DualSteer UE Session Management for Simultaneous 3GPP Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems struggle with efficient simultaneous access and management of multiple 3GPP access networks, particularly in scenarios involving dual 3GPP access networks, leading to suboptimal traffic steering, switching, and splitting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A DualSteer device and method for session management that enables a user equipment (UE) to request and manage simultaneous access to two 3GPP access networks, utilizing a multi-access PDU session with specific rules and parameters for traffic steering, switching, and splitting across these networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE accesses only a single 3GPP access network, then the network management and session establishment are simple, but the traffic management flexibility and user experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access management by introducing separate access types (3GPP access and non-3GPP access) with distinct access types in the PDU session establishment request. This allows the network to manage different access networks independently while enabling the UE to utilize multiple accesses simultaneously for enhanced traffic management flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the UE to establish PDU sessions that can utilize both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses simultaneously. The network node is designed to handle multiple access types through a unified session management mechanism, allowing a single PDU session to benefit from multiple access networks for improved versatility in traffic management.
2Productivity
If a UE simultaneously accesses multiple 3GPP access networks, then traffic steering and switching capabilities are enhanced, but the session management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE indicate its capability to simultaneously access multiple 3GPP access networks in advance during the PDU session establishment request. The network node receives this indication and prepares the appropriate session management configuration, including access type information, before the actual data transmission begins. This preliminary capability indication simplifies subsequent traffic steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible traffic steering between multiple access networks based on real-time network conditions and service requirements. The session management allows dynamic switching and splitting of traffic across different access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP) while maintaining a unified PDU session, optimizing data transmission efficiency without requiring complete session re-establishment.
3Reliability
If traffic is transmitted over a single access network, then the session management is straightforward, but the network flexibility and service continuity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP) into a unified PDU session framework. The network node combines access type information from different access networks into a single session context, allowing traffic to be steered, switched, or split across multiple accesses while maintaining unified session management. This combining approach enhances service continuity by enabling seamless failover between accesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary by receiving access type indications from the UE and translating them into appropriate session management decisions. The intermediary functionality includes determining whether to establish separate PDU sessions for different access types or to utilize a unified MA PDU session that can leverage multiple accesses, thereby simplifying the complexity for both the UE and the core network while maintaining service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for session management for a DualSteer device are provided herein. A user equipment (UE) transmits first information indicating that the UE requests access to two Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access networks simultaneously and that the UE supports access to two 3GPP access networks simultaneously. Further, the UE receives second information indicating rules for accessing the two 3GPP access networks simultaneously. Moreover, the UE transmits data using a multi-access (MA) protocol data unit (PDU) session based on the rules for accessing the two 3GPP access networks simultaneously, where the MA PDU session is established on a first 3GPP access network and a second 3GPP access network. Additionally or alternatively, the first information is included in a PDU session establishment request message. Additionally or alternatively, the second information is included in a PDU session establishment accept message. Additionally or alternatively, the UE is a DualSteer UE.