireless networks using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry may include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 1210 may include circuitry to operate with signals that are not strictly considered as being in a radio frequency. For example, in some embodiments, RF circuitry may include circuitry to operate with signals having an intermediate frequency, which is between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency.

[0091] In various embodiments, the transmitter circuitry, control circuitry, or receiver circuitry discussed above with respect to some embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7B may be embodied in whole or in part in one or more of the RF circuitry, the baseband circuitry, and / or the application circuitry. As used herein, “circuitry” may refer to, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and / or a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the electronic device circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry, the application circuitry, and / or the memory / storage may be implemented together on a system on a chip (SOC). The memory / storage 1240 may be used to load and store data and / or instructions, for example, for system. The memory / storage for one embodiment may include any combination of suitable volatile memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), and / or non-volatile memory, such as flash memory.

[0092] In various embodiments, the I / O interface 1280 may include one or more user interfaces designed to enable user interaction with the system and / or peripheral component interfacesAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT designed to enable peripheral component interaction with the system. User interfaces may include, but are not limited to a physical keyboard or keypad, a touchpad, a speaker, a microphone, etc. Peripheral component interfaces may include, but are not limited to, a non-volatile memory port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an audio jack, and a power supply interface. In various embodiments, the sensor 1270 may include one or more sensing devices to determine environmental conditions and / or location information related to the system. In some embodiments, the sensors may include, but are not limited to, a gyro sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a positioning unit. The positioning unit may also be part of, or interact with, the baseband circuitry and / or RF circuitry to communicate with components of a positioning network, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) satellite.

[0093] In various embodiments, the display 1250 may include a display, such as a liquid crystal display and a touch screen display. In various embodiments, the communication system 1200 may be a mobile computing device such as, but not limited to, a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a netbook, an ultrabook, a smartphone, an AR / VR glasses, etc. In various embodiments, system may have more or less components, and / or different architectures. Where appropriate, methods described herein may be implemented as a computer program. The computer program may be stored on a storage medium, such as a non-transitory storage medium.

[0094] A person having ordinary skill in the art understands that each of the units, algorithm, and operations described and disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized using electronic hardware or combinations of software for computers and electronic hardware. Whether the functions run in hardware or software depends on the condition of application and design requirement for a technical plan. A person having ordinary skill in the art can use different ways to realize the function for each specific application while such realizations should not go beyond the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that he / she can refer to the working processes of the system, device, and unit in the above-mentioned embodiment since the working processes of the above-mentioned system, device, and unit are basically the same. For easy description and simplicity, these working processes will not be detailed.

[0095] It is understood that the disclosed system, device, and method in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be realized with other ways. The above-mentioned embodiments are exemplary only. The division of the units is merely based on logical functions while other divisions exist in realization. It is possible that a plurality of units or components are combined or integrated in another system. It is also possible that some characteristics are omitted or skipped. On the other hand, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communicative coupling operate through some ports, devices, or units whether indirectly or communicatively by ways of electrical, mechanical, or other kinds of forms.Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT

[0096] The units as separating components for explanation are or are not physically separated. The units for display are or are not physical units, that is, located in one place or distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units are used according to the purposes of the embodiments. Moreover, each of the functional units in each of the embodiments can be integrated in one processing unit, physically independent, or integrated in one processing unit with two or more than two units.

[0097] If the software function unit is realized and used and sold as a product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium in a computer. Based on this understanding, the technical plan proposed by the present disclosure can be essentially or partially realized as the form of a software product. Or, one part of the technical plan beneficial to the conventional technology can be realized as the form of a software product. The software product in the computer is stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of commands for a computational device (such as a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to run all or some of the operations disclosed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The storage medium includes a USB disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a floppy disk, or other kinds of media capable of storing program codes.

[0098] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements made without departing from the scope of the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.

Claims

Atty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCTWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a network function, comprising: acquiring a mobility status of a UE from a core network element; and enabling communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring the mobility status of the UE from the core network element comprises: transmitting a request to the core network element to acquire the mobility status information of the UE; receiving, from the core network element, the mobility status of the UE.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein enabling communication with the UE using the procedure based on the mobility status of the UE comprises: based on the mobility status of the UE, if the UE is in a connected mode, obtaining a radio access network (RAN) information from the core network element and communicating with the UE via a RAN.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein enabling communication with the UE using the procedure based on the mobility status of the UE further comprises: transmitting a non-access stratum (NAS) message to the UE via the RAN.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the RAN information comprises a RAN type and / or a RAN address.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the RAN address comprises an internet protocol (IP) address of a serving RAN.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling communication with the UE using the procedure based on the mobility status of the UE comprises: based on the mobility status of the UE, if the UE is in an idle mode, causing the core network element to initiate a paging procedure to enable the UE to reach the network function.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the paging procedure comprises a paging message containing information of the network function, and the information of the network function comprises at least one of: an identifier, a network address, or a name.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the core network element comprises an access and mobility management function (AMF).

10. A method of managing user equipment (UE) mobility performed by a core network element, comprising: receiving, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE; andAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT transmitting the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the mobility status indicates whether the UE is in a connected mode or an idle mode.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining that the UE is in a connected mode; identifying a radio access network (RAN) for the UE; and transmitting a RAN information to the network function, wherein the RAN information is usable by the network function to communicate with the UE via the RAN.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the RAN information comprises a RAN type and / or a RAN address.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the RAN address comprises an internet protocol (IP) address of the RAN.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining that the UE is in an idle mode; and initiating a paging procedure to allow the UE to reach the network function.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the paging procedure comprises transmitting a paging message containing information of the network function to the UE.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the information of the network function comprises at least one of: an identifier, a network address, or a name.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the core network element comprises an access and mobility management function (AMF).

19. A network function, comprising: an acquirer configured to acquire a mobility status of a UE from a core network element; and an enabler configured to enable communication with the UE using a procedure based on the mobility status of the UE.

20. A network function, comprising: a memory; a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; wherein the network function is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A core network element, comprising: a receiver configured to receive, from a network function, a request to acquire a mobility status of a UE; andAtty. Dkt. No. 10085-01-0173-PCT a transmitter configured to transmit the mobility status of the UE to the network function to enable the network function to communicate with the UE based on the mobility status of the UE.

22. A core network element, comprising: a memory; a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; wherein the core network element is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 10 to 18.

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