Access network selection in energy-aware steering mode

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive an indication of an energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode. The UE may select, in accordance with the energy-aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy-related criteria. The UE may selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE. Numerous other aspects are described.

Description

ACCESS NETWORK SELECTION IN ENERGY -AWARE STEERING MODECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority to Greek Application No. 20240100912, filed on December 20. 2024. entitled “ACCESS NETWORK SELECTION IN ENERGY-AWARE STEERING MODE,” and assigned to the assignee hereof. The disclosure of the prior Application is considered part of and is incorporated by reference into this Patent Application.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication and specifically relate to techniques, apparatuses, and methods associated with access netw ork selection in an energy -aware steering mode.BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various services, which may involve carrying or supporting voice, text, other messaging, video, data, and / or other traffic. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access radio access technologies (RATs) capable of supporting communication among multiple wireless communication devices including user devices or other devices by sharing the available system resources (for example, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, and / or device transmit power, among other examples). Such multiple-access RATs are supported by technological advancements that have been adopted in various telecommunication standards, which define common protocols that enable different wireless communication devices to communicate on a local, municipal, national, regional, or global level.

[0004] An example telecommunication standard is New Radio (NR). NR, which may also be referred to as 5G, is part of a continuous mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR (and other RATs beyond NR) may be designed to better support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) access, Internet of things (loT) networks or reduced capability device deployments, and ultra-reliable low' latency communication (URLLC) applications. To support these verticals, NR systems may be designed to implement a modularized functional infrastructure, a disaggregated and service-based network architecture, network function virtualization, network slicing, multi-access edge computing, millimeter wave (mmWave) technologies including massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), licensed and unlicensed spectrum access, non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployments, sidelink and other device-to-device direct communication technologies (for example, cellular vehicle-to- everything (CV2X) communication), multiple-subscriber implementations, high-precision0097-6040PCTpositioning, and / or radio frequency (RF) sensing, among other examples. As the demand for connectivity continues to increase, further improvements in NR may be implemented, and other RATs, such as 6G and beyond, may be introduced to enable new applications and facilitate new use cases.

[0005] Mobile network operators may provide environmentally friendly (“green”) services to users. In some examples, energy -related characteristics may be changed, leading to dynamic adjustments in the delivered communication service (e.g., including service performance adjustments) from the perspective of a wireless communication system (e.g. a 5G system or 6G system). The energy-related characteristics may include energy consumption, energy supply mix, carbon footprint, energy capacity, availability' conditions, or the like.SUMMARY

[0006] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE). The apparatus may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to select, in accordance with the energy- aware steering mode, one or more access netw orks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity'. The apparatus may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the network entity to receive an indication of an energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the netw ork entity to select, in accordance w ith the energy-aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the netw ork entity to selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or dow nlink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the network entity .

[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity. The apparatus may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configmed to cause the netw ork entity to receive an indication of one or more policy and charging control (PCC) rules associated with an energy -aware steering mode. The one or more processors may be0097-6040PCTconfigured to cause the network entity to transmit a first indication of the energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the network entity to transmit a second indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode.

[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication at a first network entity. The apparatus may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the first network entity to receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a UE. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the first network entity to receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a second netw ork entity. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the first network entity to transmit, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access netw ork associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a UE. The method may include receiving an indication of an energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aw are steering mode. The method may include selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the energy -related criteria. The method may include selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.

[0011] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a network entity. The method may include receiving an indication of an energy - aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aw are steering mode. The method may include selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy- related criteria. The method may include selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.0097-6040PCT

[0012] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a network entity. The method may include receiving an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy-aware steering mode. The method may include transmitting a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The method may include transmitting a second indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode.

[0013] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a first netw ork entity’. The method may include receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy' consumption values or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by a UE. The method may include receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by a second net ork entity. The method may include transmitting, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy' type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access netw ork associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0014] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of an energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The apparatus may include means for selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The apparatus may include means for selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the apparatus.

[0015] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The apparatus may include means for selecting, in accordance widi the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The apparatus may include means for selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the apparatus.0097-6040PCT

[0016] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy-aware steering mode. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a second indication of the energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy- related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode.

[0017] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by a UE. The apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy' consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a network entity. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0018] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a UE. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE. may cause the UE to receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of tire UE, may cause the UE to select, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE. may cause the UE to selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

[0019] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a network entity. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network entity, may cause the network entity to receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode. The set of instructions,0097-6040PCTwhen executed by one or more processors of the network entity, may cause the network entity to select, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network entity, may cause the netw ork entity to selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0020] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a first network entity. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the first network entity, may cause the first network entity to receive an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy- aware steering mode. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the first network entity, may cause the first netw ork entity to transmit a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energ -related criteria associated with the energy- aware steering mode. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the first network entity, may cause the first netw ork entity to transmit a second indication of the energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy- aware steering mode.

[0021] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a first network entity. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the first network entity, may cause the first network entity to receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by a UE. The set of instructions, w hen executed by one or more processors of the first network entity, may cause the first network entity to receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by a second network entity. The set of instructions, w hen executed by one or more processors of the first netw ork entity, may cause the first network entity' to transmit, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with dow nlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access netw ork associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the dow nlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy' consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total dow nlink energy' consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy' type consumption.0097-6040PCT

[0022] Aspects of the present disclosure may generally be implemented by or as a method, apparatus, system, computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, user equipment, base station, network node, network entity, wireless communication device, and / or processing system as substantially described with reference to, and as illustrated by, this specification and accompanying drawings.

[0023] The foregoing paragraphs of this section have broadly summarized some aspects of the present disclosure. These and additional aspects and associated advantages will be described hereinafter. The disclosed aspects may be used as a basis for modifying or designing other aspects for carry ing out the same or similar purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent aspects do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of tire aspects disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together w ith associated advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The appended drawings illustrate some aspects of the present disclosure but are not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure because the description may enable other aspects. Each of the drawings is provided for purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. The same or similar reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated network node architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram of an example of a core netw ork, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting (ATSSS) architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-access protocol data unit session in an ATSSS architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a smallest delay steering mode, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with signaling for access network selection in an energy -aware steering mode, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example associated w ith supporting the energy- aware steering mode, in accordance w ith the present disclosure.0097-6040PCT

[0033] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a user equipment (UE) or an apparatus of a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a network entity or an apparatus of a network entity, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a network entity or an apparatus of a network entity’, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a network entity or an apparatus of a netw ork entity, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 13 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 14 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 15 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 16 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms. The present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to any specific aspect illustrated by or described with reference to an accompanying drawing or otherwise presented in this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or in combination with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using various combinations or quantities of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover an apparatus having, or a method that is practiced using, other structures and / or functionalities in addition to or other than the structures and / or functionalities with which various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein may be practiced. Any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0042] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various methods, operations, apparatuses, and techniques. These methods, operations, apparatuses, and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and0097-6040PCTillustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, or algorithms (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using hardware, softw are, or a combination of hardware and software. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or softw are depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0043] Access traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting (ATSSS) may involve steering of access traffic (e.g., an initial selection of access), sw itching of access traffic (e.g., change of access), and / or splitting of access traffic (e.g., traffic aggregation over two accesses). For example, ATSSS may provide support for steering, splitting, and switching traffic between two accesses (e.g., access networks) connected to a core network (e.g., a 5G system, an evolved packet core, or the like). ATSSS may support steering, splitting, and switching traffic betw een a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access and a non-3GPP access. In some other examples, DualStccr technology may enable traffic steering, switching, and splitting over multiple 3GPP accesses. For example, DualSteer may be similar to ATSSS, with one difference being that a session can have tw o 3GPP accesses (e.g., instead of one 3GPP access and one non- 3GPP access).

[0044] In some examples, traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting may consume excessive energy, such as excessive non-renewable energy and / or total energy. For example, an access network may be selected for the traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting that causes excessive energy consumption. Moreover, if an uplink access network (e.g., selected by a user equipment (LIE) to carry uplink network traffic) differs from a downlink access network (e.g., selected by a user plane function (UPF) to carry downlink network traffic), then two different access networks may carry network traffic, which can lead to further excessive energy consumption.

[0045] Various aspects relate generally to extending access netw ork selection logic for traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting to consider energy (e.g., energy requirements). Some aspects more specifically relate to an energ -aw are steering mode in which an access netw ork may be selected for traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting using one or more energy -related metrics (e.g., energy consumption, energy efficiency, an energy supply mix ratio of renew able energy to non-renewable energy, or the like). For example, the access network may be selected to minimize the energy -related metric(s), maintain the energy-related metric(s) below one or more thresholds, optimize the energy’ supply mix ratio (renew able vs. non-renew able energy’ source), maintain the energy’ supply mix ratio above a threshold, or the like. In some examples involving ATSSS, the access network selection may occur betw een a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network. In some examples involving DualSteer, the access network selection may occur betw een tw o 3GPP access networks.

[0046] In some aspects, the UE and the UPF may coordinate such that the same access network is selected to carry both uplink network traffic and downlink network traffic. In some0097-6040PCTexamples, the UE may indicate a selected uplink access network to the UPF. If the selected uplink access network is different than a downlink access network selected by the UPF, then the UPF may instruct the UE to switch to the selected uplink access network or indicate the selected downlink access network to the UE. In some examples, the UPF may indicate a selected downlink access network to the UE. If the selected downlink access netw ork is different than an uplink access network selected by the UE, then the UE may instruct the UPF to switch to the selected downlink access network or indicate the selected uplink access network to the UPF. The UPF and the UE may then exchange network traffic via the same access network.

[0047] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to reduce energy’ consumption. For example, in the energy -aware steering mode, the energy -related metrics may be used to reduce energy consumption in selecting an access netw ork for network traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting. Coordinating the uplink access network and the downlink access network may further help to reduce energy’ consumption by enabling downlink network traffic and uplink network traffic to be carried by the same access network.

[0048] As described above, wireless communication systems may be deployed to provide various services, which may involve carrying or supporting voice, text, other messaging, video, data, and / or other traffic. Some wireless communications systems may employ multiple-access radio access technologies (RATs). The multiple-access RATs may be capable of supporting communication with multiple wireless communication devices by sharing the available system resources (for example, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, and / or device transmit power, among other examples). Examples of such multipleaccess RATs include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0049] Multiple-access RATs are supported by technological advancements that have been adopted in various telecommunication standards, w hich define common protocols that enable wireless communication devices to communicate on a local, municipal, enterprise, national, regional, or global level. For example, 5G New Radio (NR) is part of a continuous mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the 3 GPP. 5G NR may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) access, Internet of Things (loT) netw orks or reduced capability (RedCap) device deployments, ultra-reliable low -latency communication (URLLC) applications, and / or massive machine-type communication (mMTC), among other examples.0097-6040PCT

[0050] To support these and other target verticals, a wireless communication system may be designed to implement a modularized functional infrastructure, a disaggregated and servicebased network architecture, network function virtualization, network slicing, multi-access edge computing, millimeter wave (mmWave) technologies including massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). beamforming. loT device or RedCap device connectivity and management, industrial connectivity, licensed and unlicensed spectrum access, sidelink and other device-to-device direct communication (for example, cellular vehicle-to-everything (CV2X) communication), frequency spectrum expansion, overlapping spectrum use. small cell deployments, non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployments, device aggregation, advanced duplex communication (for example, sub-band full-duplex (SBFD)), multiple-subscriber implementations, high-precision positioning, radio frequency (RF) sensing, network energy savings (NES), low -power signaling and radios, and / or artificial intelligence or machine learning (AI / ML), among other examples.

[0051] The foregoing and other technological improvements may support use cases, such as wireless fronthauls, wireless midhauls, wireless backhauls, wireless data centers, extended reality (XR) and metaverse applications, meta services for supporting vehicle connectivity, holographic and mixed reality communication, autonomous and collaborative robots, vehicle platooning and cooperative maneuvering, sensing netw orks, gesture monitoring, human-brain interfacing, digital twin applications, asset management, and universal coverage applications using non-terrestrial and / or aerial platforms, among other examples.

[0052] As the demand for connectivity continues to increase, further improvements in NR may be implemented, and other RATs. such as 6G and beyond, may be introduced to enable new applications and facilitate new use cases. The methods, operations, apparatuses, and techniques described herein may enable one or more of the foregoing technologies or new technologies and / or support one or more of the foregoing use cases or new use cases.

[0053] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a w ireless communication network 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless communication network 100 may be or may include elements of a 5G (or NR) netw ork or a 6G netw ork, among other examples. The wireless communication netw ork 100 may include multiple network nodes 110. For example, in Fig. 1, the wireless communication netw ork 100 includes a network node (NN) 110a and a netw ork node 110b. The network nodes 110 may support communications with multiple UEs 120. For example, in Fig. 1, the network nodes 110 support communication with a UE 120a, a UE 120b, and a UE 120c. In some examples, a UE 120 may also communicate with other UEs 120 and a network node 110 may communicate with a core network 170 and with other network nodes 110. In some examples, the core network 170 may include at least a UPF 172, a session management function (SMF) 174, and a network entity 176 (e.g.. a central network entity).0097-6040PCT

[0054] The network nodes 110 and the UEs 120 of the wireless communication network 100 may communicate using the electromagnetic spectrum, which may be subdivided by frequency or wavelength into various classes, bands, carriers, and / or channels. For example, devices of the wireless communication network 100 may communicate using one or more operating bands. In some aspects, multiple wireless communication networks 100 may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless communication network 100 may support a particular RAT (which may also be referred to as an air interface) and may operate on one or more carrier frequencies in one or more frequency bands or ranges. In some examples, when multiple RATs are deployed in a given geographic area, each RAT in the geographic area may operate on different frequencies to avoid interference with other RATs. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the wireless communication network 100 may implement dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS). in which multiple RATs are implemented with dy namic bandwidth allocation (for example, based on user demand) in a single frequency band. In some examples, the wireless communication netw ork 100 may support communication over unlicensed spectrum, where access to an unlicensed channel is subject to a channel access mechanism. For example, in a shared or unlicensed frequency band, a transmitting device may perform a channel access procedure, such as a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure, to contend against other devices for chaimel access before transmitting on a shared or unlicensed channel.

[0055] Various operating bands have been defined as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz through 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz through 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz through 24.25 GHz). FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz through 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz through 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz through 300 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz. FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “sub-6 GHz” band in some documents and articles. Similarly, FR2 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in some documents and articles, despite being different than the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz through 300 GHz), which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band. The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies, which include FR3. Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 or FR2 into the mid-band frequencies. Thus, “sub-6 GHz,” if used herein, may broadly refer to frequencies that are less than 6 GHz, that are within FR1, and / or that are included in mid-band frequencies. Similarly, the term “millimeter w ave.” if used herein, may broadly refer to midband frequencies or to frequencies that are within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, FR5, and / or the EHF band. Higher frequency bands may extend 5G NR operation, 6G operation, and / or other RATs bey ond 52.6 GHz.

[0056] A UE 120. a UPF 172, an SMF 174, and / or a network entity 176 may include one or more devices, components, or systems that enable communication with other devices,0097-6040PCTcomponents, or systems of the wireless communication network 100. For example, a UE 120, a UPF 172, an SMF 174, and / or a network entity 176 may each include one or more chips, system-on-chips (SoCs), chipsets, packages, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or comprise a processing system, such as a processing system 140 of the UE 120, a processing system 178 of tire UPF 172, a processing system 180 of the SMF 174, or a processing system 182 of tire network entity 176. A processing system (for example, the processing system 140. the processing system 178. the processing system 180. and / or the processing system 182) includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or multiple processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs) (also referred to as neural network processors or deep learning processors (DLPs)), and / or digital signal processors (DSPs)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry (any one or more of which may be generally referred to herein individually as a “processor” or collectively as “the processor” or “the processor circuitry ”). Such processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. A group of processors collectively configurable or configured to perform a set of functions may include a first processor configurable or configured to perform a first function of the set and a second processor configurable or configured to perform a second function of the set. In some other examples, each of a group of processors may be configurable or configured to perfonn a same set of functions.

[0057] The processing system 140, the processing system 178, the processing system 180, and / or the processing system 182 may include memory circuitry in the form of one or multiple memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements, or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include or implement tangible storage media such as randomaccess memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof (any one or more of which may be generally referred to herein individually as a "memory " or collectively as “the memory” or “the memory circuitry”). One or more of the memories may be coupled (for example, operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, or electrically coupled) with one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code or instructions (such as software) that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be configured to perform various functions or operations described herein without requiring configuration by software. “Software” shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines,0097-6040PCTobjects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. In some examples, a processing system (for example, the processing system 178. the processing system 180. and / or the processing system 182) may belong to a cloud computing platform.

[0058] The processing system 140 may include or be coupled with one or more modems (such as a cellular (for example, a 5G or 6G compliant) modem). In some examples, one or more processors of the processing system 140 include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system 140 may also include or be coupled with multiple radios (collectively “the radio”), multiple RF chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more of multiple antennas. In some examples, one or more processors of the processing system 140 include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains, or transceivers. An RF chain may include one or more filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and / or other devices that convert betw een an analog signal (such as for transmission or reception via an air interface) and a digital signal (such as for processing by the processing system 140 of the UE 120).

[0059] A network node 110 and a UE 120 may each include one or multiple antennas or antenna arrays. Typical network nodes 110 and UEs 120 may include multiple antennas, which may be organized or structured into one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, or one or more antenna arrays, among other examples. As used herein, the term "antenna” can refer to one or more antennas, one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, or one or more antenna arrays. The term “antenna panel” can refer to a group of antennas (such as antenna elements) arranged in an array or panel, which may facilitate beamforming by manipulating parameters associated with the group of antennas. The term "antenna module” may refer to circuitry including one or more antennas as well as one or more other components (such as filters, amplifiers, or processors) associated with integrating the antenna module into a wireless communication device such as the network node 110 and the UE 120.

[0060] A network node 110 may be, may include, or may also be referred to as an NR network node, a 5G network node, a 6G network node, a Node B, a gNB, an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a network entity, a network element, a network equipment, and / or another type of device, component, or system included in a radio access netw ork (RAN). In various deployments, a netw ork node 110 may be implemented as a single physical node (for example, a single physical structure) or may be implemented as two or more physical nodes (for example, two or more distinct physical structures). For example, a network node 110 may be a device or system that implements a part of a radio protocol stack, a device or system that implements a full radio protocol stack (such as a full gNB protocol stack), or a0097-6040PCTcollection of devices or systems that collectively implement the full radio protocol stack. For example, and as shown, a network node lit) may be an aggregated network node having an aggregated architecture, meaning that the network node 110 may implement a full radio protocol stack that is physically and logically integrated within a single physical structure in the wireless communication network 100. For example, an aggregated network node 110 may consist of a single standalone base station or a single TRP that operates with a full radio protocol stack to enable or facilitate communication between a UE 120 and the core network 170 of the wireless communication network 100.

[0061] Alternatively, and as also shown, a network node 110 may be a disaggregated network node (sometimes referred to as a disaggregated base station), having a disaggregated architecture, meaning that the network node 110 may operate with a radio protocol stack that is physically distributed and / or logically distributed among two or more nodes in the same geographic location or in different geographic locations. An example disaggregated network node architecture is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2. In some deployments, disaggregated network nodes 110 may be used in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) (such as a network configuration in compliance with the O-RAN Alliance), or in a virtualized radio access network (vRAN), also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN), to facilitate scaling by separating network functionality into multiple units or modules that can be individually deployed.

[0062] The network nodes 110 of the wireless communication network 100 may include one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs). and one or more radio units (RUs). A CU may host one or more higher layers, such as a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, among other examples. A DU may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and / or one or more higher physical (PHY) layers depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as a functional split defined by the 3GPP. In some examples, a DU also may host a lower PHY layer that is configured to perform functions, such as a fast Fourier transform (FFT), an inverse FFT (IFFT), beamforming, and / or physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, among other examples. An RU may perform RF processing functions or lower PHY layer functions, such as an FFT, an IFFT, beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, among other examples, according to a functional split, such as a lower layer split (LLS). In such an architecture, each RU can be operated to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 120. In some examples, a single network node 110 may include a combination of one or more CUs, one or more DUs, and / or one or more RUs. In some examples, a CU, a DU, and / or an RU may be implemented as a virtual unit, such as a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit0097-6040PCT(VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU). among other examples, which may be implemented as a virtual network function, such as in a cloud deployment.

[0063] Some network nodes 110 (for example, a base station, an RU. or a TRP) may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. The term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of a network node 110 or to a network node 110 itself, depending on the context in which the term is used. A network node 110 may support one or more cells (for example, each cell may support commrmication within an angular (for example, 60 degree) range around the network node). In some examples, a network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (for example, several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with associated service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may also allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with associated service subscriptions. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (for example, a home) and may allow restricted access by UEs 120 having association with the femto cell (for example, UEs 120 in a closed subscriber group (CSG) or closed access group (CAG)). In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary. For example, the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of an associated mobile network node 110 (for example, a train, a bus, a satellite, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or an NTN network node).

[0064] The wireless communication network 100 may be a heterogeneous network that includes network nodes 110 of different types, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, aggregated network nodes, and / or disaggregated network nodes, among other examples. Various different types of network nodes 110 may generally transmit at different power levels, serve different coverage areas (for example, a cell 130a and a cell 130b), using different frequency bands, and / or have different impacts on interference in the wireless communication network 100 than other types of netw ork nodes 1 10.

[0065] The UEs 120 may be physically dispersed throughout the coverage area of the wireless communication netw ork 100. and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. A UE 120 may be, may include, or may also be referred to as an access terminal, a mobile station, or a subscriber unit. A UE 120 may be, include, or be coupled with a cellular phone (for example, a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet, a camera, a netbook, a smartbook. an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, or smart jewelry), a gaming device, air entertainment device (for example, a music device, a video device, or a satellite radio), an XR device, a vehicular component or sensor, a0097-6040PCTsmart meter or sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) device (such as a Global Positioning System device or another type of positioning device), a UE function of a netw ork node, and / or any other suitable device or function that may communicate via a wireless medium.

[0066] Some UEs 120 may be classified according to different categories in association with different complexities and / or different capabilities. UEs 120 in a first category may facilitate massive loT in the wireless communication network 100. and may offer low complexity7and / or cost relative to UEs 120 in a second category. UEs 120 in a second category may include mission-critical loT devices, legacy UEs, baseline UEs, high-tier UEs, advanced UEs, fullcapability7UEs, and / or premium UEs that are capable of URLLC, eMBB, and / or precise positioning in the wireless communication network 100, among other examples. A third category' of UEs 120 may have mid-tier complexity’ and / or capability (for example, a capability' betw een that of the UEs 120 of the first category and that of the UEs 120 of the second capability). A UE 120 of the third category may be referred to as a reduced capability UE (“RedCap UE"), a mid-tier UE, an NR-Light UE, and / or an NR-Lite UE, among other examples. RedCap UEs may bridge a gap between the capability and complexity of NB-IoT devices and / or eMTC UEs, and mission-critical loT devices and / or premium UEs. RedCap UEs may include, for example, wearable devices, loT devices, industrial sensors, or cameras that are associated with a limited bandwidth, power capacity, and / or transmission range, among other examples. RedCap UEs may support healthcare environments, building automation, electrical distribution, process automation, transport and logistics, or smart city deployments, among other examples.

[0067] In some examples, a network node 110 may be, may include, or may operate as an RU, a TRP, or a base station that communicates with one or more UEs 120 via a radio access link (which may be referred to as a “Un” link). The radio access link may include a downlink and an uplink. “Downlink” (or “DL”) refers to a communication direction from a network node 1 10 to a UE 120. and “uplink” (or “UL”) refers to a communication direction from a UE 120 to a network node 110. Downlink and uplink resources may include time domain resources (for example, frames, subframes, slots, and symbols), frequency domain resources (for example, frequency7bands, component carriers (CCs), subcarriers, resource blocks, and resource elements), and spatial domain resources (for example, particular transmit directions or beams).

[0068] Frequency domain resources may be subdivided into bandw idth parts (BWPs). A BWP may be a block of frequency domain resources (for example, a continuous set of resource blocks (RBs) within a full component carrier bandwidth) that may be configured at a UE- specific level. A UE 120 may be configured with both an uplink BWP and a downlink BWP (which may be the same or different). Each BWP may be associated with its own numerology (indicating a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) and cyclic prefix (CP)). A BWP may be dynamically0097-6040PCTconfigured or activated (for example, by a network node 110 transmitting a downlink control information (DCI) configuration to the one or more UEs 120) and / or reconfigured (for example, in real-time or near-real-time) according to changing network conditions in the wireless communication netw ork 100 and / or specific requirements of one or more UEs 120. An active BWP defines the operating bandwidth of the UE 120 within the operating bandwidth of the serving cell. The use of BWPs enables more efficient use of the available frequency domain resources in the wireless communication network 100 because fewer frequency domain resources may be allocated to a BWP for a UE 120 (which may reduce the quantity of frequency domain resources that a UE 120 is required to monitor and reduce UE power consumption by enabling the UE to monitor few er frequency domain resources), leaving more frequency domain resources to be spread across multiple UEs 120. Thus, BWPs may also assist in the implementation of low er-capability (for example, RedCap) UEs 120 by facilitating the configuration of smaller bandw idths for communication by such UEs 120 and / or by facilitating reduced UE power consumption.

[0069] As used herein, a downlink signal may be or include a reference signal, control information, or data. For example, downlink reference signals include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary SS (SSS), an SS block (SSB) (for example, that includes a PSS, an SSS, and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH)), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS). and a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (CSI-RS), among other examples. A downlink signal carrying control information or data may be transmitted via a downlink channel. Downlink channels may include one or more control channels for transmitting control information and one or more data channels for transmitting data. Downlink reference signals may be transmitted in addition to, or multiplexed with, downlink control channel communications and / or downlink data channel communications. A downlink control channel may be specifically used to transmit DCI from a network node 110 to a UE 120. DCI generally contains the information the UE 120 needs to identify RBs in a subsequent subframe and how to decode them, including a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) or redundancy version parameters. Different DCI formats carry different information, such as scheduling information in the form of dow nlink or uplink grants, slot format indicators (SFIs), preemption indicators (Pls), transmit power control (TPC) commands, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, new data indicators (NDIs), among other examples. A downlink data channel may be used to transmit downlink data (for example, user data associated with a UE 120) from a network node 110 to a UE 120. Downlink control channels may include physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs), and downlink data channels may include physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs). Control information or data communications may be transmitted on a PDCCH and PDSCH, respectively. For example, a PDCCH can carry' DCI, while a PDSCH can0097-6040PCTcarry a MAC control element (MAC-CE). an RRC message, or user data, among other examples. Each PDSCH may carry one or more transport blocks (TBs) of data.

[0070] As used herein, an uplink signal may include a reference signal, control information, or data. For example, uplink reference signals include a sounding reference signal (SRS), a PTRS. and a DMRS, among other examples. An uplink signal carrying control information or data may be transmitted via an uplink channel. An uplink channel may include one or more control channels for transmitting control information and one or more data channels for transmitting data. Uplink reference signals may be transmitted in addition to, or multiplexed with, uplink control channel communications and / or uplink data channel communications. An uplink control channel may be specifically used to transmit uplink control information (UCI) from a UE 120 to a network node 110. An uplink data channel may be used to transmit uplink data (for example, user data associated with a UE 120) from a UE 120 to a network node 110. Uplink control channels may include physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs), and uplink data channels may include physical uplink shared channels (PUSCHs). Control information or data communications may be transmitted on a PUCCH and PUSCH, respectively. For example, a PUCCH can carry UCI, while a PUSCH can cany a MAC-CE, an RRC message, or user data, among other examples. UCI can include a scheduling request (SR), HARQ feedback information (for example, a HARQ acknowledgement (ACK) indication or a HARQ negative acknowledgement (NACK) indication), uplink power control information (for example, an uplink TPC parameter), and / or CSI. among other examples. CSI can include a chamiel quality indicator (CQI) (indicative of downlink chaimel conditions to facilitate selection of transmission parameters, such as an MCS. by a network node 110), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI). a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) (for example, indicative of a beam used to transmit a CSI-RS), an SS / PBCH resource block indicator (SSBRI) (for example, indicative of a beam used to transmit an SSB), a layer indicator (LI), a rank indicator (RI), and / or measurement infonnation (for example, a layer 1 (LI)- reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, among other examples) which can be used for beam management, among other examples. Each PUSCH may carry one or more TBs of data.

[0071] The information (for example, data, control information, or reference signal information) transmitted by a netw ork node 110 to a UE 120. or vice versa, may be represented as a sequence of binary bits that are mapped (for example, modulated) to an analog signal waveform (for example, a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) -spread-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform or a CP-OFDM waveform) that is transmitted by the netw ork node 110 or UE 120 over a wireless communication chaimel. In some examples, the network node 110 or the UE 120 (for example, using the processing system 140) may select an MCS (for example, an order of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM),0097-6040PCTsuch as 64-QAM, 128-QAM. or 256-QAM, among other examples) for a downlink signal or an uplink signal. For example, the network node 110 may select an MCS for a downlink signal in accordance with UCI received from the UE 120. The network node 110 may transmit, to the UE 120, an indication of the selected MCS for the downlink signal, such as via DO that schedules the downlink signal. As another example, the network node 110 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, an indication of an MCS to be applied for the one or more uplink signals, such as via DCI scheduling transmission of the one or more uplink signals.

[0072] The network node 110 or the UE 120 (such as by using the processing system 140 and / or one or more coupled modems) may perform signal processing on the information (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, an IFFT operation, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, and / or encoding, among other examples) to generate a processed signal in accordance with the selected MCS. In some examples, the network node 110 or the UE 120 (for example, using the processing system 140 and / or one or more coupled encoders or modems) may perform a channel coding operation or a forward error correction (FEC) operation to control errors in transmitted information. For example, the network node 110 or the UE 120 may perform an encoding operation to generate encoded information (such as by selectively introducing redundancy into the information, typically using an error correction code (ECC), such as a polar code or a low-density parity -check (LDPC) code). The network node 110 or the UE 120 (for example, using the processing system 140 and / or one or more modems) may further perform spatial processing (for example, precoding) on the encoded information to generate one or more processed or precoded signals for downlink or uplink transmission, respectively. In some examples, the network node 110 or the UE 120 may perform codebook-based precoding or non-codebook-based precoding. Codebook-based precoding may involve selecting a precoder (for example, a precoding matrix) using a codebook. For example, the netw ork node 110 may provide precoding information indicating which precoder, defined by the codebook, is to be used by the UE 120. Non-codebook-based precoding may involve selecting or deriving a precoder based on, or otherwise associated with, one or more downlink or uplink signal measurements. The network node 110 or the UE 120 may transmit the processed downlink or uplink signals, respectively, via one or more antennas.

[0073] The network node 110 or the UE 120 may receive uplink signals or downlink signals, respectively, via one or more antennas. The network node 110 or the UE 120 (for example, using the processing system 140 and / or one or more coupled modems) may perform signal processing (for example, in accordance with die MCS) on the received uplink or downlink signals, respectively (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, an FFT operation, demultiplexing, dcintcrlcaving, dc-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, and / or decoding, among other examples), to map the received signal(s) to a sequence of binary bits (for example, received information) that estimates the0097-6040PCTinformation transmitted by the network node 110 or the UE 120 via the downlink or uplink signals. The network node 110 or the UE 120 (for example, using the processing system 140 and / or a coupled decoder or one or more modems) may decode the received information (such as by using an ECC. a decoding operation, and / or an FEC operation) to detect errors and / or correct bit errors in the received information to generate decoded information. The decoded information may estimate the information transmitted via the downlink or uplink signals.

[0074] In some examples, a UE 120 and a network node 110 may perform MIMO communication. “MIMO” generally refers to transmitting or receiving multiple signals (such as multiple layers or multiple data streams) simultaneously over the same time and frequency resources. MIMO techniques generally exploit multipath propagation. A netw ork node 110 and / or UE 120 may communicate using massive MIMO, multi-user MIMO, or single-user MIMO, which may involve rapid switching betw een beams or cells. For example, the amplitudes and / or phases of signals transmitted via antenna elements and / or sub-clcmcnts may be modulated and shifted relative to each other (such as by manipulating a phase shift, a phase offset, and / or an amplitude) to generate one or more beams, which is referred to as beamforming. For example, the network node 110b may generate one or more beams 160a, and the UE 120b may generate one or more beams 160b. The term “beam” may refer to a directional transmission of a wireless signal toward a receiving device or otherw ise in a desired direction, a directional reception of a wireless signal from a transmitting device or otherwise in a desired direction, a direction associated with a directional transmission or directional reception, a set of directional resources associated with a signal transmission or signal reception (for example, an angle of arrival, a horizontal direction, and / or a vertical direction), a set of parameters that indicate one or more aspects of a directional signal, a direction associated with the signal, and / or a set of directional resources associated with the signal, among other examples.

[0075] MIMO may be implemented using various spatial processing or spatial multiplexing operations. In some examples, MIMO may include a massive MIMO technique which may be associated w ith an increased (for example, “massive”) quantity of antennas at the network node 110 and / or at the UE 120, such as in a network implementing mmWave technology. Massive MIMO may improve communication reliability by enabling a netw ork node 110 and / or a UE 120 to communicate the same data across different propagation (or spatial) paths. In some examples, MIMO may support simultaneous transmission to multiple receivers, referred to as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Some RATs may employ MIMO techniques, such as multi- TRP (mTRP) operation (including redundant transmission or reception on multiple TRPs), reciprocity in the time domain or the frequency domain, single-frequency -network (SFN) transmission, or non-coherent joint transmission (NC-JT).0097-6040PCT

[0076] To support MIMO techniques, the network node 110 and the UE 120 may perform one or more beam management operations, such as an initial beam acquisition operation, one or more beam refinement operations, and / or a beam recovery operation. For example, an initial beam acquisition operation may involve the network node 110 transmitting signals (for example, SSBs, CSl-RSs. or other signals) via respective beams (for example, of the beams 160a of the netw ork node 110) and the UE 120 receiving and measuring the signal(s) via respective beams of multiple beams (for example, from the beams 160b of the UE 120) to identify a best beam (or beam pair) for communication between the UE 120 and the network node 110. For example, the UE 120 may transmit an indication (for example, in a message associated with a random access channel (RACH) operation) of a (best) identified beam of the network node 110 (for example, by indicating an SSBRI or other identifier associated with the beam). A beam refinement operation may involve a first device (for example, the UE 120 or die network node 110) transmitting signal(s) via a subset of beams (for example, identified based on, or otherwise associated with, measurements reported as part of one or more other beam management operations). A second device (for example, the network node 110 or the UE 120) may receive the signal(s) via a single beam (for example, to identify the best beam for communication from the subset of beams). The beam(s) may be identified via one or more spatial parameters, such as a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state and / or a quasi colocation (QCL) parameter, among other examples. The network node 110 and the UE 120 may increase reliability and / or achieve efficiencies in throughput, signal strength, and / or other signal properties for massive MIMO operations by performing the beam management operations.

[0077] Some aspects and techniques as described herein may be implemented, at least in part, using an artificial intelligence (Al) program (for example, referred to herein as an “AI / ML model”), such as a program that includes a machine learning (ML) model and / or an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The AI / ML model may be deployed at one or more devices 165 (for example, one or more netw ork nodes 110, one or more UEs 120, a UPF 172, an SMF 174, a network entity 176. and / or one or more servers, and / or one or more components of a cloud computing network, among other examples). For example, in an deployment where AI / ML functionality is performed independently at a device 165. sometimes referred to as “overlay AI / ML”, the AI / ML model (or an instance or portion of the AI / ML model) may be deployed at a UE 120 (for example, at the processing system 140), a network node 110, the UPF 172 (for example, at the processing system 178), the SMF 174 (for example, at the processing system 180), the network entity 176 (for example, at the processing system 182), one or more servers, and / or one or more components of a cloud computing netw ork, among other examples. Additionally or alternatively, in a deployment where AI / ML functionality is coordinated betw een different devices 165, sometimes referred to as “coordinated AI / ML”, or performed at all device and network layers, sometimes referred to as “native AI / ML”, the0097-6040PCTAI / ML model (or an instance of tire AI / ML model) may be deployed at multiple devices 165 (for example, a first portion of the AI / ML model may be deployed at a UE 120 and a second portion of the AI / ML model may be deployed at a network node 110). In other examples of coordinated AI / ML and / or native AI / ML. a first AI / ML model may be deployed at a UE 120 and a second AI / ML model may be deployed at a network node 110. The AI / ML model(s) may be configured to enhance various aspects of the wireless communication netw ork 100 (for example, to increase privacy, reliability, and / or efficient use of network bandwidth, and / or to reduce latency, among other examples). For example, the AI / ML model(s) may be trained to identify patterns or relationships in data corresponding to the w ireless communication network 100. a device, and / or an air interface, among other examples. The AI / ML model(s) may support operational decisions relating to one or more aspects associated with wireless communications devices, networks, or sendees.

[0078] Accordingly , in some examples, the AI / ML model(s) may enable AI-as-a-Sen ice (for example, an end-to-end AI / ML service via a user plane) for use cases such as a self-organizing netw ork (SON), minimization of drive test (MDT), quality of experience (QoE), positioning, sensing, predictive mobility, and / or traffic prediction, among other examples. In some examples, Al-as-a-Service use cases may include measurement collection reporting by a UE 120, device selection criteria (for example, according to a geographical area w here measurements are to be collected and / or UE capabilities to be used to collected measurements), and / or reporting configurations (for example, reporting parameters such as location, time, and / or sensor information, among other examples). Additionally or alternatively, the AI / ML model(s) may enable AI / ML procedures (for example, RAN-triggered service establishment, configuration, inferencing using UE-side and / or network-side models, performance monitoring and / or management, and / or capability signaling, among other examples). Additionally or alternatively, the AI / ML model(s) may enable RAN -based AI / ML services via one or more application program interfaces (APIs) and / or management interfaces for use cases such as beam management, radio resource monitoring (RRM) relaxation, mobility prediction, load prediction, network energy savings, and / or coverage and capacity improvements, among other examples).

[0079] In some aspects, the UE 120 may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may receive an indication of an energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy-aw are steering mode; select, in accordance w ith the energy-aw are steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria; and selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or dow nlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.0097-6040PCT

[0080] In some aspects, a network entity (e.g., the UPF 172) may include a communication manager 188. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 188 may receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode; select, in accordance with the energy- aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria; and selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 188 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0081] In some aspects, a network entity (e.g., the SMF 174) may include a communication manager 190. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 190 may receive an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy -aware steering mode; and transmit a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aw are steering mode; and transmit a second indication of the energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 190 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0082] In some aspects, a first network entity (e.g., the network entity 176) may include a communication manager 192. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 192 may receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE 120; receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a second network entity (e.g.. the UPF 172); and transmit, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access netw ork associated w ith dow nlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated w ith the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the dow nlink netw ork traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total dow nlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 192 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0083] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated network node architecture 200, in accordance with the present disclosure. One or more components of the example disaggregated network node architecture 200 may be, may include, or may be included in one or0097-6040PCTmore network nodes (such as one or more network nodes 110). The disaggregated network node architecture 200 may include a CU 210 that can communicate directly with a core network 220 via a backhaul link, or that can communicate indirectly with the core network 220 via one or more disaggregated control units, such as a non-real-time (Non-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 250 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework 260 and / or a near-real-time (Near-RT) RIC 270 (for example, via an E2 link). The CU 210 may communicate with one or more DUs 230 via respective midhaul links, such as via Fl interfaces. Each of the DUs 230 may communicate with one or more RUs 240 via respective fronthaul links. Each of the RUs 240 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via respective RF access links. In some deployments, a UE 120 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 240.

[0084] Each of the components of the disaggregated netw ork node architecture 200, including the CUs 210, tire DUs 230, the RUs 240, the Near-RT RICs 270, the Non-RT RICs 250, and the SMO Framework 260, may include one or more interfaces or may be coupled w ith one or more interfaces for receiving or transmitting signals, such as data or information, via a wired or w ireless transmission medium.

[0085] In some aspects, the CU 210 may be logically split into one or more CU user plane (CU-UP) units and one or more CU control plane (CU-CP) units. A CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with a CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the El interface when implemented in an O-RAN configuration. The CU 210 may be deployed to communicate with one or more DUs 230, as necessary, for network control and signaling. Each DU 230 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 240. For example, a DU 230 may host various layers, such as an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or one or more PHY layers, such as one or more high PHY layers or one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (which also may be referred to as a module) may be implemented with an interface for communicating signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 230, or for communicating signals with the control functions hosted by the CU 210. Each RU 240 may implement lower layer functionality. In some aspects, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication w ith the RU(s) 240 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 230.

[0086] The SMO Framework 260 may support RAN deployment and provisioning of nonvirtualized and virtualized netw ork elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 260 may support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface, such as an O1 interface. For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 260 may interact with a cloud computing platfomr (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) platform 290) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud0097-6040PCTcomputing platform interface, such as an 02 interface. A virtualized network element may include, but is not limited to, a CU 210. a DU 230, an RU 240. a non-RT R1C 250, and / or a Near-RT RIC 270. In some aspects, the SMO Framework 260 may communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN. a 5GNR RAN, and / or a 6G RAN, such as an open eNB (O- eNB) 280, via an 01 interface. Additionally or alternatively, the SMO Framework 260 may communicate directly with each of one or more RUs 240 via a respective 01 interface. In some deployments, this configuration can enable each DU 230 and the CU 210 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0087] The Non-RT RIC 250 may include or may implement a logical function that enables non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, AI / ML workflows including model training and updates, and / or policy -based guidance of applications and / or features in the Near-RT RIC 270. The Non-RT RIC 250 may be coupled to or may communicate with (such as via an Al interface) the Near-RT RIC 270. The Ncar-RT RIC 270 may include or may implement a logical function that enables near -real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions via an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 210, one or more DUs 230, and / or an O-eNB 280 with the Near-RT RIC 270.

[0088] In some aspects, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 270. the Non-RT RIC 250 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 270 and may be received at the SMO Framework 260 or the Non-RT RIC 250 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 250 or the Near-RT RIC 270 may tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the Non-RT RIC 250 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and may employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions via the SMO Framework 260 (such as reconfiguration via an 01 interface) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as Al interface policies).

[0089] The network node 110, the UE 120, the processing system 140 of the UE 120, the CU 210. the DU 230, the RU 240, or any other component(s) of Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 may implement one or more techniques or perform one or more operations associated with access network selection in an energy-aware steering mode, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the processing system 140 of the UE 120, the processing system 178 of the UPF 172, the processing system 180 of the SMF 174, or the processing system 182 of the network entity 176 may perform or direct operations of, for example, process 900 of Fig. 9, process 1000 of Fig. 10, process 1100 of Fig. 11, process 1200 of Fig. 12, or other processes as described herein (alone or in conjunction with one or more other processors). Memory' of a UE 120 may store data and program code (or instructions) for the UE 120, such as context information. In some examples, the memory of the UE 120, the UPF 172, the SMF 174, or the network entity 1760097-6040PCTmay include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication. For example, the set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors (for example, of the processing system 140, the processing system 178, the processing system 180, or the processing system 182) the UE 120, the UPF 172, the SMF 174. or the network entity 176. may cause the one or more processors to perform process 900 of Fig. 9, process 1000 of Fig. 10, process 1100 of Fig. 11. process 1200 of Fig. 12. or other processes as described herein. In some examples, executing instructions may include running the instructions, converting the instructions, compiling the instructions, and / or interpreting the instructions, among other examples.

[0090] In some aspects, the UE 120 includes means for receiving an indication of an energy- aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode; means for selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the energy -related criteria; and / or means for selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120. The means for the UE 120 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 150, processing system 140, a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, one or more antennas, one or more modems, a reception component (for example, reception component 1302 depicted and described in connection with Fig. 13), and / or a transmission component (for example, transmission component 1304 depicted and described in connection with Fig. 13), among other examples.

[0091] In some aspects, a network entity (e.g., the UPF 172) includes means for receiving an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode; means for selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy- related criteria; and / or means for selectively7communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity. In some aspects, the means for the netw ork entity to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 188, processing system 178, a reception component (for example, reception component 1402 depicted and described in connection w ith Fig. 14). and / or a transmission component (for example, transmission component 1404 depicted and described in connection w ith Fig. 14), among other examples.

[0092] In some aspects, a network entity (e.g., the SMF 174) includes means for receiving an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy-aware steering mode; means for transmitting a first indication of the energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode; and / or means for transmitting a second indication of the energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated0097-6040PCTwith the energy -aware steering mode. In some aspects, the means for the network entity to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 190, processing system 180. a reception component (for example, reception component 1502 depicted and described in connection with Fig. 15), and / or a transmission component (for example, transmission component 1504 depicted and described in connection with Fig. 15). among other examples.

[0093] In some aspects, the first network entity (e.g., the network entity 176) includes means for receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE 120; means for receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy' consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a second network entity (e.g.. the UPF 172); and / or means for transmitting, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy' type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated w ith downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated w ith tire uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a dow nlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption. In some aspects, the means for the first network entity to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 192, processing system 182, a reception component (for example, reception component 1602 depicted and described in connection with Fig. 16). and / or a transmission component (for example, transmission component 1604 depicted and described in connection with Fig. 16), among other examples.

[0094] Fig. 3 is a diagram of an example 300 of a core netw ork 305, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3, example 300 may include a UE 120, network nodes 110. and the core network 305 (e.g.. the core network 170). Devices (e.g., network entities) and / or netw orks of example 300 may7interconnect via w ired connections, w ireless connections, or a combination thereof.

[0095] The UE 120 may include one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and / or providing information, such as information described herein. For example, the UE 120 may include a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone or a radiotelephone, among other examples), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a handheld computer, a gaming device, a wearable communication device (e.g., a smart watch or a pair of0097-6040PCTsmart glasses, among other examples), a mobile hotspot device, a fixed wireless access device, customer premises equipment, an autonomous vehicle, or a similar type of device.

[0096] The network nodes 110 may support, for example, a cellular RAT. The network nodes 110 may include one or more network entities, such as network nodes (e.g., base transceiver stations, radio base stations, node Bs. eNBs, gNBs, base station subsystems, cellular sites, cellular towers, access points, TRPs. radio access nodes, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, picocell base stations, femtocell base stations, RUs. DUs, CUs, or similar types of devices) and / or other network entities that can support wireless communication for the UE 120. The network nodes 110 may transfer traffic between the UE 120 (e.g., using a 3GPP or cellular RAT) on a 3GPP access path (sometimes referred to herein as a 3GPP access (3GPPA)) and the core network 305. The network nodes 110 may provide one or more cells that cover geographic areas. In some aspects, the network nodes 110 may transfer traffic betw een the UE 120 and the core network 305 using a non-3GPP or non-ccllular RAT on a non-3GPP access path (sometimes referred to herein as a non-3GPP access and / or a non-inte grated non-3GPP access (NIN3A)).

[0097] In some aspects, the network nodes 110 may perform scheduling and / or resource management for the UE 120 covered by the network nodes 110 (e.g., the UE 120 covered by a cell provided by the network nodes 110). In some aspects, the network nodes 110 may be controlled or coordinated by a network controller, which may perform load balancing and / or network-level configuration, among other examples. The network controller may communicate with the network nodes 110 via a wireless or wireline backhaul. In some aspects, the network nodes 110 may include a network controller, a self-organizing netw ork (SON) module or component, or a similar module or component. Accordingly, the network nodes 110 may perform network control, scheduling, and / or network management functions (e.g., for uplink, dow nlink, and / or sidelink communications of the UE 120 covered by the wireless communication network 100).

[0098] In some aspects, the core network 305 may include an example functional architecture in which systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented. For example, the core netw ork 305 may include an example architecture of a 5G core (5GC) network included in a 5G wireless telecommunications system. Although the example architecture of the core network 305 show n in Fig. 3 may be an example of a sendee-based architecture, in some aspects, the core network 305 may be implemented as a rcfcrcncc-point architecture and / or a 4G core network, among other examples.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 3, the core network 305 may include a number of functional elements in devices (e.g.. network entities). The functional elements may include, for example, a network slice selection function (NSSF) 310, a network exposure function (NEF) 315, an authentication server function (AUSF) 320, a unified data management (UDM) component 325,0097-6040PCTa policy control function (PCF) 330, an application function (AF) 335, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 340, an SMF 345 (e.g., SMF 174), and / or a UPF 350 (e.g.. UPF 172), among other examples. These functional elements may be communicatively connected via a message bus 355. Each of the functional elements shown in Fig. 3 may be implemented on one or more devices associated with a wireless telecommunications system. In some implementations, one or more of the functional elements may be implemented on physical devices, such as an access point, a base station, and / or a gateway, among other examples. In some implementations, one or more of the functional elements may be implemented on a computing device of a cloud computing environment.

[0100] The NSSF 310 may include one or more devices that select network slice instances for the UE 120. Network slicing is a network architecture model in which logically distinct network slices operate using common netw ork infrastructure. For example, several netw ork slices may operate as isolated end-to-end networks customized to satisfy different target service standards for different types of applications executed, at least in part, by the UE 120 and / or communications to and from the UE 120. Network slicing may efficiently provide communications for different types of services w ith different service standards.

[0101] The NSSF 310 may detennine a set of network slice policies to be applied at the wireless communication network 100. By providing network slicing, the NSSF 310 allows an operator to deploy multiple substantially independent end-to-end networks potentially with the same infrastructure. In some implementations, each slice may be customized for different services.

[0102] The NEF 315 may include one or more devices that support exposure of capabilities and / or events in the wireless telecommunications system to help other entities in the wireless telecommunications system discover network services. The AUSF 320 may include one or more devices that act as an authentication serv er and support the process of authenticating the UE 120 in the wireless telecommunications system.

[0103] The UDM 325 may include one or more devices that store user data and profiles in the wireless telecommunications system. In some aspects, the UDM 325 may be used for fixed access and / or mobile access, among other examples, in the core network 305.

[0104] The PCF 330 may include one or more devices that provide a policy framework that incorporates network slicing, roaming, packet processing, and / or mobility management, among other examples. In some aspects, the PCF 330 may generate one or more rules that can be used by the NSSF 310 to select network slice instances for the UE 120. For example, the PCF 330 may store the rules in a unified data repository (UDR). and the NSSF 310 obtains those rules from the UDR.0097-6040PCT

[0105] The AF 335 may include one or more devices that support application influence on traffic routing, access to the NEF 315, and / or policy control, among other examples. The AMF 340 may include one or more devices that act as a termination point for non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and / or mobility management, among other examples. In some aspects, the AMF 340 may request that the NSSF 310 select network slice instances for the UE 120.

[0106] The SMF 345 may include one or more devices that support the establishment, modification, and release of communication sessions in the wireless telecommunications system. For example, the SMF 345 may configure traffic steering policies at the UPF 350 and / or enforce UE internet protocol (IP) address allocation and policies, among other examples.

[0107] The UPF 350 may include one or more devices that serve as an anchor point for intra- RAT and / or inter-RAT mobility. In some aspects, the UPF 350 may apply rules to packets, such as rules pertaining to packet routing, traffic reporting, and / or handling user plane quality of service (QoS), among other examples.

[0108] The message bus 355 may be a logical and / or physical communication structure for communication among the functional elements. Accordingly, the message bus 355 may permit communication between two or more functional elements, whether logically (e.g., using one or more application programming interfaces (APIs), among other examples) and / or physically (e.g., using one or more wired and / or wireless connections).

[0109] The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in Fig. 3 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices and / or networks, fewer devices and / or networks, different devices and / or netw orks, or differently arranged devices and / or netw orks than those shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, two or more devices shown in Fig. 3 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in Fig. 3 may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of example 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of example environment 300.

[0110] As indicated above, Fig. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 3.

[0111] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of an ATSSS architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0112] The ATSSS architecture may integrate a 3GPP access 410 (e.g., a 5G NR cellular access) with a non-3GPP access 420 (e.g.. an internet protocol (IP) network (e.g., a Wi-Fi and / or IP access), wireline access, or the like) to allow traffic steering, sw itching, or splitting across multiple accesses at a finer granularity than a protocol data unit (PDU) session. For example, as described in connection with Fig. 5, the ATSSS architecture may support a multiaccess (MA) PDU session (sometimes referred to herein more generally as a multiple access0097-6040PCTsession and / or a multi-access session), which may include downlink and / or uplink traffic that is served over one or more concurrent accesses (e.g.. the 3GPP access, a trusted non-3GPP access, and / or an untrusted non-3GPP access). For example, in order to improve end user experience, the MA PDU session may be configured for steering such that traffic associated with the MA PDU session is served over either the 3GPP access or the non-3GPP access (e.g.. to select the best network), for switching such that traffic associated with the MA PDU session is moved from the 3GPP access to the non-3GPP access or vice versa (e.g., to enable seamless handover), and / or for switching such that traffic associated with the MA PDU session is served concurrently over the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access (e.g., to enable network aggregation). In some examples, the ATSSS architecture (e.g., the MA PDU session) may temporarily permit, in addition to a 3GPP access, tw o non-3GPP accesses, which may improve switching.

[0113] Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 4, the ATSSS architecture may enable a UE 120 to use the 3GPP access (e.g., via a home public land mobile network (HPLMN)) and / or the non-3GPP access (e.g., via one or more non-3GPP networks) to access a data network 430 via one or more devices in a 5G core network. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, an AMF 340 may communicate with a UE 120 over an N1 interface and may control one or more access paths w ith signaling over an N2 interface. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the 3GPP access 410 and the non-3GPP access 420 each have an N3 interface to enable communication with a UPF 350 in the 5G core network, the 3GPP access 410 and the non-3GPP access 420 both provide transparent N 1 interfaces from the UE 120 to the AMF 340 (e.g., to transfer UE information related to connection, mobility, and sessions in a manner that is transparent to the 3GPP access 410 and / or the non-3GPP access 420). and the 3GPP access 410 and the non-3GPP access 420 each have an N2 interface that connects one or more netw ork nodes to the AMF 340 (e.g., to transfer control plane signaling between the AMF 340 and the 3 GPP access 410 and / or the non-3GPP access 420). Furthermore, as shown, the ATSSS architecture includes an SMF 345 that may communicate with the UPF 350 over an N4 interface, an N6 interface to enable communication between the UPF 350 and the data network 430, and an Ni l interface to enable communication between the AMF 340 and the SMF 345. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may communicate with each other based at least in part on one or more QoS policies or rules.

[0114] As shown, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may include various steering functionalities. For example, the UE 120 may include a multipath transmission control protocol (MPTCP) functionality and the UPF 350 may include a corresponding MPTCP proxy’ functionality. The MPTCP functionality and MPTCP proxy’ functionality may enable a transmission control protocol (TCP) connection to use multiple paths. Additionally , or alternatively, die UE 120 may include a multipath quick user datagram protocol (UDP) Internet connections (MPQUIC) functionality and the UPF 350 may include a corresponding MPQUIC proxy’ functionality. The0097-6040PCTMPQUIC functionality and MPQUIC proxy functionality may enable a quick UDP Internet connections (QU1C) connection to use multiple paths. MPTCP and MPQUIC may both operate at one or more upper layers (e.g.. layer 4). In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may each include ATSSS lower layer (ATSSS-LL) functionality, which operates at one or more lower layers (e.g., layer 2). In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may each include a performance measurement function (PMF), which may enable the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 to measure round trip time (RTT) and / or packet loss rate (PLR), as discussed in greater detail below in connection with Fig. 6.

[0115] The UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate in one of multiple possible steering modes. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate in an active standby steering mode, in which one of the accesses supports a primary link and the other access supports a standby link. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate in a smallest delay steering mode, which is discussed in greater detail below in coimcction with Fig. 6. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate in a load-balancing steering mode, in which traffic may be load-balanced between tire two accesses. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate in a priority -based steering mode, in which one of the accesses is prioritized over the other access. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate in a redundant steering mode. For one or more of the steering modes, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be configured by the SMF 345 with a RTT threshold and / or a PLR threshold.

[0116] As indicated above, Fig. 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 4.

[0117] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example 500 of an MA PDU session in an ATSSS architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure. The ATSSS architecture may generally enable an MA PDU connectivity service that can be used to exchange one or more PDUs between a data network (e.g., which may include the server 510) and an application 520 (e.g., an application client) running on a UE 120 using a 3GPP access 410 and an integrated non-3GPP access 420. Two independent N3 / N9 tunnels may be established between a UPF PDU session anchor (PSA) 530 and the respective accesses 410 and 420. A non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) entity 540 may manage non-3GPP access to the core network (e.g., to the UPF 350).

[0118] In some examples, the MA PDU connectivity service may be realized by establishing an MA PDU session that have user plane resources on two access networks. For example, in some aspects, the UE 120 may request an MA PDU session when the UE 120 is registered via both tire 3GPP access 410 and the non-3GPP access 420, or when the UE 120 is registered via only one access. After the MA PDU session is established, and when there are user plane resources on both the 3GPP access 410 and the non-3GPP access 420, the UE 120 may apply a network-provided policy (e.g., ATSSS rules) and / or consider local conditions (e.g., network interface availability, signal qualities, packet loss conditions, user preferences, or the like) to0097-6040PCTdecide how to distribute uplink traffic across the two access networks. Similarly, the UPF PSA 530 may apply a network-provided policy (e.g., N4 interface rules) and / or feedback information received from the UE 120 via the user plane (e.g.. access network unavailability or availability) to decide how to distribute downlink traffic across the two independent N3 / N9 tunnels and the two access networks. When there are user plane resources on only one access network, the UE 120 may apply the ATSSS rules and consider local conditions to trigger the establishment or activation of the user plane resources over another access.

[0119] As indicated above, Fig. 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 5.

[0120] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example 600 of a smallest delay steering mode, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0121] In the smallest delay steering mode, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may estimate the RTT experienced by a service data flow (SDF) when traffic of the SDF is transmitted on a given access type. The UE 120 and the UPF 350 may estimate the RTT by perfonning access performance measurements. For example, the PMFs of the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may perform the access performance measurements. In some examples, upon establishment of an MA PDU Session, the network may provide the UE 120 with measurement assistance information that assists the UE 120 in determining which measurements (e.g.. access performance measurements) are to be performed over both accesses and / or whether measurement reports are to be sent to the network. Based on the measurements. ATSSS rules provisioned at the UE 120, and / or multiple access rales (MAR) provisioned at the UPF, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may decide over which access to send the traffic of the SDF.

[0122] In example 600, the UE 120 performs an RTT measurement. As shown by reference number 610, the PMF of the UE 120 may transmit, and the PMF of the UPF 350 may receive, a PMF echo request. As shown by reference number 620, the PMF of the UPF 350 may transmit, and the PMF of the UE 120 may receive, a PMF echo response. The RTT measured by the UE 120 (RTTUE) may equal a sum of a UE-to-UPF, or uplink, delay (e.g., a length of time for the PMF echo request to propagate from the UE 120 to the UPF 350) and a UPF-to-UE, or dow nlink, delay (e.g., a length of time for the PMF echo response to propagate from the UPF 350 to the UE 120).

[0123] In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may conduct PMF-based RTT measurements independently (e.g., the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may not report measurements to each other). Accordingly, the PMF of the UPF 350 may transmit, and the PMF of the UE 120 may receive, a PMF echo request, and the PMF of the UE 120 may transmit, and the PMF of the UPF 350 may receive, a PMF echo response. The RTT measured by the UPF 350 (RTTUPF) may equal a sum of a UPF-to-UE delay (e.g., a length of time for the PMF echo request to0097-6040PCTpropagate from the UE 120 to the UPF 350) and a UE-to-UPF delay (e.g.. a length of time for the PMF echo response to propagate from the UPF 350 to the UE 120). In some examples, the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 may derive an estimation of an average RTT over an access type for a QoS flow by averaging RTT measurements obtained over the access type for the QoS flow.

[0124] Assuming that there are no changes during the time window when the measurements occur, the UE-to-UPF delay and the UPF-to-UE delay measured by the UE 120. and tire UE-to- UPF delay and the UPF-to-UE delay measured by the UPF 350, are expected to be the same or similar. Thus, the independent RTT measurements made at the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be the same or similar. The measured RTT(s) may be used for decision-making, such as for selecting a downlink path and an uplink path; however, the uplink and downlink delays may not necessarily be symmetrical.

[0125] In some examples, a PMF echo request and / or a PMF echo response may be user plane messages. If a user plane connection of the MA PDU is deactivated on an access, then no PMF echo request may be sent on the access. Moreover, the PMF of the UPF 350 may not transmit a PMF echo request on the access if the user plane connection is not available or if the UPF 350 receives a notification (e.g., from the SMF 345, such as a home SMF (H-SMF)) to stop transmitting PMF echo requests on the access.

[0126] As indicated above, Fig. 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 6.

[0127] In some examples, network traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting may consume excessive energy, such as a total energy or an energy type (e.g.. non-renewable energy). For example, an access network may be selected for the network traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting that causes excessive energy consumption. Moreover, if an uplink access network (e.g., selected by the UE 120 to carry uplink network traffic) differs from a downlink access network (e.g., selected by the UPF 350 to carry downlink network traffic), then two access networks may carry network traffic, which can further consume excessive energy (e.g., a total energy or an energy ty pe, such as non-renewable energy ).

[0128] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example 700 associated with signaling for access network selection in an energy -aware steering mode, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 7, a UE 120, an access network 710, an access network 720, network entities (e.g., the PCF 330. the AMF 340. the SMF 345, and the UPF 350), and the data network 430 may communicate with one another.

[0129] In some aspects, one or more of the access network 710 or the access network 720 may include at least one a 3GPP access network and at least one a non-3GPP access network (e.g., one of the access network 710 and the access network 720 may be the 3GPP access0097-6040PCTnetwork, and another one of the access network 710 and the access network 720 may be the non-3GPP access network). The 3GPP access network may be a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) access network, an NR access network, a 6G access network, or the like, and the non-3GPP access network may be a w ired access network, a Wi-Fi access network, a satellite access network, or the like. In some examples, the 3GPP access network may be an LTE access network, and the non-3GPP access network may be a Wi-Fi access network. In some examples, the 3GPP access network may be an NR access network, and the non-3GPP access network may be a wired access netw ork. In some aspects, one or more of the access netw ork 710 or the access network 720 may include a plurality of 3GPP access networks (e.g., both the access network 710 and the access network 720 may be 3GPP access networks). In some examples, a first 3GPP access network may be an LTE access network, and a second 3GPP access network may be an NR access network. In some examples, the first 3GPP access network may be an NR FR1 access network, the second 3GPP access netw ork may be an NR F2 access netw ork. In some examples, the first 3GPP access netw ork may be an NR terrestrial access network, die second 3 GPP access netw ork may be an NR non-terrestrial access network. The access netw ork 710 and / or the access network 720 may be accessed using ATSSS, DualSteer, or the like. In some examples, one or more of the access network 710 and the access network 720 may include multiple network nodes (e.g., in multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as a master node (MN) and a secondaty node (SN) serving the UE 120 using respective RATs or bands (e.g., FR1, FR2. or tire like)). For example, the UE 120 may communicate with the MN and / or the SN via a master cell group (MCG) bearer, a secondary cell group (SCG) bearer, and / or a split bearer (e.g., using NR PDCP). Additionally, or alternatively, MR-DC may be supported via evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) NR dual connectivity (EN-DC), in which the UE 120 may be connected to one eNB that acts as the MN and one en-gNB that acts as the SN.

[0130] As shown by reference number 730, the PCF 330 may transmit, and the SMF 345 may receive, an indication of one or more policy and charging control (PCC) rules associated with an energy-aware steering mode. The energy -aware steering mode may be a steering mode in which the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may operate that is based at least in part on an energy consumption of the UE 120, the UPF 350, and / or one or more other network entities. For example, in the energy-aware steering mode, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may perform network traffic steering, sw itching, and / or splitting based at least in part on the energy consumption. The PCC rules may be associated with the energy-aware steering mode in drat the PCC rules may define how7the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 are to behave in the energy -aware steering mode. In some examples, the PCF 330 may transmit, and the SMF 345 may receive, the indication of one or more PCC rules as part of a registration procedure, a PDU session establishment procedure, or one or more policy update procedures. The SMF 345 use the PCC0097-6040PCTrules associated with the energy -aware steering mode to identify a QoS flow binding (e.g.. whether an SDF can be combined with other SDFs in the same QoS flow). For example, the SMF 345 may decide that an SDF that requires energy -aware steering mode should not be combined with SDFs without the energy-aware steering mode.

[0131] As shown by reference number 740, the SMF 345 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, a first indication of the energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. In some examples, the SMF 345 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, the first indication as part of a PDU session establishment procedure or a PDU session modification procedure. The first indication may indicate the energy -aware steering mode by setting a steering mode to “energy -aware.-’ For example, the first indication may indicate that the steering mode is energy -aware via one or more rules that define how the UE 120 is to behave in the energy-aware steering mode. For example, the one or more rules may include one or more ATSSS rules or one or more DualStccr rules (e.g., extended ATSSS rule(s) or extended DualSteer rule(s)). For example, the energy- aware steering mode may use energy -aware ATSSS or energy -aware DualSteer techniques. In some examples, the SMF 345 may generate the one or more rules based at least in part on the one or more PCC rules. The one or more energy-related criteria may include one or more criteria that the UE 120 is to use to identify one or more operations that the UE 120 is to perform in the energy -aware steering mode. For example, the one or more energy -related criteria may control how the UE 120 is to perform network traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting based at least in part on the energy consumption of the UE 120, the UPF 350. and / or one or more other network entities. For example, the one or more energy -related criteria may be part of a policy that determines how and / or when the UE 120 is to apply energy requirements to select an access network.

[0132] In some aspects, the first indication may further include a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic. The request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic may indicate that the UE 120 is to transmit uplink network traffic and receive downlink network traffic over the same access network. Thus, the coordination may be a coordination between an uplink access network and a dow nlink access network. For example, the first indication may indicate that the uplink access network and the downlink access network are to be the same access network. In some examples, the coordination may involve the UE 120 coordinating with the UPF 350 to ensure that both the UE 120 and the UPF 350 are communicating the uplink network traffic and the downlink network traffic over the same access network.

[0133] In some aspects, the first indication may further include a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. For example, the access networks selected by the UPF 350 may take precedence over the access networks selected by the UE 120. For0097-6040PCTexample, an access network selected by the UPF 350 may have a higher priority than an access network selected by the LIE 120 such that, if the UE 120 and the UPF 350 select different access networks, then the access network selected by the UPF 350 is to carry the network traffic.

[0134] In some aspects, the first indication may further include a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by the UE 120. For example, the access networks selected by the UE 120 may take precedence over the access networks selected by the UPF 350. For example, an access network selected by the UE 120 may have a higher priority than an access network selected by the UPF 350 such that, if the UE 120 and the UPF 350 select different access networks, then the access network selected by the UE 120 is to carry' the network traffic.

[0135] As shown by reference number 7 0, the SMF 345 may transmit, and the UPF 3 0 may receive, a second indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy - related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. In some examples, the SMF 345 may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, the second indication as part of the PDU session establishment procedure or the PDU session modification procedure. The second indication may indicate the energy-aware steering mode by setting a steering mode to “energy- aware.” For example, the second indication may indicate that the steering mode is energy - aware via one or more rules that define how the UPF 350 is to behave in the energy-aware steering mode. For example, the one or more rules may include one or more ATSSS rules, one or more DualSteer rules, or one or more multiple-access rules (MARs) (e.g., extended ATSSS rule(s), extended DualSteer rule(s), or extended MAR(s)). The MARs may be referred to as N4 rules because the MARs are carried from the SMF 345 to the UPF 350 via the N4 interface. In some examples, the SMF 345 may generate the one or more rules based at least in part on the one or more PCC rules. The one or more energy -related criteria may include one or more criteria that the UPF 350 is to use to identify one or more operations that the UPF 350 is to perform in the energy -aware steering mode. For example, the one or more energy -related criteria may control how the UPF 350 is to perform network traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting based at least in part on the energy consumption of the UE 120. the UPF 350, and / or one or more other network entities. For example, the one or more energy -related criteria may be part of a policy that determines how and / or when the UPF 350 is to apply' energy requirements to select an access network. In some examples, the second indication may indicate the same one or more energy -related criteria (e.g., the same logic associated with the one or more energy- related criteria) as the first indication indicated. For example, the one or more energy-related criteria requested in the first indication transmitted to the UE 120 (e.g., for the uplink) may also be requested in the second indication transmitted to the UPF 350 (e.g., for the downlink).

[0136] In some aspects, die second indication may further include a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic. The request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic may indicate0097-6040PCTthat the UPF 350 is to receive uplink network traffic and transmit downlink network traffic over the same access network. Thus, the coordination may be a coordination between an uplink access network and a downlink access network. For example, the second indication may indicate that the uplink access network and the downlink access network are to be the same access network. In some examples, the coordination may involve the UPF 350 coordinating with the UE 120 to ensure that both the UPF 350 and the UE 120 are communicating the uplink network traffic and the downlink network traffic over the same access network.

[0137] In some aspects, the second indication may further include a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. For example, the access networks selected by the UPF 350 may take precedence over the access networks selected by the UE 120. For example, an access network selected by the UPF 350 may have a higher priority than an access netw ork selected by the UE 120 such that, if the UE 120 and the UPF 350 select different access netw orks, then the access network selected by the UPF 350 is to carry the netw ork traffic.

[0138] In some aspects, the second indication may further include a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by the UE 120. For example, the access networks selected by the UE 120 may take precedence over the access networks selected by the UPF 350. For example, an access network selected by the UE 120 may have a higher priority than an access network selected by the UPF 350 such that, if the UE 120 and the UPF 3 0 select different access networks, then the access network selected by the UE 120 is to carry the network traffic.

[0139] In some aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria may include one or more total energy consumption criteria. The total energy consumption criteria may relate to an energy consumption that is aggregated over multiple energy source types (e.g., renewable and nonrenewable). The energy may be consumed in the UE 120, in the network, or both.

[0140] In some aspects, the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy. For example, the first and second indications may indicate that the UE 120 and the UPF 350 are to select an access network such that the total energy consumption (e.g., aggregated over multiple energy types) is minimized. For example, the first and second indications may include a “criteria” component that is set to “minimize energy' consumption.”

[0141] In some aspects, the one or more total energy' consumption criteria may include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy consumption. The total energy consumption threshold may be associated with the total energy consumption in that the total energy consumption may be compared to the total energy consumption threshold (e.g., to determine whether the total energy consumption is less than, equal to, or greater than the total energy consumption threshold). For example, the first and second indications may indicate that the UE 120 and the UPF 350 are to select an access network such that the total energy0097-6040PCTconsumption (e.g., aggregated over multiple energy types) remains below the total energy consumption threshold. For example, the first and second indications may include an indication of the total energy consumption threshold (e.g., a target threshold).

[0142] In some aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria. The energy type consumption criteria may relate to an energy consumption of a single energy source type (e.g., renewable or non-renewable). For example, the energy type consumption criteria may represent a permissible amount of consumption of non-renewable energy and / or a supply mix of non-renewable energy and renewable energy. The energy type consumption criteria may be included in the first indication and / or the second indication. The UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 may identify energy supply mixes of respective access networks (e.g., amounts of non-renewable energy consumption associated with die respective access networks). In some examples, the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 may receive an indication via non-access stratum (NAS) or access stratum (AS) signaling, or the UPF 350 may be configured with energy supply mixes of respective access networks or respective groups of access networks or access nodes.

[0143] In some aspects, the one or more energy type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type. For example, the first and second indications may indicate that the UE 120 and the UPF 350 are to select an access network such that non- renewable energy consumption is minimized. For example, the first and second indications may include a “criteria” component that is set to “minimize non-renewable energy consumption.”

[0144] In some aspects, the one or more energy type consumption criteria may include an energy type consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption. The energy type consumption threshold may be associated with the energy type consumption in that the energy type consumption may be compared to the energy type consumption threshold (e.g., to determine whether the energy type consumption is less than, equal to, or greater than the energy type consumption threshold). For example, the first and second indications may indicate that the UE 120 and the UPF 350 are to select an access network such that the non-renewable energy consumption remains below the energy type consumption threshold. Additionally, or alternatively, the first and second indications may indicate that the UE 120 and the UPF 350 are to select an access network such that the non-renewable energy consumption percentage (e.g., out of the total energy consumption) remains below the energy' type consumption threshold.

[0145] In some examples, the one or more energy consumption criteria may include one or more of an energy consumption criterion and an energy' type consumption criterion. For example, the minimization of a consumption of total energy and the minimization of a consumption of an energy type may be applied for traffic steering / switching. Additionally, or alternatively, the total energy consumption threshold and the energy type consumption threshold may be applied for traffic steering.0097-6040PCT

[0146] As shown by reference number 753, the UE 120 may select, in accordance with the energy-aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. For example, the UE 120 may select a first access network (e.g., one of the access network 710 or the second access network 720) using the one or more energy- related criteria. For example, the UE 120 may determine that the first access network complies with a minimization of a consumption of total energy, total energy consumption threshold, a minimization of a consumption of an energy type, an energy type consumption threshold, and / or the like. In some examples, the first access network may be referred to as an “uplink access network” because the first access network was selected by the UE 120, which transmits uplink traffic.

[0147] As shown by reference number 757, the UPF 350 may select, in accordance with the energy-aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. For example, the UPF 350 may select a second access network (e.g., one of the access network 710 or the second access network 720) using the one or more energy -related criteria. For example, the UPF 350 may determine that the second access network complies with a minimization of a consumption of total energy, total energy' consumption threshold, a minimization of a consumption of an energy type, an energy type consumption threshold, and / or the like. In some examples, the second access network may be referred to as a “downlink access network” because the second access network was selected by the UPF 350, which transmits downlink traffic.

[0148] As shown by reference number 760, the UE 120 may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access network selection, an indication of the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120. For example, the UE 120 may coordinate with the UPF 350 by indicating the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120 (e.g., the first access network(s)). In some examples, upon receiving the indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE 120, the UPF 350 may identify whether the UE 120 selected the same access network as the UPF 350 (e.g., whether the first access network(s) and the second access network(s) are the same).

[0149] As shown by reference number 770, the UPF 350 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, an indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the UPF 350. For example, the UPF 350 may transmit the indication of the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350 (e g., the second access network(s)) in response to identifying that the UE 120 selected a different access network than the UPF 350 selected, and that the second indication included the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. In some examples, the indication of the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350 may be included in a follow-up coordination message that contains a request to switch to, select, or change to the second access network (e.g., indication of the one or more access netw orks0097-6040PCTselected by the UPF 350 may help to coordinate the UE 120 and the UPF 350). The UE 120 may, based at least in part on the indication of the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350, switch the uplink access network to that selected by the UPF 350 for the downlink (e.g., switch from the first access network(s) to the second access network(s)). Alternatively, if the UPF 350 identifies that the UE 120 selected the same access network as the UPF 350. or that the second indication did not include the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350, then the UPF 350 may refrain from transmitting the indication of the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. If the second indication included the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120, then the UPF 350 may sw itch the downlink access network to that selected by the UE 120 for the uplink (e.g., switch from the second access network(s) to the first access network ('s)j.

[0150] As shown by reference number 780. the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE 120 or the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. In some examples, the UE 120 may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, the uplink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE 120 or the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. hr some examples, the UPF 350 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120 or the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350.

[0151] In some aspects, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may communicate, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350. For example, if the first and / or second indication included the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350, then the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be coordinated over the one or more access networks selected by the UPF 350 (e.g., the second access network(s)).

[0152] In some aspects, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may communicate, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE 120, the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120. For example, if the first and / or second indication included the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120, then the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be coordinated over the one or more access networks selected by the UE 120 (e.g., the first access network(s)).

[0153] As indicated above, Fig. 7 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 7.0097-6040PCT

[0154] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example 800 associated with supporting the energy- aware steering mode, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 8, a UE 120, an access network 810 (e.g., a RAN), and the UPF 350 may communicate with one another.

[0155] Each of the UE 120, the access network 810. and the UPF 350 may include one or more transmit components (“TX”) and receive components (“RX”) that enable netw ork traffic transmission or reception, respectively. For example, as shown by reference number 820, a transmit component of the UE 120 may transmit, and an uplink receive component of the access network 810 may receive, uplink network traffic. As shown by reference number 830, an uplink transmit component of the access netw ork 810 may transmit, and a receive component of the UPF 350 may receive, the uplink network traffic. As shown by reference number 840, a transmit component of the UPF 350 may transmit, and a downlink receive component of the access network 810 may receive, downlink network traffic. As shown by reference number 850, a dow nlink transmit component of the access network 810 may transmit, and a receive component of the UE 120 may receive, the downlink network traffic.

[0156] Each of the transmit and receive components may consume energy to transmit or receive netw ork traffic. For example, an uplink communication energy consumption may be characterized as a sum of an energy consumption of the transmit component of the UE 120 (TX ue), an energy consumption of the uplink receive component of the access network 810 (RX ran ul), an energy consumption of the uplink transmit component of the access network 810 (TX ran ul), and an energy consumption of the receive component of the UPF 350 (RX upf). Additionally, or alternatively, a downlink communication energy consumption may be characterized as a sum of an energy consumption of the transmit component of the UPF 350 (TX upf), an energy consumption of the downlink receive component of the access network 810 (RX ran dl), an energy consumption of the downlink transmit component of the access network 810 (TX ran dl), and an energy consumption of the receive component of the UE 120 (RX ue). In various aspects, the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 may, in the energy -aware steering mode, select an access network for traffic steering, splitting, and / or switching based at least in part on the energy consumption of one or more of the transmit or receive components shown in Fig. 8.

[0157] In some aspects, die UE 120 may select the one or more access netw orks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE 120 or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE 120, and the UPF 350 may select the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UPF 350or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UPF 350. For example, the UE 120 may measure energy consumption locally (e.g., at the UE 120) to identify one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values at the UE 120, and the UPF 350 may measure energy0097-6040PCTconsumption locally (e.g., at the UPF 350) to identify one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values at the UPF 350. A total energy consumption value may be a total energy consumption value (e.g.. aggregated over multiple energy types), and an energy type consumption value may be an energy consumption for an energy type (e.g.. renewable energy consumption or non -renewable energy consumption). In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may refrain from exchanging measured total energy consumption values or energy type consumption values (e.g., UE 120 may not transmit an indication of a power contribution of the UE 120 to the network, and the UPF 350 may not transmit an indication of a power contribution of the UPF 350 to the UE 120). Thus, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be aware of energy consumption measurements at only the UE 120 and the network-side, respectively. In some examples, the UE 120 may select an uplink access network using local measurements, and the UPF 350 may select a downlink access network using local measurements and / or power consumption measurements for the access network 810. For example, the UPF 350 may receive one or more measured total energy consumption values or energy’ ty pe consumption values for the access network 810 (e.g., a RAN energy’ contribution) from the access netw ork 810 or from an operations, administration, and management (OAM) server, which may allow the UPF 350 to derive a total netw ork-side energy’ contribution. The UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select an access network based at least in part on a sum of the downlink energy contribution and the uplink energy contribution. For example, the UE 120 may select an access network based at least in part on both TX and RX power consumption (RX ue + TX ue), and the UPF 350 may select an access network based at least in part on TX upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 120 may consider only transmit power consumption (e.g., TX ue). In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select respective access networks by minimizing a consumption of total energy, optimizing a consumption of an energy type (e.g., a non-renewable energy consumption) or an energy supply mix, or both, as discussed above with respect to Fig. 7. In some examples, because the measurements made at the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may differ, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select different access networks, resulting in mismatched access selection for the downlink and uplink and / or between two different access networks. Therefore, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may perform coordination operations discussed above in connection with reference numbers 760 and 770.

[0158] In some aspects, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select the one or more access networks further based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy ty pe consumption values. For example, the UE 120 may measure energy’ consumption or energy’ type consumption at the UE 120 (e.g., one or more energy' consumption values measured by the UE 120 or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by the UE 120) and model energy' consumption at the netw ork, and the UPF0097-6040PCT350 may measure energy consumption or energy type consumption at the UPF 350 (e.g.. one or more energy consumption values measured by the UPF 350 or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UPF 350) and model energy consumption at the UE 120. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may refrain from exchanging measured energy consumption values or measured energy type consumption values (e.g., UE 120 may not transmit an indication of a power contribution of the UE 120 to the UPF 350, and the UPF 350 may not transmit an indication of a power contribution of the UPF 350 to the UE 120). Thus, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be aware of energy consumption or energy type consumption measurements at only the UE 120 and the network-side, respectively. The UE 120 and the UPF 350 may derive, using energy models, energy consumption or energy? type consumption at the network-side and the UE 120, respectively. The energy models that are used to model the energy consumption or energy type consumption may be associated with a given candidate access (e.g., an access network). The energy? models may? be AI / ML models for network and / or UE energy? consumption or energy? type consumption. The UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 may receive the AI / ML models, or indications thereof, with the first indication and / or the second indication. In some examples, the UE 120 may select an uplink access netw ork using local measurements, and the UPF 350 may select a downlink access network using local measurements and / or power consumption measurements for the access netw ork 810. For example, the UPF 350 may receive one or more measured energy consumption values or energy type consumption values for the access network 810 (e.g., a RAN energy contribution) from the access network 810 or from an OAM server, which may allow the UPF 350 to derive a total network-side energy contribution. The UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select an access network based at least in part on a sum of the downlink energy contribution and the uplink energy contribution. For example, the UE 120 may select an access network based at least in part on RX ue + TX ue + Network_model[TX_upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul|, and the UPF 350 may select an access network based at least in part on TX upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul + UE_model[RX_ue + TX ue]. In some examples, because the measured and / or modeled energy consumption at the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may differ, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may? select different access networks, resulting in mismatched access selection for the downlink and uplink and / or between tw?o different access networks. Therefore, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may perform coordination operations discussed above in connection with reference numbers 760 and 770.

[0159] In some aspects, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may transmit, and a network entity (e.g., the netw ork entity? 176) may receive, an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy' ty pe consumption values. For example, the UE 120 may transmit, and the network entity' may receive, an indication of one or more0097-6040PCTmeasured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values measured by the UE 120, and the UPF 350 may transmit, and the network entity may receive, an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values measured by the UPF 350. The network entity may be any suitable central entity configured to collect and analyze the measured total energy consumption values and / or measured energy type consumption values. For example, the network entity may be a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an energy information function (EIF). or the like. In some examples, the total energy consumption values and / or measured energy type consumption values transmitted to the network entity may be expressed in terms of units (e.g., Joules, bytes, or the like), a broad categorization (e.g., low, medium, high, or the like), a quantization (e.g., 1 through 10), or the like. In some examples, the total energy consumption values and / or measured energy type consumption values transmitted to the network entity may be based at least in part on a type of a non-3GPP access network. For example, Wi-Fi access may be “low ,’' non-3GPP satellite access may be “very' high,” wired access may be “very low,” or the like. In some examples, the network entity may identify an access netw ork based at least in part on a sum of the dow nlink energy contribution and the uplink energy contribution. Thus, the network entity may be a centralized point that identifies an access netw ork based at least in part on a sum of energy measurements obtained at different points (e.g., the UE 120, the access network 810, and / or the UPF 350). For example, the network entity may select an access network based at least in part on a total energy contribution identified based at least in part on TX upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul + RX ue + TX ue.

[0160] In some aspects, the network entity may transmit, and the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy' type consumption values (e.g.. the one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values received from the UE 120 and / or the one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values received from the UPF 350 (e.g.. values measured by the UPF 350 and / or the access network 810)), an indication of at least one access network associated w ith the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated w ith the downlink traffic. For example, the network entity may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, a first indication of at least one access network associated w ith the uplink netw ork traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, and the network entity may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, a second indication of the at least one first access network associated with the uplink netw ork traffic and the at least one second access netw ork associated w ith the downlink netw ork traffic. For example, the netw ork entity may identify an access netw ork to use in the uplink and an access netw ork to use in the downlink, and indicate the access networks0097-6040PCTto the UE 120 and the UPF 350. Upon receiving the indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic. In some examples, the network entity may identify the same access network for the uplink and the downlink (e.g., the network entity may indicate a single, coordinated access network to the UE 120 and the UPF 350). In some examples, the network entity may identify different access netw orks for the uplink and the downlink, and the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may perform coordination operations discussed above in connection with reference numbers 760 and 770.

[0161] In some aspects, the network entity may transmit, and the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy ty pe consumption values (e.g., the one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy' ty pe consumption values received from the UE 120 and / or the one or more measured total energy' consumption values or one or more energy' type consumption values received from the UPF 350 (e g., values measured by the UPF 350 and / or the access network 810)), an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy ty pe consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption. For example, the network entity may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy ty pe consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and the network entity may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, a second indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy' type consumption. For example, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may receive, from the network entity, for each network access, energy consumption sums that are based at least in part on one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values. In some aspects, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select one or more access network(s) based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total dow nlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy ty pe consumption. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select different access networks and perform coordination operations discussed above in connection with reference numbers 760 and 770.

[0162] In some aspects, the UE 120 may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE 120 or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by the UE 120. Additionally , or alternatively, the UPF 350 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, an indication of one or more total energy' consumption values measured by the UPF 350 or one or more energy type consumption0097-6040PCTvalues measured by the UPF 350. For example, the UE 120 may measure energy consumption (e.g., total energy consumption or energy type consumption) at the UE 120 to identify one or more measured energy consumption values at the UE 120. the UPF 350 may measure energy consumption (e.g.. total energy consumption or energy type consumption) at the UPF 350 to identify one or more measured energy consumption values at the UPF 350, and the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may exchange measured energy consumption values (e.g., the UE 120 may transmit an indication of a power contribution of the UE 120 to the network, and the UPF 350 may transmit an indication of a power contribution of the UPF 350 to the UE 120). The power contribution transmitted by one of the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be derived by the other of the UE 120 and the UPF 350 via messaging. For example, the UE 120 may transmit, and the UPF 350 may receive, a message containing information regarding TX ue + RX ue. Additionally, or alternatively, the UPF 350 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, a message containing information regarding TX upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul. Thus, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be aware of energy consumption measurements at both the UE 120 and the network-side. In some examples, the one or more energy consumption values in the message(s) may be expressed in terms of units (e.g., Joules, bytes, or the like), a broad categorization (e.g., low, medium, high, or the like), a quantization (e.g., 1 through 10), or the like. In some examples, the total energy' consumption values and / or measured energy type consumption values may be based at least in part on a type of a non-3GPP access network. For example, Wi-Fi access may be “low,” non-3GPP satellite access may be “very high," wired access may be “very low,” or the like. In some examples, the UE 120 (e.g., a PMF of the UE 120) may report, to the UPF 350 (e.g., a PMF of the UPF 350). energy measurements for multiple network accesses (e.g., multiple candidate network accesses). In some examples, the UPF 350 may receive one or more measured energy consumption values for the access network 810 (e.g., a RAN energy contribution) from the access network 810 or from an OAM server, which may allow the UPF 350 to derive a total network-side energy contribution. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select an access network based at least in part on a sum of the downlink energy contribution and the uplink energy contribution. For example, the UE 120 may select an access network based at least in part on both TX and RX power consumption (RX ue + TX ue + message [TX upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul]). and the UPF 350 may select an access network based at least in part on TX upf + RX upf + RX ran dl + TX ran dl + RX ran ul + TX ran ul + message[RX_ue + TX ue], In some examples, the UPF 350 may select a best access network for energy consumption based at least in part on measurements received from the UE 120 and measurements at the local core network (for the UPF 350) and / or received from the OAM server (for the access netw ork). In some examples, the UE 120 may select an uplink access network based at least in part on measurements received from the UPF 350, and the UPF0097-6040PCT350 may select a downlink access network based at least in part on measurements received from the UE 120. For example, the LIE 120 and the UPF 350 may select respective access networks by minimizing a consumption of total energy, optimizing a consumption of an energy type (e.g.. a non-renewable energy consumption) or an energy supply mix, or both, as discussed above with respect to Fig. 7. In some examples, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may select different access networks, resulting in mismatched access selection betw een two different access networks for the downlink and the uplink. Therefore, the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may perform coordination operations discussed above in connection with reference numbers 760 and 770.

[0163] As indicated above, Fig. 8 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 8.

[0164] The indication of the energy -aw are steering mode and the one or more energy -related criteria may help to reduce energy' consumption. For example, in the energy -aware steering mode and the one or more energy -related criteria may be used to reduce energy consumption (e.g., a total energy' and / or an energy type (e.g., non-renewable energy)) by selecting an appropriate access network for network traffic steering, switching, and / or splitting.

[0165] The request to coordinate access network selection may further help to reduce energy consumption by enabling downlink traffic and uplink traffic to be carried by the same access network.

[0166] Selecting one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 may help to reduce complexity (e.g.. memory and / or processing resource utilization) at the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350. Moreover, because an access network may be selected using independent energy' consumption measurements at the UE 120 and tire UPF 350 without an exchange of the energy consumption measurements, energy consumption data may be protected.

[0167] Selecting one or more access netw orks based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy ty pe consumption values may help to improve the accuracy of network access selection. For example, the UE 120 may include a modeled energy' contribution from the netw ork in an access network selection metric, and the UPF 350 may include a modeled energy contribution from the UE 120 in an access network selection metric. As a result, a difference between an overall energy contribution at the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be reduced. Moreover, because an access network may be selected using independent energy consumption measurements at the UE 120 and the UPF 350 without an exchange of the energy consumption measurements, energy consumption data may be protected.0097-6040PCT

[0168] Transmitting an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values may help to reduce complexity (e.g., memory’ and / or processing resource utilization) at the UE 120 and / or the UPF 350 by offloading the access network selection (and / or computations or other operations related to the access network selection) to the network entity. Moreover, energy consumption data may remain protected because the netw ork entity may be a trusted or secure entity. Furthermore, reporting energy consumption in terms of a broad categorization or a quantization may help to further protect the energy consumption data.

[0169] Transmitting an indication of one or more total energy’ consumption values measured by one of the UE 120 and the UPF 350 or one or more energy' type consumption values measured by the one of the UE 120 and the UPF 350, and receiving an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the other of the UE 120 and the UPF 350 or one or more energy’ type consumption values measured by the other of the UE 120 and the UPF 350, may help to improve the accuracy of network access selection by permitting both the UE 120 and the UPF 350 to include measured energy contributions from both the UE 120 and the UPF 350 in an access network selection metric. Furthermore, a difference between an overall energy contribution at the UE 120 and the UPF 350 may be reduced. Moreover, reporting energy consumption in terms of a broad categorization (e.g., using multiple levels or ranges of energy consumption) or a quantization may help to protect energy consumption data by reducing the resolution of the energy consumption data. For example, by reporting the energy consumption in this maimer, information relating to the performance of the UE 120 or the network may be protected while sufficiently describing energy characteristics of the access network.

[0170] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process 900 performed, for example, at a UE or an apparatus of a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 900 is an example where the apparatus or the UE (e g., UE 120) performs operations associated with access network selection in energy-aware steering mode.

[0171] As shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include receiving an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode (block 910). For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1302 and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy- aware steering mode, as described above.

[0172] As further shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria (block 920). For example, the UE (e.g., using communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may select, in accordance with the energy-0097-6040PCTaware steering mode, one or more access netw orks based at least in part on the one or more energy-related criteria, as described above.

[0173] As further shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE (block 930). For example, the UE (e g., using reception component 1302. transmission component 1304. and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or dow nlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE, as described above.

[0174] Process 900 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection w ith one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0175] In a first aspect, the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, and process 900 includes transmitting, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access network selection, an indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.

[0176] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by a network entity, process 900 includes receiving an indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the network entity, and selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic includes communicating, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0177] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UE, and selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic includes communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.

[0178] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination w ith one or more of the first through third aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.

[0179] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy.

[0180] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy consumption.0097-6040PCT

[0181] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria.

[0182] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the one or more energy type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.

[0183] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, die one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy ty pe consumption threshold associated with an energy ty pe consumption.

[0184] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE.

[0185] In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tenth aspects, selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy ty pe consumption values.

[0186] In a twelfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eleventh aspects, process 900 includes transmitting an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy ty pe consumption values.

[0187] In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tw elfth aspects, process 900 includes receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy’ consumption values or the one or more measured energy ty pe consumption values, an indication of at least one access netw ork associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.

[0188] In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination w ith one or more of the first through thirteenth aspects, process 900 includes receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total dow nlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy’ consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy’ type consumption, or the downlink energy ty pe consumption.

[0189] In a fifteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourteenth aspects, process 900 includes transmitting an indication of one or more total energy0097-6040PCTconsumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by die UE. and receiving an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0190] In a sixteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifteenth aspects, the one or more access networks selected by the UE or one or more access networks selected by a network entity' include at least one 3 GPP access network and at least one non-3GPP access network, or a plurality of 3GPP access networks.

[0191] Although Fig. 9 shows example blocks of process 900, in some aspects, process 900 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 9. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 900 may be performed in parallel.

[0192] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1000 performed, for example, at a network entity or an apparatus of a network entity, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1000 is an example where the apparatus or the network entity (e.g., UPF 350) performs operations associated with access network selection in energy-aware steering mode.

[0193] As shown in Fig. 10. in some aspects, process 1000 may include receiving an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode (block 1010). For example, the network entity (e.g., using reception component 1402 and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode, as described above.

[0194] As further shown in Fig. 10, in some aspects, process 1000 may include selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria (block 1020). For example, the network entity (e.g., using communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may select, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria, as described above.

[0195] As further shown in Fig. 10, in some aspects, process 1000 may include selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity (block 1030). For example, the network entity (e.g.. using reception component 1402, transmission component 1404, and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, as described above.0097-6040PCT

[0196] Process 1000 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0197] In a first aspect, the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, and process 1000 includes receiving, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access netw ork selection, an indication of one or more access networks selected by a user equipment (UE).

[0198] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, process 1000 includes transmitting an indication of the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, and selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the do nlink traffic includes communicating, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0199] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UE, and selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic includes communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

[0200] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.

[0201] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination w ith one or more of the first through fourth aspects, die one or more total energy’ consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy'.

[0202] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy consumption.

[0203] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria.

[0204] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the one or more energy7type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.0097-6040PCT

[0205] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy type consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption.

[0206] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0207] In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tenth aspects, selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy type consumption values.

[0208] In a tw elfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eleventh aspects, process 1000 includes transmitting an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values.

[0209] In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twelfth aspects, process 1000 includes receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access netw ork associated w ith the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.

[0210] In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through thirteenth aspects, process 1000 includes receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total dow nlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a dow nlink energy’ type consumption, and selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy’ consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy’ ty pe consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0211] In a fifteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourteenth aspects, process 1000 includes receiving an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a user equipment (UE) or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE, and transmitting an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0212] In a sixteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifteenth aspects, the one or more access networks selected by the network entity or one or more0097-6040PCTaccess networks selected by a user equipment (UE) include at least one 3 GPP access network and at least one non-3GPP access network, or a plurality of 3GPP access networks.

[0213] Although Fig. 10 shows example blocks of process 1000, in some aspects, process 1000 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 10. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1000 may be performed in parallel.

[0214] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1100 performed, for example, at a network entity or an apparatus of a network entity, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1100 is an example where the apparatus or the network entity (e.g., SMF 345) performs operations associated with access network selection in energy -aware steering mode.

[0215] As shown in Fig. 11, in some aspects, process 1100 may include receiving an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energ -aware steering mode (block 1110). For example, the network entity (e.g., using reception component 1502 and / or communication manager 1506, depicted in Fig. 15) may receive an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy -aware steering mode, as described above.

[0216] As further shown in Fig. 11, in some aspects, process 1100 may include transmitting a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode (block 1120). For example, the network entity (e.g., using transmission component 1504 and / or communication manager 1506, depicted in Fig. 15) may transmit a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy- related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode, as described above.

[0217] As further shown in Fig. 11, in some aspects, process 1100 may include transmitting a second indication of the energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode (block 1130). For example, the network entity (e.g., using transmission component 1504 and / or communication manager 1506, depicted in Fig. 15) may transmit a second indication of the energ -aw are steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aw are steering mode, as described above.

[0218] Process 1100 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0219] In a first aspect, the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for uplink traffic and downlink traffic.

[0220] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by a network entity.0097-6040PCT

[0221] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by a UE.

[0222] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.

[0223] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first dirough fourth aspects, die one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy.

[0224] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy consumption.

[0225] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria.

[0226] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the one or more energy type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.

[0227] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy type consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption.

[0228] Although Fig. 11 shows example blocks of process 1100, in some aspects, process 1100 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than diose depicted in Fig. 11. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1100 may be performed in parallel.

[0229] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1200 performed, for example, at a first network entity or an apparatus of a first network entity', in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1200 is an example where the apparatus or the first network entity (e.g., the network entity 176) performs operations associated with access network selection in energy-aware steering mode.

[0230] As shown in Fig. 12, in some aspects, process 1200 may include receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a UE (block 1210). For example, the first network entity' (e.g., using reception component 1602 and / or communication manager 1606, depicted in Fig. 16) may receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a UE, as described above.0097-6040PCT

[0231] As further shown in Fig. 12, in some aspects, process 1200 may include receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a second network entity (block 1220). For example, the first network entity (e.g., using reception component 1602 and / or communication manager 1606, depicted in Fig. 16) may receive an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a second network entity, as described above.

[0232] As further shown in Fig. 12, in some aspects, process 1200 may include transmitting, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy’ consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access netw ork associated with dow nlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy' consumption, an uplink energy' type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy' consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy' type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption (block 1230). For example, the first network entity (e.g., using transmission component 1604 and / or communication manager 1606, depicted in Fig. 16) may transmit, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy’ consumption, an uplink energy7type consumption, or a dow nlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total dow nlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy7type consumption, as described above.

[0233] Process 1200 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection w ith one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0234] Although Fig. 12 shows example blocks of process 1200, in some aspects, process 1200 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 12. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1200 may be performed in parallel.0097-6040PCT

[0235] Fig. 13 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1300 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1300 may be a UE, or a UE may include the apparatus 1300. In some aspects, the apparatus 1300 includes a reception component 1302. a transmission component 1304. and / or a communication manager 1306, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1306 is the communication manager 150 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1300 may communicate with another apparatus 1308, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU. an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1302 and the transmission component 1304. The communication manager 1306 may be included in, or implemented via, a processing system (for example, the processing system 140 described in connection with Fig. 1) of the UE.

[0236] In some aspects, the apparatus 1300 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in coimection with Figs. 7-8. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1300 may be configured to perfonn one or more processes described herein, such as process 900 of Fig. 9. in some aspects, the apparatus 1300 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 13 may include one or more components of the UE described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 13 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer- readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0237] The reception component 1302 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1308. The reception component 1302 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1300. In some aspects, the reception component 1302 may perform signal processing on the received communications, and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1300. In some aspects, the reception component 1302 may include one or more components of the UE described above in connection with Fig. 1, such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the UE.

[0238] The transmission component 1304 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1308. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1300 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component0097-6040PCT1304 for transmission to the apparatus 1308. In some aspects, the transmission component 1304 may perform signal processing on the generated communications, and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1308. In some aspects, the transmission component 1304 may include one or more components of the UE described above in connection with Fig. 1, such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the UE described in connection with Fig. 1. In some aspects, the transmission component 1304 may be co-located with the reception component 1302.

[0239] The communication manager 1306 may support operations of the reception component 1302 and / or the transmission component 1304. For example, the communication manager 1306 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1302 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1304. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1306 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1302 and / or the transmission component 1304 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0240] The reception component 1302 may receive an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The communication manager 1306 may select, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria. The reception component 1302 and / or the transmission component 1304 may selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

[0241] The transmission component 1304 may transmit an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values.

[0242] The reception component 1302 may receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access netw ork associated with the downlink traffic.

[0243] The reception component 1302 may receive, based at least in part on die one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and wherein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy0097-6040PCTconsumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0244] The transmission component 1304 may transmit an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE.

[0245] The reception component 1302 may receive an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0246] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 13 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 13. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 13 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 13 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 13 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 13.

[0247] Fig. 14 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1400 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1400 may be a network entity, or a network entity may include the apparatus 1400. In some aspects, the apparatus 1400 includes a reception component 1402, a transmission component 1404, and / or a communication manager 1406, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1406 is the communication manager 188 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1400 may communicate with another apparatus 1408, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU. an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1402 and the transmission component 1404. The communication manager 1406 may be included in, or implemented via, a processing system (for example, the processing system 178 described in connection with Fig. 1) of the network entity.

[0248] In some aspects, the apparatus 1400 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 7-8. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1400 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 1000 of Fig. 10. In some aspects, the apparatus 1400 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 14 may include one or more components of the network entity described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 14 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be0097-6040PCTimplemented at least in part as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0249] The reception component 1402 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1408. The reception component 1402 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1400. In some aspects, the reception component 1402 may perform signal processing on the received communications, and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1400. In some aspects, the reception component 1402 may include one or more components of the netw ork entity described above in connection with Fig. 1, such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the network entity.

[0250] The transmission component 1404 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1408. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1400 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1404 for transmission to the apparatus 1408. In some aspects, the transmission component 1404 may perform signal processing on the generated communications, and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1408. In some aspects, the transmission component 1404 may include one or more components of the network entity’ described above in coimection with Fig. 1 , such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the netw ork entity described in connection with Fig. 1. In some aspects, the transmission component 1404 may be co-located with the reception component 1402.

[0251] The communication manager 1406 may support operations of the reception component 1402 and / or the transmission component 1404. For example, the communication manager 1406 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1402 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1404. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1406 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1402 and / or the transmission component 1404 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0252] The reception component 1402 may receive an indication of an energy -aw are steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The communication manager 1406 may select, in accordance w ith the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related0097-6040PCTcriteria. The reception component 1402 and / or the transmission component 1404 may selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0253] The transmission component 1404 may transmit an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values.

[0254] The reception component 1402 may receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.

[0255] The reception component 1402 may receive, based at least in part on die one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consmnption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and wherein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy consmnption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0256] The reception component 1402 may receive an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a user equipment (UE) or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE.

[0257] The transmission component 1404 may transmit an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0258] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 14 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 14 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 14 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 14 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 14.

[0259] Fig. 15 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1500 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1500 may be a network entity, or a network entity may include the apparatus 1500. In some aspects, the apparatus 1500 includes a reception component 1502, a transmission component 1504, and / or a communication manager0097-6040PCT1506, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1506 is the communication manager 190 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1500 may communicate with another apparatus 1508, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU. an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1502 and the transmission component 1504. The communication manager 1506 may be included in, or implemented via, a processing system (for example, the processing system 180 described in connection with Fig. 1) of the network entity.

[0260] In some aspects, the apparatus 1500 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 7-8. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1 00 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 1100 of Fig. 11. In some aspects, the apparatus 1500 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 1 may include one or more components of the netw ork entity described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0261] The reception component 1502 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1508. The reception component 1502 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1500. In some aspects, the reception component 1502 may perform signal processing on the received communications, and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1500. In some aspects, the reception component 1502 may include one or more components of the network entity' described above in connection with Fig. 1. such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in rn be coupled with one or more antennas of the network entity.

[0262] The transmission component 1 04 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1508. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1500 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1504 for transmission to the apparatus 1508. In some aspects, the transmission component 1504 may perform signal processing on the generated communications, and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1508. In some aspects, the transmission component 15040097-6040PCTmay include one or more components of the network entity described above in coimection with Fig. 1, such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the network entity described in connection with Fig. 1. In some aspects, the transmission component 1504 may be co-located with the reception component 1502.

[0263] The communication manager 1506 may support operations of the reception component 1502 and / or the transmission component 1504. For example, the communication manager 1506 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1502 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1504. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1506 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1502 and / or the transmission component 1504 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0264] The reception component 1502 may receive an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy-aware steering mode. The transmission component 1504 may transmit a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode. The transmission component 1504 may transmit a second indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy- related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode.

[0265] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 15 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 15. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 15 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 15.

[0266] Fig. 16 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1600 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1600 may be a first network entity , or a first network entity' may include the apparatus 1600. In some aspects, the apparatus 1600 includes a reception component 1602, a transmission component 1604, and / or a communication manager 1606, w hich may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1606 is the communication manager 192 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1600 may coimnunicate with another apparatus 1608, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1602 and the transmission component 1604. The communication manager 1606 may be included in, or0097-6040PCTimplemented via, a processing system (for example, the processing system 182 described in connection with Fig. 1) of the first network entity.

[0267] In some aspects, the apparatus 1600 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 7-8. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1600 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 1200 of Fig. 12. In some aspects, the apparatus 1600 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 16 may include one or more components of the first netw ork entity described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 16 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0268] The reception component 1602 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1608. The reception component 1602 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1600. In some aspects, the reception component 1602 may perform signal processing on the received communications, and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1600. In some aspects, the reception component 1602 may include one or more components of the first network entity described above in connection with Fig. 1, such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the first network entity.

[0269] The transmission component 1604 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1608. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1600 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1604 for transmission to the apparatus 1608. In some aspects, the transmission component 1604 may perform signal processing on the generated communications, and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1608. In some aspects, the transmission component 1604 may include one or more components of the first network entity described above in connection with Fig. 1, such as a radio, one or more RF chains, one or more transceivers, or one or more modems, each of w hich may in turn be coupled with one or more antennas of the first netw ork entity described in connection with Fig. 1. In some aspects, the transmission component 1604 may be co-located with the reception component 1602.0097-6040PCT

[0270] The communication manager 1606 may support operations of the reception component 1602 and / or the transmission component 1604. For example, the communication manager 1606 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1602 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1604. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1606 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1602 and / or the transmission component 1604 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0271] The reception component 1602 may receive an indication of one or more measured total energy’ consumption values or one or more energy’ ty pe consumption values measured by a UE. The reception component 1602 may receive an indication of one or more measured total energy' consumption values or one or more energy ty pe consumption values measured by a second network entity. The transmission component 1604 may transmit, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy’ type consumption values, one or more of a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access network associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0272] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 16 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 16. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 16 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 16 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 16 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 16.

[0273] The following provides an overview of some Aspects of the present disclosure:

[0274] Aspect 1 : A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy - related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode; selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria; and selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.0097-6040PCT

[0275] Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein the indication further includes a request to coordinate access netw ork selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, the method further comprising: transmitting, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access network selection, an indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.

[0276] Aspect 3: The method of Aspect 2, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by s network entity, the method further comprising: receiving an indication of the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, w herein selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic includes communicating, in accordance w ith the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0277] Aspect 4: The method of Aspect 2, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE, and wherein selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic includes communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

[0278] Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.

[0279] Aspect 6: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy.

[0280] Aspect 7: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated w ith a total energy consumption.

[0281] Aspect 8: The method of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the one or more energy-related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria.

[0282] Aspect 9: The method of Aspect 8, wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.

[0283] Aspect 10: The method of Aspect 8, wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy type consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption.

[0284] Aspect 11 : The method of any of Aspects 1 -10, wherein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE.

[0285] Aspect 12: The method of Aspect 11, wherein selecting the one or more access netw orks includes selecting the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or0097-6040PCTmore modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy type consumption values.

[0286] Aspect 13: The method of any of Aspects 1-12. further comprising: transmitting an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values.

[0287] Aspect 14: The method of Aspect 13, further comprising: receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access netw ork associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.

[0288] Aspect 15: The method of Aspect 13, further comprising: receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and wherein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access netw orks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0289] Aspect 16: The method of any of Aspects 1-15, further comprising: transmitting an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE; and receiving an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0290] Aspect 17: The method of any of Aspects 1-16, wherein the one or more access networks selected by the UE or one or more access networks selected by a network entity include: at least one Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access network and at least one non-3GPP access network, or a plurality of 3GPP access networks.

[0291] Aspect 18: A method of wireless communication performed by a netw ork entity, comprising: receiving an indication of an energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy - related criteria associated w ith the energy -aware steering mode; selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria; and selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0292] Aspect 19: The method of Aspect 18, wherein the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, the method further comprising: receiving, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access0097-6040PCTnetwork selection, an indication of one or more access networks selected by a user equipment (UE).

[0293] Aspect 20: The method of Aspect 19, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the method further comprising: transmitting an indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the network entity, wherein selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic includes communicating, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

[0294] Aspect 21 : The method of Aspect 19, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UE, and wherein selectively communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the dow nlink traffic includes communicating the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

[0295] Aspect 22: The method of any of Aspects 18-21. w herein the one or more energy- related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.

[0296] Aspect 23 : The method of Aspect 22, wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy.

[0297] Aspect 24: The method of Aspect 22, wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy consumption.

[0298] Aspect 25: The method of any of Aspects 18-24, w herein the one or more energy- related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria.

[0299] Aspect 26: The method of Aspect 25, wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.

[0300] Aspect 27: The method of Aspect 25, wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy type consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption.

[0301] Aspect 28: The method of any of Aspects 18-27. w herein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access netw orks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0302] Aspect 29: The method of Aspect 28, wherein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access netw orks based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy type consumption values.0097-6040PCT

[0303] Aspect 30: The method of any of Aspects 18-29. further comprising: transmitting an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values.

[0304] Aspect 31 : The method of Aspect 30, further comprising: receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access netw ork associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.

[0305] Aspect 32: The method of Aspect 30, further comprising: receiving, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and wherein selecting the one or more access networks includes selecting the one or more access netw orks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the do nlink energy type consumption.

[0306] Aspect 33: The method of any of Aspects 18-32. further comprising: receiving an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a user equipment (UE) or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE; and transmitting an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

[0307] Aspect 34: The method of any of Aspects 18-33, w herein the one or more access networks selected by the network entity or one or more access networks selected by a user equipment (UE) include: at least one Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access network and at least one non-3GPP access network, or a plurality' of 3GPP access networks.

[0308] Aspect 35 : A method of wireless communication performed by a network entity , comprising: receiving an indication of one or more PCC rules associated with an energy -aware steering mode; and transmitting a first indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode; and transmitting a second indication of the energy -aware steering mode and one or more energy -related criteria associated with the energy-aware steering mode.

[0309] Aspect 36: The method of Aspect 35, wherein the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for uplink traffic and downlink traffic.

[0310] Aspect 37: The method of any of Aspects 35-36, w herein the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by a network entity.

[0311] Aspect 38: The method of any of Aspects 35-37, w herein the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by a UE.0097-6040PCT

[0312] Aspect 39: The method of any of Aspects 35-38. wherein the one or more energy- related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.

[0313] Aspect 40: The method of Aspect 39, wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy.

[0314] Aspect 41 : The method of Aspect 39, wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy’ consumption.

[0315] Aspect 42: The method of any of Aspects 35-41, wherein the one or more energy - related criteria include one or more energy’ type consumption criteria.

[0316] Aspect 43: The method of Aspect 42, wherein the one or more energy ty pe consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.

[0317] Aspect 44: The method of Aspect 42, wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy type consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption.

[0318] Aspect 45: A method of wireless communication performed by a first network entity’, comprising: receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy’ consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a UE; receiving an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more energy type consumption values measured by a second network entity; and transmitting, based at least in part on tire one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, one or more of: a first indication of at least one access network associated with uplink traffic and at least one access netw ork associated with downlink traffic, and a second indication of the at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and the at least one access netw ork associated with the downlink network traffic, or a first indication of one or more of a total uplink energy’ consumption, a total downlink energy’ consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy ty pe consumption, and a second indication of the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total dow nlink energy' consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

[0319] Aspect 46: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more processors: one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the apparatus to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.

[0320] Aspect 47: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configmed to cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.0097-6040PCT

[0321] Aspect 48: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising at least one means for performing the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.

[0322] Aspect 49: A non-transitorv computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.

[0323] Aspect 50: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.

[0324] Aspect 51 : A device for wireless communication, the device comprising a processing system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors, the processing system configured to cause the device to perfonn the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.

[0325] Aspect 52: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors individually or collectively configured to cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-45.

[0326] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects. No element, act, or instruction described herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such.

[0327] It will be apparent that systems or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software used to implement these systems or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, because those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems or methods based, at least in part, on the description herein. A component being configured to perform a function means that the component has a capability to perform the function, and does not require the function to be actually performed by the component, unless noted otherwise.

[0328] As used herein, the articles “a” and "an” are intended to refer to one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or "at least one.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items and may be used0097-6040PCTinterchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or "a single one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the tenns “has.” “have,” “having,” "comprise,” "comprising,” "include” and “including.” and derivatives thereof or similar terms are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit an element that they modify (for example, an element “having” A may also have B). Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or.” unless explicitly stated otherwise (for example, if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’). As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c. a + b. a + c, b + c, and a + b + c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (for example, a + a, a + a + a, a + a + b, a + a + c, a + b + b, a + c + c, b + b, b + b + b, b + b + c, c + c, and c + c + c, or any other ordering of a, b. and c).

[0329] As used herein, the term “determine” or “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, estimating, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), searching, inferring, ascertaining, and / or measuring, among other possibilities. Also, “determining” can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in memory) or transmitting (such as transmitting information), among other possibilities. Additionally, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, obtaining, choosing, establishing, and / or other such similar actions.

[0330] As used herein, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least in part on” or “based on or otherwise in association with” unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, “satisfying a threshold” may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, or not equal to the threshold, among other examples.

[0331] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the scope of all aspects described herein. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims or disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.0097-6040PCT

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Ail apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories: and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to cause the UE to: receive an indication of an energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode; select, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy-related criteria; and selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: transmit, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access netw ork selection, an indication of the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.

3. The apparatus of claim 2. herein the indication further includes a request to prioritize one or more access networks selected by a network entity', and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: receive an indication of the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to selectively communicate the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic, are configured to cause the UE to communicate, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the UE, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to selectively communicate the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic, are configured to cause the UE to communicate the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more total energy consumption criteria.0097-6040PCT6. The apparatus of claim 5. wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of total energy.

7. The apparatus of claim 5. wherein the one or more total energy consumption criteria include a total energy consumption threshold associated with a total energy consumption.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more energy -related criteria include one or more energy type consumption criteria.

9. The apparatus of claim 8. wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include a minimization of a consumption of an energy type.

10. The apparatus of claim 8. wherein the one or more energy type consumption criteria include an energy ty pe consumption threshold associated with an energy type consumption.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to select the one or more access netw orks, are configured to cause the UE to select the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by tire UE.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to select the one or more access networks, are configured to cause the UE to select the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy type consumption values.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: transmit an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy' type consumption values.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.0097-6040PCT15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total downlink energy consumption, an uplink energy type consumption, or a downlink energy type consumption, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to select the one or more access networks, are configured to cause the UE to select the one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: transmit an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the UE or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE; and receive an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

17. The apparatus of claim 1. w herein the one or more access networks selected by the UE or one or more access networks selected by a network entity include: at least one Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) access network and at least one non-3GPP access network, or a plurality of 3GPP access networks.

18. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to cause the network entity to: receive an indication of an energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy-related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode; select, in accordance with the energy -a are steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy-related criteria; and selectively communicate one or more of uplink traffic or dow nlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.0097-6040PCT19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the indication further includes a request to coordinate access network selection for the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network entity to: receive, based at least in part on the request to coordinate the access network selection, an indication of one or more access networks selected by a user equipment (UE).

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network entity to: transmit an indication of the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the network entity to selectively communicate the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic, are configured to cause the network entity to communicate, in accordance with the request to prioritize the one or more access networks selected by the network entity, the one or more of the uplink traffic or die downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the indication further includes a request to prioritize the one or more access netw orks selected by the UE, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the network entity to selectively communicate the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic, are configured to cause the network entity to communicate the one or more of the uplink traffic or the downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the network entity to select the one or more access networks, are configured to cause the network entity to select the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the network entity to select the one or more access networks, are configured to cause the network entity to select the one or more access networks based at least in part on one or more modeled total energy consumption values or one or more modeled energy type consumption values.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, w herein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network entity to:0097-6040PCTtransmit an indication of one or more measured total energy consumption values or one or more measured energy type consumption values.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network entity to: receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy type consumption values, an indication of at least one access network associated with the uplink traffic and at least one access network associated with the downlink traffic.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, w herein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network entity to: receive, based at least in part on the one or more measured total energy consumption values or the one or more measured energy ty pe consumption values, an indication of one or more of a total uplink energy consumption, a total dow nlink energy consumption, an uplink energy' type consumption, or a downlink energy ty pe consumption, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the network entity' to select the one or more access netw orks, are configured to cause the netw ork entity to select the one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more of the total uplink energy consumption, the total downlink energy consumption, the uplink energy type consumption, or the downlink energy type consumption.

27. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network entity to: receive an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by a user equipment (UE) or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the UE; and transmit an indication of one or more total energy consumption values measured by the network entity or one or more energy type consumption values measured by the network entity.

28. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more access networks selected by the network entity or one or more access networks selected by a user equipment (UE) include: at least one Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) access network and at least one non-3GPP access network, or a plurality of 3GPP access networks.

29. A method of w ireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving an indication of an energy-aw are steering mode and one or more energy- related criteria associated w ith the energy -aw are steering mode;0097-6040PCTselecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria; and selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the UE.

30. A method of wireless communication performed by a network entity, comprising: receiving an indication of an energy-aware steering mode and one or more energy- related criteria associated with the energy -aware steering mode; selecting, in accordance with the energy -aware steering mode, one or more access networks based at least in part on the one or more energy -related criteria; and selectively communicating one or more of uplink traffic or downlink traffic via the one or more access networks selected by the network entity.0097-6040PCT

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