Multi-Access Data Connection Across PLMNs Using External Access Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack the ability to establish multi-access data connections with external access paths across different Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) without roaming agreements, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of data traffic routing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing procedures for a User Equipment (UE) device to establish a multi-access data connection by communicating with multiple networks and sending a request message to support communication via an external access path, involving network functions like UPF, PCF, and SMF to route data traffic across access networks and external paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE device establishes a data connection within a single PLMN, then the connection is simple to manage and authenticate, but the device cannot communicate via external access paths across different PLMNs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data connection into multiple independent paths: a primary access network path within the home PLMN and an external access path through a visited PLMN. Each path is managed separately with its own session management function (SMF) and policy control function (PCF), allowing the UE to maintain simple single-PLMN authentication while enabling multi-PLMN communication through coordinated path management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary network functions including a roaming anchor SMF in the home PLMN and a visited PLMN SMF that act as mediators between the UE and external networks. These intermediaries handle the complexity of multi-PLMN coordination, session establishment, and policy enforcement, shielding the UE from complexity while enabling versatile external access
2Productivity
If a UE device uses multiple access networks for data communication, then bandwidth aggregation and latency reduction are achieved, but traffic routing control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the PCF continuously monitors traffic conditions, network status, and QoS requirements, then dynamically adjusts routing policies and sends updated traffic steering rules to the UE and UPF. This closed-loop control automates the complex task of multi-access traffic routing, maintaining ease of operation while optimizing transmission efficiency through real-time adaptations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic traffic routing where the UE can switch between different access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP) based on real-time network conditions, QoS requirements, and policy rules. The system dynamically steers traffic flows to optimal paths, aggregating bandwidth when available and switching away from congested or unavailable accesses, thereby improving productivity while keeping routing control manageable through automated policy enforcement
Data Source
AI summary
OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for establishing a multi-access data connection with an external access path. One apparatus (500) includes a transceiver (525) that communicates (705) with first and second mobile networks and a processor (505) that sends (710) a request message to the first mobile network to establish a multi-access data connection, the request message containing an external access path request. The processor (505) receives (715) a response message that accepts the request to establish a multi-access data connection and that contains a set of rules indicating how the apparatus (500) is to route data traffic across a set of access networks in the first mobile network and across an external access path over the second mobile network. The processor (505) communicates (720) with a UPF in the first network over the set of access networks and the external access path.