Method, apparatus and computer program

Abstract

There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program for causing an apparatus to perform: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, system and computer program, and - in particular, but not exclusively - to rules for distributing traffic flows and / or bursts across multiple access network paths.BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0003] Such communication networks operate in according with standards such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards include the so-called 5G (5th Generation) standards and 6G (6th Generation) standards promulgated by 3GPP.SUMMARY

[0004] Some example embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the example embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0006] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.

[0007] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing circuitry for distributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0009] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above first to fourth aspects.

[0010] The receiving the one or more ATSSS rules may comprise receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.

[0011] The distributing uplink traffic flows may comprise: receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access network paths; and distributing uplink traffic flows based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information.

[0012] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two ormore access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more multiaccess rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing circuitry for distributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0017] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above fifth to eighth aspects.

[0018] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.

[0019] The receiving the one or more multi-Access rules may comprise: receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; and replacing the one or more multi-access rules with the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flows based on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multiaccess rules.

[0020] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing: providing, to another apparatus one or more distribution rules, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises information for enabling the another apparatus to distribute bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: providing, to another apparatus one or more distribution rules, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises information for enabling the another apparatus to distribute bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0023] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: providing, to another apparatus one or more distribution rules, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises information for enabling the another apparatus to distribute bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0024] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising providing circuitry for providing, to another apparatus one or more distribution rules, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises information for enabling the another apparatus to distribute bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0025] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the ninth to twelfth aspects.

[0026] The one or more distribution rules may comprise at least one of one or more multiple access rules or one or more access traffic steering splitting switching rules.

[0027] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDlls of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0028] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0029] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0030] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing circuitry for distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0031] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects.

[0032] The PDlls comprised in a single burst may be grouped into one or more PDU sets based on respective priorities of the PDlls for being received, and the distributing may further comprise: determining that a steering mode for the one or more ATSSS rules is set to distribute PDlls based on a PDU set importance; identifying a PDU set importance of a first PDU set in the burst to be transmitted; and distributing all of the PDUs of the single burst to the same access network path based on the identified PDU set importance of the first PDU set in the burst.

[0033] The distributing may further comprise: determining that a steering mode for the one or more ATSSS rules is set to distribute PDUs in a redundant steering mode; and distributing all of the PDUs of the single burst to the at least two access network paths based on the determined steering mode.

[0034] The receiving the one or more ATSSS rules may comprise receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.

[0035] The distributing a first burst may comprise: receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access network paths; and distributing the first burst based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information.

[0036] The distributing may comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink.

[0037] According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0038] According to an eighteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or moremulti-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDlls of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0039] According to a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0040] According to a twentieth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing circuitry for distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0041] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects.

[0042] The PDUs comprised in a single burst may be are grouped into one or more PDU sets based on respective priorities of the PDUs for being received, and the distributing may further comprise: determining that a steering mode for the one or more multi-access rules is set to distribute PDUs based on a PDU set importance; identifying a PDU set importance of a first PDU set in the burst to be transmitted; and distributing all of the PDUs of the single burst to the same access network path based on the identified PDU set importance of the first PDU set in the burst.

[0043] The distributing may further comprise: determining that a steering mode for the one or more multi-access rules is set to distribute PDUs in a redundant steering mode; and distributing all of the PDUs of the single burst to the at least two access network paths based on the determined steering mode.

[0044] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.

[0045] The receiving the one or more multi-Access rules may comprise: receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; and replacing the one or more multi-access rules with the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flows based on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multiaccess rules.

[0046] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink.

[0047] According to a twenty first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, wherein the at least one of the two more access network paths is identified for distributing the first burst based on an end of data burst marking received from an application for a previously transmitted burst.

[0048] According to a twenty second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths, wherein the at least one of the two more access network paths is identified for distributing the first burst based on an end of data burst marking received from an application for a previously transmitted burst.

[0049] According to a twenty third aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises informationfor distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, wherein the at least one of the two more access network paths is identified for distributing the first burst based on an end of data burst marking received from an application for a previously transmitted burst.

[0050] According to a twenty fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing circuitry for distributing a first burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths, wherein the at least one of the two more access network paths is identified for distributing the first burst based on an end of data burst marking received from an application for a previously transmitted burst.

[0051] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the twenty first to twenty fourth aspects.

[0052] The receiving the one or more ATSSS rules may comprise receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.

[0053] The distributing a first burst may comprise: receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access network paths; and distributing the first burst based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information.

[0054] The distributing may comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink.

[0055] According to a twenty fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first PDU having an end of data burst marking downlink across at least two of the two or more access networkpaths regardless of how the multi-access rules indicate that the first PDU should be distributed based on the first PDll’s protocol set importance.

[0056] According to a twenty sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first PDU having an end of data burst marking downlink across at least two of the two or more access network paths regardless of how the multiaccess rules indicate that the first PDU should be distributed based on the first PDU’s protocol set importance.

[0057] According to a twenty seventh aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing a first PDU having an end of data burst marking downlink across at least two of the two or more access network paths regardless of how the multi-access rules indicate that the first PDU should be distributed based on the first PDU’s protocol set importance.

[0058] According to a twenty eighth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; and distributing circuitry for distributing a first PDU having an end of data burst marking downlink across at least two of the two or more access network paths regardless of how the multi-access rules indicate that the first PDU should be distributed based on the first PDU’s protocol set importance.

[0059] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the twenty fifth to twenty eighth aspects.

[0060] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.

[0061] The receiving the one or more multi-Access rules may comprise: receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; and replacing the one or more multi-access rules with the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flowsbased on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multiaccess rules.

[0062] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink.

[0063] According to a twenty ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing the first burst uplink across the at least two access network paths, based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0064] According to a thirtieth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising : at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing the first burst uplink across the at least two access network paths, based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0065] According to a thirty first aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the firstburst; determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing the first burst uplink across the at least two access network paths, based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0066] According to a thirty second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; receiving circuitry for receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining circuitry for determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying circuitry for modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing circuitry for distributing the first burst uplink across the at least two access network paths, based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0067] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the twenty ninth to third second aspects.

[0068] The distributing may comprise: splitting the first burst into at least two different parts; adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header indicates that the burst size of the first burst is zero; and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0069] The distributing may comprise: splitting the first burst into at least two different parts; adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header omits information indicating the burst size of the first burst; and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0070] The distributing may comprise: splitting the first burst into at least two different parts; determining a respective size of each of the at least two different parts; adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header comprises the respective size of that part; and distributing the different parts and theirrespective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0071] The receiving the one or more ATSSS rules may comprise receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.

[0072] The distributing a first burst may comprise: receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access network paths; and distributing the first burst based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information.

[0073] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink.

[0074] According to a thirty third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing the first burst downlink across the at least two access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0075] According to a thirty fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing the first burst downlink across the at least two access network paths based on both the information for distributing burstsof PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0076] According to a thirty fifth aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing the first burst downlink across the at least two access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0077] According to a thirty sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; receiving circuitry for receiving, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst; determining circuitry for determining that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths; modifying circuitry for modifying the information indicating the size of the first burst; and distributing circuitry for distributing the first burst downlink across the at least two access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0078] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the thirty third to thirty sixth aspects.

[0079] The distributing may comprise: splitting the first burst into at least two different parts; adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header indicates that the burst size of the first burst is zero; and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0080] The distributing may comprise: splitting the first burst into at least two different parts; adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header omits information indicating the burst size of the first burst; anddistributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0081] The distributing may comprise: splitting the first burst into at least two different parts; determining a respective size of each of the at least two different parts; adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header comprises the respective size of that part; and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0082] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.

[0083] The receiving the one or more multi-Access rules may comprise: receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; and replacing the one or more multi-access rules with the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flows based on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multiaccess rules.

[0084] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink.

[0085] According to a thirty seventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths; receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing the second burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths and based on both the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0086] According to a thirty eighth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or moreaccess traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths; receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing the second burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and based on both the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0087] According to a thirty ninth aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths; receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing the second burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths and based on both the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0088] According to a fortieth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; distributing circuitry for distributing a first burst of said bursts uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths; receiving circuitry for receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing circuitry for distributing the second burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network pathsand based on both the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0089] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the thirty seventh to fortieth aspects.

[0090] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may comprise a time to next burst.

[0091] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may be received from an application.

[0092] The one or more ATSSS rules may comprise a threshold, and the distributing the second burst may comprise: comparing the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst to the threshold; and when the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst is less than the threshold, causing the first and second bursts to be distributed based on the same access network path(s).

[0093] The for receiving the one or more ATSSS rules may comprise receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.

[0094] The distributing a first burst may comprise: receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access network paths; and distributing the first burst based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information.

[0095] The distributing may further comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink.

[0096] According to a forty first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths; receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing the second burst downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on both the information for distributingbursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and based on the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0097] According to a forty second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths; receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing the second burst downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths and based on the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0098] According to a forty third aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths; receiving an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing the second burst downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths and based on the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0099] According to a forty fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; distributing circuitry for distributing a first burst of said bursts downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths; receiving circuitry for receiving an indication of atime between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed; and distributing circuitry for distributing the second burst downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and based on the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0100] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the forty first to forty fourth aspects.

[0101] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may comprise a time to next burst.

[0102] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may be received from an application.

[0103] The one or more multi-access rules may comprise a threshold, and the distributing the second burst may comprise: comparing the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst to the threshold; and when the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst is less than the threshold, causing the first and second bursts to be distributed based on the same access network path(s).

[0104] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.

[0105] The receiving the one or more multi-Access rules may comprise: receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; and replacing the one or more multi-access rules with the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flows based on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multiaccess rules.

[0106] The distributing may further comprising inserting, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink.

[0107] The following may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above first to forty fourth aspects.

[0108] The two or more access network paths may comprise a 3GPP access network apparatus and a non-3GPP access network apparatus.

[0109] The two or more access network paths may comprise two 3GPP access network apparatus or two non-3GPP access network apparatus.

[0110] A burst of PDlls may comprise one or more PDU sets.

[0111] The information for distributing bursts of PDlls may comprise information indicating at least one of a burst size, a time to next burst, or an end of data burst.

[0112] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0113] In the above, many different example embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further example embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0114] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0115] Figures 1A and 1B shows a representation of a communication system;

[0116] Figure 2 shows a representation of an apparatus for the communication system of Figures 1 A and 1 B according to some example embodiments;

[0117] Figure 3 shows a representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments;

[0118] Figure 4 shows example signalling according to some example embodiments; and

[0119] Figures 5 to 15 illustrate example methods that may be performed by apparatus according to some example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] In general, the following relates to rules for distributing traffic flows and / or bursts across multiple access multiple access network paths.

[0121] Although these concepts will be illustrated more fully below, the following provides an example of a communication environment in which the described techniques may be deployed. It is understood that this communication environment is not limiting, and is merely being used to provide at least one example for describing where such techniques may be deployed.

[0122] Stated differently, in the following various example embodiments are explained with reference to communication devices capable of communication with a communication system. Before explaining in detail the various example embodiments of the methods and apparatuses of this disclosure, a 5thgeneration communication system (5GS), an access network and a core network (5GC) thereof, and communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 2 and 3.

[0123] Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system (5GS). The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE), an access network, such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) or next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), and one or more application functions. An application function may be deployed in the 5GS as trusted application function or may be deployed or host on one or more application servers of the data network. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects the UE to a data network the access network and the 5GC (e.g., a UPF of the 5GC).

[0124] The 5G-RAN may comprise one or more radio access nodes, such as gNodeB (gNB). A gNB may include one or more gNodeB distributed units connected to one or more gNodeB centralized units. The 5G-RAN may be as illustrated below in Figure 1B.

[0125] The 5GC may comprise the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM); Application Function (AF); Authentication Server Function (AUSF); an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and Session Management Function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF). Figure 1A also shows the various interfaces (N1, N2 etc.) that may be implemented between the various elements of the system.

[0126] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a mobile device, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminaldevices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a data consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user device”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0127] As used herein, the term “network device” is used interchangeably with “network access node”, and refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0128] In some example embodiments, a link from the network device 120 to the user device 110 or 115 is referred to as a DL, while a link from the user device 110 or 115 to the network device 120 is referred to as a UL. Links may also referred to herein as “channels”. In DL, the network device 120 is a Tx device (or a transmitter), and the user device 110 or 115 is a Rx device (or a receiver). In UL, the user device 110 or115 is a Tx device (or a transmitter), and the network device 120 is a Rx device (or a receiver). A link between the user device 110 and another user device (not shown) is referred to as a sidelink (SL). In SL, one of the user devices is a Tx device (or a transmitter), and the other of the user devices is a Rx device (or a receiver).

[0129] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0130] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling a function of the access network (e.g., a 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B) illustrated on Figures 1A and 1B. The control apparatus 200 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213 and a network interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. Execution of the software code 215 may, for example, cause the apparatus to perform operations for controlling a function of the access network. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 for controlling another function of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN. In some example embodiments, each function of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN is deployed or hosted on a control apparatus 200. In alternative example embodiments, two or more functions of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN may share a control apparatus.

[0131] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a communication device 300, such as a UE or terminal device respectively illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. The communication device 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a communication device 300 comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) type communication device or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device 300 may comprise a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving, for example, wireless signals carrying communications, for example radio signals. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia data, machine data and so on.

[0132] The communication device 300 may receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit wireless signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 3, a transceiver is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver 306 may comprise, for example, a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device and may comprise one or more antenna elements. The antenna arrangement may be a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna.

[0133] The communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301 , memory 302 comprising at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access networks (e.g., the 5G-RAN or NG-RAN illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B) and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow the performance of one or more operations of the communication device. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0134] The processor, the ROM, and the RAM, the transceiver and other circuitry of the communication device (e.g., a modem) can be provided on a circuit board, inchipsets, or in a system on chip. The circuit board, chipsets or system on chip is denoted by reference 304. The communication device 300 may optionally have a user interface, such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally, at least one of a display, a speaker, or a microphone may be provided depending on the type of communication device.

[0135] A UE as referenced above in connection with Figures 1 to 3 may be configured to receive and / or transmit traffic to a network using both 3GPP access network nodes (e.g., a gNB) and / or non-3GPP access network nodes.

[0136] Non-3GPP access network nodes may comprise at least one of the following: Non-3GPP access includes one or more of: Untrusted non-3GPP access (N3IWF); Trusted non-3GPP access (TNGF); Wireline access, where Wireline access may be a Wireline 5G Cable Access Network or a Wireline BBF Access Network (W-AGF); and wireless local access network (WLAN) access

[0137] How a UE exchanges traffic across these different access networks may be defined in accordance with one or more rules. In 5G networks, these rules are defined in accordance with Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) methods (see, for example, 3GPP TS 23.501).

[0138] The ATSSS feature of the 5GS enables, or otherwise facilitates selecting an access network node for transmission (also referred to herein as “steering”), moving traffic from one access to another (also referred to herein as “switching”), and / or using multiple accesses simultaneously and / or concurrently (also referred to herein as “splitting)). The optional ATSSS support is enabled or otherwise facilitated by dedicated user-plane functions distributed in UE and UPF, and new policy rules at the control-plane for enforcing traffic management on the two links by enabling a MultiAccess (MA) PDU layer (N3).

[0139] In more detail, 3GPP defines steering, switching, and splitting as follows.

[0140] Access Traffic Steering: The access traffic steering procedure selects an access network for a new data flow and transfers the traffic of this data flow over the selected access network.

[0141] Access Traffic Switching: The access traffic switching procedure moves all traffic of an ongoing data flow from one access network to another access network in a way that maintains the continuity of the data flow.

[0142] Access Traffic Splitting: The access traffic splitting procedure splits the traffic of a data flow across multiple access networks. When traffic splitting is applied to adata flow, some traffic of the data flow is transferred via one access and some other traffic of the same data flow is transferred via another access.

[0143] For uplink traffic, the UE applies network provided policy (ATSSS rules) and considers operating conditions (e.g., current operating conditions and / or anticipated operating conditions) to decide how traffic is to be distributed across the two access networks. The UPF also applies network policy and feedback from the UE to decide how to distribute downlink traffic between the N3 / N9 tunnels associated with the two access networks.

[0144] As mentioned above, with regard to ATSSS, a UE and a UPF support functionality to direct traffic across one 3GPP access and one non-3GPP access.

[0145] The UE is thus said to be simultaneously and / or concurrently connected to both accesses via a Multi-Access (MA) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session that terminates in one UPF. A PDU is a unit of information at a given protocol layer. For example, at the internet protocol (IP) layer, a PDU is an IP packet.

[0146] Splitting steering and switching may be supported in the UE and UPF via one or more steering modes. The functionality of the one or more steering modes may comprise at least one of multipath transport control protocol (MPTCP) functionality, multi-path quick usergram data protocol internet connections (MPQUIC) Functionality, or ATSSS-lower layer (ATSSS-LL) functionality. MPTCP and MPQUIC are considered “higher layer” steering functionalities and are governed by IETF standards (IETF RFC 8684 for MPTCP and IETF RFCs 9000 / 9001 / 9002 and multi-path extensions for MPQUIC). ATSSS-LL is considered a lower layer functionality where the steering, switching and / or splitting is not governed by a specific protocol (e.g., it is 3GPP specification-based and / or implementation-based). ATSSS-LL applies to all types of traffic, including TCP traffic, UDP traffic, Ethernet traffic, or the like

[0147] After the establishment of an MA PDU Session, the UE receives a prioritized list of ATSSS rules from the SMF.

[0148] Each ATSSS rule comprises an Access Selection Descriptor that contains one or more of the steering modes. A steering mode determines how the traffic of the matching service data flow (SDF) should be distributed across 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses. The following Steering Modes are supported:• Active-Standby: The Active-Standby steering mode is used to steer an SDF on one access (the Active access), when this access is available, and to switch the SDF to the available other access (the Standby access), when Activeaccess becomes unavailable. When the Active access becomes available again, the SDF is switched back to this access. When the Standby access is not defined, then the SDF is only allowed on the Active access and cannot be transferred on another access.• Smallest Delay: The Smallest Delay steering mode is used to steer an SDF to the access that is determined to have the smallest Round-Trip Time (RTT). As defined in clause TS 23.501, measurements may be obtained by the UE and UPF to determine the RTT over 3GPP access and over non-3GPP access. In addition, if one access becomes unavailable, all SDF traffic is switched to the other available access. It can only be used for the Non-GBR SDF.• Load-Balancing: The Load-Balancing steering mode is used to split an SDF across both accesses if both accesses are available. It contains the percentage of the SDF traffic that should be sent over 3GPP access and over non-3GPP access. Load-Balancing is only applicable to non-GBR SDF. In addition, if one access becomes unavailable, all SDF traffic is switched to the other available access, as if the percentage of the SDF traffic transported via the available access was 100%.• Priority-based: The Priority-based steering mode is used to steer all the traffic of an SDF to the high priority access, until this access is determined to be congested. In this case, the traffic of the SDF is sent also to the low priority access, i.e., the SDF traffic is split over the two accesses. In addition, when the high priority access becomes unavailable, all SDF traffic is switched to the low priority access. How UE and UPF determine when a congestion occurs on an access is implementation dependent. It can only be used for the non-GBR SDF.• Redundant (without Threshold Values): The Redundant steering mode is used to duplicate traffic of an SDF on both accesses if both accesses are available. A Primary Access (either 3GPP access or non-3GPP access) may be provided to the UE in the ATSSS rules and to the UPF in the N4 rules. If a Primary Access is provided, UE and UPF shall send all data packets of the SDF on the Primary Access and may duplicate data packets of the SDF on the other access. How many and which data packets are duplicated by UE and UPF on the other access is based on implementation. If the Primary Access is not provided to UEand UPF, the UE and UPF shall send all data packets of the SDF on both accesses. It can be used for GBR and Non-GBR SDF.

[0149] Stated differently, Policy and Charging Configuration (PCC) rules generated by the ATSSS-enabled Policy Control Function (PCF) for each Service Data Flow (SDF) type are translated by an ATSSS-enabled Session Management Function (SMF) both into N4 rules for the UPF, including dedicated Multi Access Rules (MAR) and ATSSS rules that are delivered via an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to the UE.

[0150] ATSSS functionality in the UE is configured to manage the uplink traffic (from UE to the network), while the ATSSS functions in the UPF are in charge of managing the downlink traffic, by enabling or otherwise facilitating a combination of MPTCP (higher layer) and / or lower layer multi-link technology (e.g., ATSSS-LL). The ATSSS rules may comprise at least one of the above-mentioned steering modes for controlling how traffic is distributed across multiple accesses to a network.

[0151] The above-described ATSSS framework has been developed for conventional information transmission across a network (e.g., voice packets for phone calls, data packets, etc.). However, the situation may become more difficult when extended reality (XR) applications are considered, as more information is to be transmitted across a network within a set time frame.

[0152] In more detail, XR experiences utilize media with increased dimensions, spatial resolutions and frame rates as well as highly responsive interactivity metadata relative to non-XR transmissions. This, in turn, increases the requirements on network bandwidth and latency compared to traditional media services. Additionally, remote rendering, which is used to address the processing and energy constraints in XR end devices, heavily depends on the network performance to deliver a desirable user experience.

[0153] In order to address this, 3GPP has been considering a range of mechanisms for accommodating requirements for XR experiences. One of these mechanisms is the PDU Set framework.

[0154] Under this framework, 3GPP defined a PDU Set as one or more PDUs carrying the payload of one unit of information generated at the application layer. For example, a PDU Set can be a video frame or slice that can be decoded by an application. A particular aspect of XR application awareness is the PDU Set based Quality of Service(QoS) handling. This allows the network to handle all PDlls within a Set in an integrated manner and to apply differentiated handling across PDU Sets.

[0155] For example, PDU sets that comprise more important data (e.g., those comprising l-frames or the like) can be prioritized. Stated differently, PDU sets may be used to prioritize the transmission and / or reception of certain PDU Sets that are more critical for the application’s processing. Furthermore, PDU Set information also allows a network to determine whether it is acceptable to discard the remaining PDUs within a PDU Set when one of the PDU Sets’ PDUs is lost. These handling mechanisms for PDU Sets can result in more efficient resource allocation, power savings, and improved congestion response in the network.

[0156] In more detail, 3GPP has defined PDU Set as comprising one or more PDUs carrying an application layer payload such as a video frame or video slice. The PDU Set based QoS handling by the NG-RAN is determined by PDU Set QoS Parameters in the QoS profile of the QoS Flow (specified in TS23.5017) and PDU Set information provided by the UPF via N3 / N9 interface as described in TS23.501.

[0157] Differentiated QoS handling of downlink PDUs that belong to different types of PDU Sets (e.g., I-Frames and P-Frames) is done by mapping PDU Sets from the same application service flow to the same QoS Flow, and provide differentiated QoS handling based on the PDU Set Importance marking provided by the UPF in the PDU Set Information of downlink packets.

[0158] To support PDU Set based QoS handling, the UPF identifies PDUs that belong to a PDU Set and determines the below PDU Set Information and sends it to the NG-RAN in the GTP-U header. The PDU Set information is used by the NG-RAN for PDU Set based QoS handling as described above.

[0159] The PDU Set Information currently comprises at least one of:• PDU Set Sequence Number,• Indication of End PDU of the PDU Set,• PDU Sequence Number within a PDU Set,• PDU Set Size in bytes, or• PDU Set Importance, which identifies the relative importance of a PDU Set compared to other PDU Sets within a QoS Flow.

[0160] 3GPP also defined a data burst (also referred to herein as simply “burst”) as a set of multiple PDUs generated and sent by the application in a short period of time.Stated differently, a data burst may comprise one or multiple PDU Sets. Many XR applications generate traffic, such as video frames, in periodic data bursts. Knowledge of traffic periodicity, as well as starting and ending of data bursts, can be utilized by the network especially for power saving.

[0161] In Release 18, the focus of PDU Set handling is on applications that transmit their data using the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP). RTP senders can derive the PDU Set information from the application data, such as video, by using Network Abstraction Layer (NAL) unit headers. This information includes sequence numbers to indicate the ordering of different PDU Sets and the PDUs within a PDU Set, as well as the size and relative importance of a PDU Set for the application. A value in an NAL unit header that indicates an importance of a PDU Set is known as a PDU Set Importance.

[0162] In 3GPP Rel-19, it is agreed that three types of burst information may be included with PDUs sent to the RAN for XR applications;• Burst size, which is included into first packet of the burst• Time to next burst (TTNB) - which may be comprised in any packet• End of data burst (EoDB) - in last packet.

[0163] This is described further below.

[0164] 3GPP introduced an RTP header extension to transmit the PDU Set information from applications to the 5G network. In addition to the PDU Set information, the application may also signal the end of a data burst (EoDB). For downlink direction, when an RTP packet with the PDU Set header extension is received, the User Plane Function (UPF) parses the PDU Set information and inserts it into the GPRS Tunnelling Protocol User Plane (GTP-U) header, which is then sent to the radio access network (RAN).

[0165] The EoDB is further described in 3GPP TS 23.501. According this this document, an indication of End of Data Burst may be provided to the next generation radio access network by the UPF, e.g. to configure UE power management schemes like connected mode discontinuous reception.

[0166] Based on the End of Data Burst Marking Indication in a PCC rule and / or on local operator policies, the SMF requests that the UPF detect the last PDU of the data burst and mark the End of Data burst in the GTP-U header of the last PDU in downlink. The SMF may provide the UPF the End of Data Burst Marking Indication and ProtocolDescription used by the service data flow. The Protocol Description may be received in the PCC rule, based on information provided by the AF or by PCF local policies.

[0167] Burst based information is provided by the PSA-UPF based on the metadata provided by the application sender in a RTP extension header of the downlink N6 data PDU.

[0168] According to the request and information from the SMF, the UPF identifies the last PDU of a Data burst in the downlink traffic using the downlink Protocol Description and the received transport protocol headers as defined in TS 26.522 or using implementation specific means, and provides an End of Data Burst indication to the NG-RAN in GTP-U header of the last PDU of the Data burst. There can be some packets from the Data Burst received by NG-RAN after the PDU with End of Data Burst Indication if packets are received out of sequence.

[0169] Furthermore, 3GPP expanded the QoS framework to include new parameters that define the requirements imposed on a PDU Set in a QoS flow. These new QoS parameters are provided to the RAN from the CN via Control Plane, similar to traditional QoS parameters. The CN may receive them from the application via an Exposure API. The RAN applies the PDU Set QoS parameters to handle the PDU Sets identified by the GTP-U headers. It can utilize the PDU Set Importance to influence its decisions on which PDU Sets to discard in congestion situations prioritizing the least important ones.

[0170] The RAN has the capability to optimize the power consumption of User Equipment (UE) for periodic traffic by acquiring knowledge or by learning from the periodicity of the traffic. For example, by providing an EoDB indication (e.g., explicit EoDB), the transition of the UE from active to inactive state can be made more accurate and faster, thereby improving the efficiency of mechanisms such as Discontinuous Reception (DRX).

[0171] When a burst comprises multiple PDU sets with different PDU Set Importance (PSI) and the UPF routes different PDU sets from the burst to different accesses, a 3GPP access network node may receive either invalid burst-specific information in downlink packets or may not receive the information at all. For example, when packets or PDU Sets of the burst are spread to two accesses, the burst size indicated in the header information would give incorrect information to the access network node that receives the header, and the other access network node would not receive the burst size information at all.

[0172] Moreover, with Redundant ATSSS rule (duplication), when the primary access network node is a non-3GPP access network node and only important PDU sets are duplicated to a 3GPP access network node, the 3GPP access network node may not receive burst information or may receive inaccurate burst information.

[0173] Currently, there is no ATSSS PDU Set mechanism that takes the presence of burst information into account when routing traffic (e.g., where burst information is considered at the UPF and / or UE when splitting, steering, and / or switching the traffic).

[0174] The various example embodiments of this disclosure aim to address one or more of the above-mentioned issues.

[0175] For example, certain example embodiments aim to provide one or more rules as part of an apparatus’ rules for distributing traffic when there is a multi access architecture, where the one or more rules comprise information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access paths. Each access path may comprise at least part of a respective access network apparatus.

[0176] Data bursts may be subsequently distributed across the multiple access paths in accordance with the one or more rules.

[0177] The one or more rules may relate to at least one burst parameter. The following illustrates several examples of different rules that may be based on at least one burst parameter.

[0178] In a first example, traffic routing (e.g., traffic steering, traffic splitting and / or traffic switching) is performed at burst boundaries. For example, when a burst contains multiple PDU Sets, all PDU Sets of the burst are all sent on the same access network node.

[0179] For example, if Steering Mode ==PDU Set Importance-based is configured, the network may be configured to use the PDU Set information of the first packet of the burst to define the used access. In this case, all the PDUs of the burst shall be sent to same access. Further, the TTNB may be considered by the RAN as the earliest possible time-to-next burst.

[0180] Further, in a redundant steering mode, all PDU Sets corresponding to a burst may be duplicated on both accesses. In such a case, then both accesses will receive valid burst information.

[0181] In a second example, traffic routing may be performed based on the end of data burst handling.

[0182] For example, when a burst comprises multiple PDU Sets (which may be steered to different accesses), a PDU Set comprising an End of Data Burst (EoDB) marking may be replicated on all accesses. For example, the UPF could send the PDU Set or PDU with EoDB to the 3GPP access network node and the non-3GPP access network node, even when the PSI-based steering / splitting / switching directs the PDU Set to only one of these access network nodes.

[0183] Optionally, when all (other) packets of the burst are forwarded only to non-3GPP access network node based on PSI, the UPF may omit duplicating the packet containing the EoDB indicator to the 3GPP access network node.

[0184] In a third example, traffic routing is performed based on how the burst size is handled.

[0185] For example, when a UE or a UPF splits the burst between multiple accesses, that splitting entity resets the burst size either to zero (indicating that value should not be considered) or the transmitting entity omits the burst size it from GTP-U header (e.g., when the splitting entity is a UPF).

[0186] As another example, the UPF may determine a burst size sent to each access and include the actual size of the new smaller bursts into GTP-U header of the first packet of the data bursts.

[0187] In this latter example, the UPF may receive all packets of the burst before determining the new burst size, since burst size must be included into first packet. This may increase the latency associated with this example.

[0188] In a fourth example, the traffic routing is performed based on the TTNB.

[0189] For example, when a burst comprises multiple PDU sets with different PDU Set Importance (PSI), and the UPF routes a next PDU Set to a different access, then TTNB information received by the first access will be invalid. This is because the TTNB depends on how next burst is steered into alternative access network nodes.

[0190] For example, when the first packet(s) of the next burst are steered to another access network node, the TTNB value given by application sender would be incorrect from the receiving NG-RAN node’s perspective. It may also be possible that the whole next burst will be steered to other access network node (than the packet with TTNB). The UPF has no knowledge of the PSIs of the next burst, so it cannot predict to which access packets are forwarded and determine the correct TTNB. Therefore, the TTNB may be sent to both access where it is considered by the RAN as the earliest possible time-to-next burst (where, for example, it may be used to configure aconnected mode DRX even if sometimes the burst is not received on that access). As another example, the TTNB information may not be provided to the RAN.

[0191] The SMF may instruct the UPF to duplicate the PDU or PDU Set with the TTNB to both accesses, or alternatively omit TTNB when determining the N3 GTP-ll header extension sent towards the RAN, even if the PCC rule of the QoS flow contains a TTNB indication and protocol description.

[0192] As another example, the UPF may, based on a local configuration of the UPF, determine not to provide a TTNB value to a RAN when data bursts are split to separate accesses.

[0193] Figure 4 illustrates example signalling that may be performed in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0194] Figure 4 illustrates signalling that may be performed between a UE 401 , a non-3GPP access network node 402, a 3GPP access network node 403, a UPF 404, and an SMF 405.

[0195] 4001 to 4003 may be performed as part of a multi-access (MA) MA PDU session establishment procedure.

[0196] During 4001, the SMF 405 receives PCC rules having modified MA PDU Session Control information. The modified MA PDU Session Control information may comprise information for controlling the distribution of traffic in a multi-access architecture that is different to information previously used for controlling the distribution of traffic in a multi-access architecture. The modified MA PDU Session Control information may comprise, for example, an indication to use at least one of the following for distributing traffic (e.g., splitting, switching, and / or steering traffic) between the non-3GPP access network node 402 and the 3GPP access network node 403: PDU set importance, classification of PDU Set PDUs, classification of normal PDUs, ATSSS measurements (PDU set loss rate (PSLR), PDU set delay (PSD) thresholds or burst requirements).

[0197] The modified MA PDU Session Control information may comprise information for defining rules that govern how traffic bursts, such as extended reality media traffic bursts should be handled. A burst may be defined in any of a plurality of different ways. For example, a burst may be defined by the MA PDU Session Control information, by 3GPP specifications, by a machine learning model, etc. A burst may be considered to be a particular density of traffic (e.g., at least a predetermined volume of traffic or more within a predefined time period).

[0198] The modified MA PDU Session Control information may comprise, for example, information for modifying ATSSS rules sent to the UE, and / or for modifying traffic distribution rules (e.g., multi-access rules) sent to the UPF. The SMF communicates with the UPF over an interface known as the N4 interface. The multi-access rules are therefore sometimes referred to as N4 rules.

[0199] During 4002, the SMF 405 signals the UPF 404. This signalling may comprise the modified N4 rules (e.g., modified multi access rules). The modified N4 rules may contain burst handling instructions (e.g. split on burst boundaries, replicate end of data burst (EoDB) PDUs on all accesses, determine new burst sizes for each access, etc.). The signalling of 4002 may be comprised in, for example, an N4 Session Management message.

[0200] During 4003, the SMF 405 signals the UE 401. This signalling may comprise modified ATSSS rules that are based on the modified MA PDU Session Control information. The signalling of 4003 may be comprised in, for example, non-access stratum (NAS) signalling.

[0201] During 4004, the UPF 404 handles uplink and / or downlink traffic provided to the 5G core from, for example, an application function.

[0202] During 4005, the UE 401 determines how to route uplink traffic flows in accordance with the ATSSS rules comprised in signalling of 4003.

[0203] During 4006, the UPF 404 determines how to route downlink traffic flows in accordance with the MAR rules of 4002. Stated differently, during 4006, the UPF 404 determines how to route downlink traffic flows across the 3GPP access network node 403 and the non-3GPP access network node 402 based on the modified N4 rules of 4002. As specified in the modified N4 rules or based on local configuration, the UPF 404 may determine how to perform the routing (e.g., when steering, splitting, and / or switching of the uplink traffic) based on burst specific information.

[0204] During 4007, the UPF 404 and the UE 401 exchange traffic across the non-3GPP access network node 402. The signalling may comprise parameters in GTP-U header (between UPF and non-3GPP access) based on the burst characteristics (such as, for example, at least one of EoDB, burst size, or time to next burst). Stated differently, the signalling of 4007 may comprise parameters (such as, for example, extended reality parameters) reflecting burst requirements.

[0205] During 4008, the UPF 404 and the UE 401 exchange traffic across the 3GPP access network node 403. The signalling may comprise parameters in General PacketRadio Service (GPRS) Tunnelling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) header (between UPF and the 3GPP access network node) based on the burst requirements. Stated differently, the signalling of 4007 may comprise the above-mentioned parameters reflecting burst requirements.

[0206] Figures 5 to 15 illustrate example methods that may be performed by apparatus according to some example embodiments. It is therefore understood that at least one of the above-mentioned features may find correspondence in a feature mentioned below.

[0207] Figures 5 to 9 illustrate example operations that may be performed by apparatus described herein. The apparatus of Figures 5 to 9 may be implemented by, comprised within, or comprise a UE, such as described above in connection with Figure 3. Figure 5 may be considered as illustrated a general method for use by a UE, while Figures 6 to 9 illustrate specific example methods that may be deployed in accordance with Figure 5 and this disclosure. In the examples of Figures 5 to 9, the access network path may be as described above.

[0208] Figure 5 illustrates a method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0209] During 501 , the apparatus receives one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0210] During 502, the apparatus distributes uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0211] Figure 6 illustrates an example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0212] During 601 , the apparatus receives one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0213] During 602, the apparatus distributes a first burst of said bursts uplink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDUs of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0214] Further in relation to the example of Figure 6, the PDlls comprised in a single burst may be grouped into one or more PDU sets based on respective priorities of the PDlls for being received. In such a case, the distributing of 602 may further comprise determining that a steering mode for the one or more ATSSS rules is set to distribute PDlls based on a PDU set importance, identify a PDU set importance of a first PDU set in the burst to be transmitted, and distribute all of the PDUs of the single burst to the same access network path based on the identified PDU set importance of the first PDU set in the burst. Stated differently, the apparatus of Figure 6 may be configured to use the PDU set importance value of the first PDU set detected in the burst to control via which access network path all of the PDUs in the burst are to be routed. This may be as discussed above in the examples.

[0215] The distributing may further comprise, determining that a steering mode for the one or more ATSSS rules is set to distribute PDUs in a redundant steering mode, and distributing all of the PDUs of the single burst to the at least two access network paths based on the determined steering mode. Stated differently, in this example, the apparatus of Figure 6 may cause all of the PDUs of the single burst to be delivered across multiple (e.g., two or more, including all available) of the access network paths.

[0216] Figure 7 illustrates another example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0217] During 701 , the apparatus receives one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0218] During 702, the apparatus distributes a first burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0219] The at least one of the two more access network paths may be identified for distributing the first burst based on an end of data burst marking received from an application for a previously transmitted burst.

[0220] Figure 8 illustrates another example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0221] During 801 , the apparatus receives one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises informationfor distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0222] During 802, the apparatus receives, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst.

[0223] During 803, the apparatus determines that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0224] During 804, the apparatus modifies the information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0225] During 805, the apparatus distributes the first burst uplink across the at least two access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0226] The distributing of 805 may be performed in at least one of a plurality of different ways, such as in one or more examples described herein.

[0227] For example, the distributing of 805 may comprise splitting the first burst into at least two different parts, adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header indicates that the burst size of the first burst is zero, and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0228] The distributing of 805 may comprise splitting the first burst into at least two different parts, adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header omits information indicating the burst size of the first burst, and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0229] The distributing of 805 may comprise splitting the first burst into at least two different parts, determining a respective size of each of the at least two different parts, adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header comprises the respective size of that part, and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0230] Figure 9 illustrates a method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0231] During 901 , the apparatus receives one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprises informationfor distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0232] During 902, the apparatus distributes a first burst of said bursts uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.

[0233] During 903, the apparatus receives an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed.

[0234] During 904, the apparatus distributes the second burst uplink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and based on the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0235] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may comprise a time to next burst.

[0236] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may be received from an application.

[0237] The one or more ATSSS rules may comprise a threshold value. In such a case, the distributing of 904 may comprise comparing the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst to the threshold value, and when the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst is less than the threshold, causing the first and second bursts to be distributed based on the same access network path(s). This may be useful for power saving methods.

[0238] As another example, the one or more ATSSS rules may comprise a threshold value relating to a TTNB, such that when the TTNB of a first burst to a second burst is less than the threshold amount (e.g., there is a relatively short time between the first and second bursts), then the bursts are distributed to different, respective, access network path(s). This may be useful for load balancing methods.

[0239] The following features may be considered to be features that may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more including all) of the examples of Figures 5 to 9.

[0240] The apparatus may receive the one or more ATSSS rules by receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.

[0241] The distributing uplink traffic flows (and / or distributing a first burst, etc.) may comprise receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus (e.g., current operating conditions of the apparatus) or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access networkpaths, and distributing uplink traffic flows based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information. The one or more operating conditions may comprise a configuration of the apparatus. For example, the one or more operating conditions may comprise a current energy saving mode of the apparatus, a number of antenna that are currently configured to receive and / or transmit signalling across the respective access network nodes, etc.

[0242] The distributing may comprise inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink. For example, in the uplink direction, the apparatus may identify burst information according to implementation and / or according to an application provided on the apparatus from which the PDU burst has originated. Stated differently for this latter example, the one or more parameters to be inserted into the burst being distributed uplink may comprise information provided across an application-client interface maintained within the apparatus.

[0243] This disclosure further illustrates example methods that may be performed by an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus), such as an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus) configured to provide a UPF or an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus) implemented as or comprising a UPF. These are illustrated with respect to the examples of Figures 10 to 14. The apparatus of Figures 10 to 14 may comprise an apparatus, such as described above in connection with Figure 2. Similar to the examples of Figures 5 to 9, the example of Figure 10 may be considered as illustrated a general method for use by an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus) while Figures 11 to 14 illustrate specific example methods that may be deployed in accordance with Figure 10 and this disclosure. In the examples of Figures 10 to 14, the access network path may be as described above.

[0244] Figure 10 illustrates an example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0245] During 1001 , the apparatus receives one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0246] During 1002, the apparatus distributes downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.

[0247] Figure 11 illustrates an example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0248] During 1101, the apparatus receives one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0249] During 1102, the apparatus distributes a first burst of said bursts downlink across one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths by distributing all PDlls of the first burst to a same access network path.

[0250] Further in relation to the example of Figure 11 , the PDUs comprised in a single burst may be grouped into one or more PDU sets based on respective priorities of the PDUs for being received. In such a case, the distributing of 1102 may further comprise determining that a steering mode for the one or more multi access rules is set to distribute PDUs based on a PDU set importance, identify a PDU set importance of a first PDU set in the burst to be transmitted, and distribute all of the PDUs of the single burst to the same access network path based on the identified PDU set importance of the first PDU set in the burst. Stated differently, the apparatus of Figure 11 may be configured to use the PDU set importance value of the first PDU set detected in the burst to control via which access network path all of the PDUs in the burst are to be routed. This may be as discussed above in the examples.

[0251] The distributing may further comprise, determining that a steering mode for the one or more multi access rules is set to distribute PDUs in a redundant steering mode, and distributing all of the PDUs of the single burst to the at least two access network paths based on the determined steering mode. Stated differently, in this example, the apparatus of Figure 11 may cause all of the PDUs of the single burst to be delivered across multiple (e.g., two or more, including all available) of the access network paths.

[0252] Figure 12 illustrates an example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0253] During 1201 , the apparatus receives one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths.

[0254] During 1202, the apparatus distributes a first PDU having an end of data burst marking downlink across at least two of the two or more access network pathsregardless of how the multi-access rules indicate that the first PDU should be distributed based on the first PDll’s protocol set importance.

[0255] Figure 13 illustrates an example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0256] During 1301 , the apparatus receives one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0257] During 1302, the apparatus receives, for a first burst of said bursts, information indicating a size of the first burst.

[0258] During 1303, the apparatus determines that the first burst is to be distributed across at least two access network paths of the two or more access network paths (e.g., based on the one or more multi-access rules).

[0259] During 1304, the apparatus modifies the information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0260] During 1305, the apparatus distributes the first burst downlink across the at least two access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and the modified information indicating the size of the first burst.

[0261] The distributing of 1305 may be performed in at least one of a plurality of different ways, such as described above in examples.

[0262] For example, the distributing of 1305 may comprise splitting the first burst into at least two different parts, adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header indicates that the burst size of the first burst is zero, and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0263] The distributing of 1305 may comprise splitting the first burst into at least two different parts, adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header omits information indicating the burst size of the first burst, and distributing the different parts and their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0264] The distributing of 1305 may comprise splitting the first burst into at least two different parts, determining a respective size of each of the at least two different parts, adding respective headers to the at least two different parts, wherein each respective header comprises the respective size of that part, and distributing the different partsand their respective headers across different access network paths of the two or more access network paths.

[0265] Figure 14 illustrates an example method that may be performed by an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0266] During 1401, the apparatus receives one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multi-access rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.

[0267] During 1402, the apparatus distributes a first burst of said bursts downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.

[0268] During 1403, the apparatus receives an indication of a time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be distributed.

[0269] During 1404, the apparatus distributes the second burst downlink across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on both the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths and based on the indication of the time between the first burst and a second burst of said bursts to be transmitted.

[0270] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may comprise a time to next burst.

[0271] The indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst may be received from an application.

[0272] The one or more ATSSS rules may comprise a threshold value. In such a case, the distributing of 1404 may comprise comparing the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst to the threshold value, and when the indication of the time between the first burst and the second burst is less than the threshold, causing the first and second bursts to be distributed based on the same access network path(s).

[0273] The following features may be considered to be features that may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more including all) of the above examples of Figures 10 to 14.

[0274] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.

[0275] The receiving the one or more multi-access rules may comprise: receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; and replacing the one or more multi-access ruleswith the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flows based on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multiaccess rules.

[0276] The apparatus may insert, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink. As mentioned above, the one or more parameters may be provided by an application.

[0277] Figure 15 illustrates a method that may be performed by an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus), such as an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus) configured to provide an SMF or an apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus) implemented as or comprising an SMF. The apparatus (e.g., at least one network apparatus) may be as described above in connection with Figure 2.

[0278] During 1501, the apparatus provides, to another apparatus one or more distribution rules, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises information for enabling the another apparatus to distribute bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths. The another apparatus may comprise an apparatus as described above in relation to any of Figures 5 to 14. The one or more distribution rules may comprise one or more ATSSS rules and / or one or more multiaccess rules, depending on the another apparatus.

[0279] The following features may apply in respect of any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the above examples of Figures 5 to 15.

[0280] The two or more access network paths may comprise a 3GPP access network apparatus and a non-3GPP access network apparatus. The two or more access network paths may comprise two 3GPP access network apparatus. The two or more access network paths may comprise two non-3GPP access network apparatus.

[0281] Further, a burst of PDlls comprises one or more PDU sets.

[0282] The information for distributing bursts of PDUs may comprise information indicating at least one or a burst size, a time to next burst, or an end of data burst.

[0283] Any portion(s) of the methods described herein may result in at least one of a number of different advantages.

[0284] For example, the deployment of any portion(s) of the methods described herein may result in a better quality of service for bursty traffic, including for extended reality media traffic.

[0285] Further, there may be provided a better allocation of 3GPP and non-3GPP resources for transmission of such bursty traffic.

[0286] Further, the resource allocation may be performed in awareness of the application requirements for transmission, including a PDU set type and / or PDU set importance. This may result in more efficient resource allocations being performed.

[0287] It is understood that references in the above to various network functions (e.g., to an AMF, an 0AM, etc.) may comprise apparatus that perform at least some of the functionality associated with those network functions. Further, an apparatus comprising a network function may comprise a virtual network function instance of that network function.

[0288] It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0289] It is noted that whilst some example embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although certain example embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, any of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

[0290] It is also noted herein that while the above describes various example embodiments of this disclosure, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to these various example embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0291] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0292] In general, the various example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some example embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware orsoftware which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as nonlimiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0293] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog, digital and / or quantum circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog, digital and / or quantum hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any or all portions of hardware processor(s) (including digital and / or quantum processor(s)) with software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile device (e.g., terminal device), computing device, or server, to perform various functions) and(c) any or all portions of hardware circuit(s), such as microprocessor(s), and / or quantum processor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0294] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0295] The various example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out any portion(s) of the various example embodiments of this disclosure. The one or more computerexecutable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

[0296] Further in this regard, it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

[0297] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. , tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0298] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0299] Various example embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0300] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims. The various example embodiments and features thereof, if any, described in this disclosure that do not fall under the scopeof the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the disclosure.

[0301] The foregoing description has provided, by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples, a full and informative description of the various example embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the drawings and the claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the various example embodiments of the disclosure as set forth in the claims. By way of non-limiting and illustrative example, there is a further example embodiment comprising a combination of one or more example embodiments with any of the other example embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1.WE CLAIM:1 ) An apparatus comprising means for:receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.2) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for receiving the one or more ATSSS rules comprises means for receiving the one or more ATSSS rules from a session management function.3) An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the means for distributing uplink traffic flows comprises means for:receiving condition information about at least one of one or more operating conditions of the apparatus or one or more qualities of access networks provided by the two or more access network paths; and distributing uplink traffic flows based on both the one or more ATSSS and the condition information.4) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for distributing further comprising means for inserting, in a header of a PDU to be distributed uplink using the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed uplink.5) An apparatus comprising means for:receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.6) An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for receiving the one or more multi-access rules comprises means for receiving the one or more multi-access rules from a session management function.7) An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for receiving the one or more multi-Access rules comprises means for:receiving one or more updated multi-access rules; andreplacing the one or more multi-access rules with the one or more updated multi-access rules for distributing downlink traffic flows based on the one or more updated multi-access rules instead of the one or more multi-access rules.8) An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the means for distributing further comprises means for inserting, in a header of a PDU belonging to a burst to be distributed downlink based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths, information indicating one or more parameters relating to the burst being distributed downlink.9) An apparatus comprising means for performing:providing, to another apparatus one or more distribution rules, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises information for enabling the another apparatus to distribute bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths.10) An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more distribution rules comprises at least one of one or more multiple access rules or one or more access traffic steering splitting switching rules.5011) An apparatus as claimed in any of preceding claim, wherein the two or more access network paths comprise a 3GPP access network apparatus and a non- 3GPP access network apparatus.12) An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the two or more access network paths comprises two 3GPP access network apparatus or two non-3GPP access network apparatus.13) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a burst of PDlls comprises one or more PDU sets.14) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the information for distributing bursts of PDlls comprises information indicating at least one of a burst size, a time to next burst, or an end of data burst.15) A method for an apparatus, the method comprising:receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.16) A method for an apparatus, the method comprising:receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.17) A method for an apparatus, the method comprising:51receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDlls across two or more access network paths.18) A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out: receiving one or more access traffic steering splitting switching, ATSSS, rules, wherein the one or more ATSSS rules comprise information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDlls, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing uplink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.19) A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.20) A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out: receiving one or more multi-access rules, wherein the one or more multiaccess rules comprises information for distributing bursts of protocol data units, PDUs, across two or more access network paths; anddistributing downlink traffic flows across at least one of the two or more access network paths based on the information for distributing bursts of PDUs across two or more access network paths.52

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