5G ATSSS Rule Steering Across Multi-PLMN Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems lack a solution for steering network traffic between multiple networks to which a user device is subscribed, such as between a Standalone Non-Public Network (SNPN) and a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), or between different access types within a given PLMN or SNPN network.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to the Access Transport Steering Switching & Splitting (ATSSS) architecture and protocols to establish Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA-PDU) sessions, defining rules for steering network traffic between different 3GPP access networks and between 3GPP and non-3GPP access types within a PLMN or SNPN network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user device is subscribed to multiple networks (PLMN and SNPN), then connectivity options and network choices increase, but the system lacks traffic steering capability between these networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (ATSSS rule generation and enforcement framework) that mediates between multiple network subscriptions and traffic steering requirements. The system generates Access Transport Steering Switching and Splitting rules that act as intermediaries to direct traffic between PLMN and SNPN networks, enabling multi-network connectivity without overwhelming device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM cards are used to establish multiple connections with different networks, then network diversity and access options improve, but traffic management and steering between connections becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic management by creating separate ATSSS rules for different network connections (PLMN and SNPN). Each connection has dedicated steering rules that segment the traffic flow management, making it easier to control and direct traffic between multiple SIM cards and network connections without managing a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically generates and updates ATSSS rules based on network conditions and subscription configurations. This dynamic rule generation allows the traffic management system to adapt automatically to changing network states, reducing manual intervention and simplifying operational complexity while maintaining diverse network access options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ATSSS rules are enhanced to support multi-PLMN sessions, then traffic steering between multiple networks is enabled, but protocol complexity and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ATSSS rule framework universal by designing it to handle multiple PLMN and SNPN network types through a single unified mechanism. The same ATSSS rule generation and enforcement process works across different network configurations, providing multi-functionality that reduces protocol complexity compared to having separate steering mechanisms for each network type.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for enhancements to 5G Access Transport Steering Switching & Splitting (ATSSS) rules. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, at a network controller, a request for a Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA-PDU) session from a user device, the request including a “Multi access multi PLMN” flag for requesting multiple Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) sessions; generating, at the network controller, an access transport steering switching and splitting (ATSSS) rule for steering traffic associated with the user device between at least two PLMNs once the multiple PLMN sessions are established between the user device and the at least two PLMNs; and sending the steering rule to the user device to be used for splitting uplink network traffic transmitted between the user device and the at least two PLMNs.