DualSteer PDU Session Switching Across 3GPP Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack efficient methods for managing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions for DualSteer capable devices, particularly in switching traffic between 3GPP access networks, without considering user preferences and network conditions.

Innovation Solution

The 5G Public Land Mobile Network provides DualSteer devices with a traffic switch configuration mechanism, allowing them to manage PDU session setup and user plane paths based on user preferences, network load, traffic congestion, and traffic type, enabling seamless switching between 3GPP access networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PDU sessions are pre-established on both 3GPP access networks, then traffic switching capability is improved, but network resources are wasted when switching is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic switching capabilityVSAvoidnetwork resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The network pre-establishes PDU sessions on both 3GPP access networks (first and second access networks) before traffic switching is needed. This preliminary setup enables rapid traffic steering by having the necessary session infrastructure already in place, eliminating the need for real-time session establishment during switching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traffic switching decisions are made based solely on network conditions, then network efficiency is improved, but user preferences are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoiduser preference adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates user preferences as feedback input into the traffic switching decision-making process. The DualSteer device receives traffic switch configuration from the network and uses this information to make informed decisions about traffic routing, balancing network efficiency with user-specific requirements and preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If PDU sessions are established only after switching decision is made, then network resources are saved, but switching latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resourcesVSAvoidswitching latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

PDU sessions are pre-established on both access networks before traffic switching is required. This preliminary establishment of session infrastructure enables immediate traffic steering without the latency associated with real-time session setup, while the actual activation of sessions occurs only when needed based on traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If DualSteer devices configure PDU sessions independently, then device autonomy is improved, but coordination between primary and secondary UEs becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network acts as an intermediary that provides centralized traffic switch configuration to DualSteer devices. This configuration includes instructions for setting up PDU sessions and managing user plane paths, simplifying the coordination between primary and secondary UEs while maintaining device autonomy in executing the configured sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046728A1Methods, architectures, apparatuses and systems for managing protocol data unit sessions for dualsteer capable devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Procedures, methods, architectures, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer program products for establishing a PDU session by a WTRU that includes a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE, with a wireless network. The method includes causing the first UE to be registered, transmitting at least one first message including an identifier of the WTRU and a traffic switch preference parameter, receiving an indication that the PDU session is accepted and a traffic switch configuration, and communicating with the wireless network using the first UE and the first PDU session. The method further includes, based at least on the traffic switch configuration, causing the second UE to be registered, transmitting at least one second message including the identifier of the WTRU, receiving an indication of a second PDU session being accepted for the second UE, and communicating with the wireless network using the second UE and the second PDU session.