Multi-Access Data Connection Establishment via Unified Session Request
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks require two separate User Equipment (UE)-requested Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions to establish a Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA-PDU) session, which is inefficient and does not support seamless switching between different access networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a communication device transmits a single Session Management (SM) request over one access network, including indications for a single-access data connection and the possibility of upgrading to a multi-access data connection, allowing the establishment of a multi-access data connection over multiple access networks based on network indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two separate PDU sessions are established to create an MA-PDU session, then the multi-access data connection can be established, but the establishment process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate PDU session establishment procedures into a single unified procedure. The UE sends one PDU session establishment request that includes both the first indication (requesting single-access data connection) and the second indication (allowing network to upgrade to multi-access), merging what was previously two separate requests into one efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single PDU session establishment request serves multiple functions: it requests initial data connection establishment, indicates upgrade permission, and enables the network to create both single-access and multi-access components through one procedure, making the session management system more versatile and efficient.
2Ease of operation
If a single PDU session is established with upgrade permission, then the establishment process is simplified, but the network must manage both single-access and multi-access modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic session management system where the data connection can transition from single-access mode to multi-access mode based on network conditions and user needs. The network can upgrade the session type flexibly while the UE maintains a single session identifier, allowing adaptive operation without requiring separate static session configurations.
3Reliability
If separate PDU sessions are used for different access networks, then each access can be managed independently, but seamless switching between accesses is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-access data connection into multiple child PDU sessions (one per access network) while maintaining a single parent MA-PDU session identifier. This segmentation allows independent management and reliability of each access connection while the unified parent session enables seamless switching and coordinated control across all accesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested session structure where multiple child PDU sessions (for different access networks) are nested within a single parent MA-PDU session. This nested architecture allows each child session to operate independently for reliability while the parent session coordinates them for seamless switching and unified management.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for establishing a multi-access data connection. One apparatus includes a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to transmit, over a first access network, a first request to establish a data connection, the first request including a first indication requesting a single-access data connection and a second indication that an upgrade from the single-access data connection to a multi-access data connection is allowed. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to receive a third indication that the single-access data connection is to be upgraded to the multi-access data connection for transporting user-plane traffic over the first access network and a second access network and to establish the multi-access data connection over the first access network and the second access network based on the third indication.