DualSteer MUSIM UE Session Handling Across Multiple Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems struggle to efficiently manage multi-subscriber identity module (MUSIM) features and dualsteer capabilities in user equipment (UEs), particularly in handling simultaneous connections and data transfers across multiple access networks, leading to complexity and potential service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of methods and systems for a MUSIM and DualSteer UE to transmit and receive information indicating support for specific features, enabling seamless communication with network nodes that support these capabilities, using protocols like RRC signaling and DualSteer assistance information to facilitate coordinated network interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a UE supports both MUSIM and DualSteer features simultaneously, then the ability to manage multiple SIMs and network connections is improved, but the device complexity and protocol handling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manage multiple SIMs and network connectionsVSAvoidprotocol handling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs preliminary capability indication by including first information in registration request messages and service request messages before actual data transmission. This allows the network to pre-configure appropriate handling procedures, reducing complexity during active communication phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capability indication is segmented into different message types (registration request, service request, DualSteer assistance information) depending on the specific scenario. This segmentation allows the system to apply different handling procedures for different operational contexts, managing complexity through structured division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the UE transmits capability information in every registration and service request, then the network can make informed routing decisions, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork routing accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The UE transmits capability information selectively - including first information in registration request messages and service request messages when relevant, rather than in every possible message. This partial action approach ensures the network has necessary information for accurate routing while avoiding excessive signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the network nodes exchange detailed capability information, then coordinated MUSIM and DualSteer support is achieved, but the information exchange complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinated feature supportVSAvoidinformation exchange complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capability information is extracted and transmitted in dedicated information elements (first information in UE messages, second information in network responses) rather than embedded throughout the entire protocol exchange. This extraction approach isolates the complexity into manageable, standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF acts as an intermediary that receives capability information from the UE, exchanges it with the NG-RAN node, and coordinates the support for MUSIM and DualSteer features. This intermediary approach centralizes the complexity management, simplifying the interactions between other network elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250374358A1Systems, methods and apparatus for handling a UE supporting dualsteer and multi-subscriber identity module (MUSIM) features

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CABLE TELEVISION LAB INC

AI summary

Methods, systems and apparatus for session management for handling a DualSteer multi-subscriber identity module (MUSIM) device, such as a UE, are provided herein. In an example, the UE transmits, to a first network node, first information indicating the UE supports at least one MUSIM feature and at least one DualSteer feature. The UE receives, from the first network node, second information indicating that the first network node and a second network node support the MUSIM feature and the DualSteer feature. The UE transmits, to the first network node, based on the second information, data using the at least one MUSIM feature and the at least one DualSteer feature. Additionally or alternatively, the UE is a MUSIM and Dualsteer UE, the first network node is a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node, and the second network node includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).