Multi-Access PDN Connectivity Control for NBIFOM Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies lack a detailed procedure for establishing a multi-access PDN connection, specifically for successful and failure scenarios, and do not clarify the acceptance or rejection processes for terminal devices supporting Network-based IP Flow Mobility (NBIFOM) functions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication control procedure for multi-access PDN connectivity establishment requests from terminal devices, involving User Equipment (UE), Trusted WLAN Gateway (TWAG), and enhanced Packet Data Gateway (ePDG), which outlines specific steps for successful and failure procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-access PDN connection is established to allow simultaneous utilization of 3GPP and non-3GPP interfaces, then the adaptability and versatility of the terminal device is improved, but the device complexity and procedure complexity increase due to the lack of detailed establishment procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-access capabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-access PDN connection establishment into distinct phases: initial access network selection, NBIFOM capability indication, and access network switching. Each phase has specific procedures for successful and failure scenarios, making the complex overall process more manageable and implementable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs preliminary actions by indicating NBIFOM capability support before actual multi-access operation. The establishment procedures include preliminary capability exchange and network configuration before the terminal device actually utilizes multiple access networks simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If detailed procedures for successful and failure scenarios are implemented, then the reliability of the PDN connection establishment is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to more complex acceptance and rejection processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides explicit acceptance or rejection responses to terminal devices requesting multi-access PDN connections. The detailed procedures include feedback loops for capability confirmation, connection establishment status, and failure reason notification, ensuring reliable operation despite increased procedural steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal device indicates NBIFOM capability and requests multi-access PDN connection, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of information increases due to unclear acceptance and rejection criteria

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNBIFOM capability indicationVSAvoidacceptance rejection information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the network as an intermediary to convey acceptance or rejection information from the terminal device's capability indication. The network processes the NBIFOM capability indication and returns explicit information about whether the multi-access PDN connection is accepted or rejected, preventing information loss through clear bidirectional communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3282808B1Terminal device, TWAG and epdg
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SHARP KK
  • EP3282808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3282808B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3282808B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is communication control accompanied with establishment of a multi-access PDN connection or with rejection of establishment of a multi-access PDN connection, on the basis of a response to a PDN connectivity establishment request from a terminal device. This provides a method of communication control and the like accompanied with a multi-access PDN connectivity establishment request from the terminal device.