Multi-SIM PDU Session Setup via Shared Non-3GPP Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies limit the ability of devices with multiple subscriber identification modules (SIMs) to establish and utilize non-3GPP access networks effectively for simultaneous data and voice connections, particularly when multiple PLMNs are involved, leading to suboptimal data offloading and inefficient traffic steering, switching, and splitting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shared non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) that allows simultaneous registration and connection of multiple SIMs across different PLMNs, enabling the sharing of non-3GPP access networks for both 3GPP access networks, facilitating simultaneous PDU session establishment and traffic management across multiple networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device with multiple SIMs establishes separate PDU sessions for each SIM through different access networks, then each SIM can maintain its own network connection, but the device cannot efficiently share the non-3GPP access network between multiple PLMNs, leading to suboptimal data offloading and inefficient traffic management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single non-3GPP access network to serve multiple PLMNs simultaneously by allowing the wireless device to establish PDU sessions for different SIMs through the same access network. The SMF components coordinate to allow shared access, making the non-3GPP access network universal across multiple network operators, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining productivity through efficient resource sharing.
2Productivity
If the wireless device establishes simultaneous PDU sessions for multiple SIMs through the same non-3GPP access network, then data offloading and traffic management improve, but conflicts may arise in session management and resource allocation between different PLMNs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SMF (Session Management Function) as an intermediary that coordinates PDU session establishment between the wireless device and multiple PLMNs. The SMF receives PDU session establishment requests, determines the appropriate PLMN, and manages resource allocation accordingly. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient data offloading while maintaining session management consistency and reliability across multiple network operators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional access network architecture is used where each PLMN requires dedicated access, then network isolation and security are maintained, but devices with multiple SIMs cannot utilize non-3GPP access networks effectively for simultaneous voice and data connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by introducing separate SMF components for different PLMNs while allowing a shared non-3GPP access network. Each SMF manages sessions for its respective PLMN independently, maintaining network isolation and security, while the access network is divided into multiple accessible pathways. This segmentation enables multi-SIM devices to establish simultaneous voice and data connections across different networks without compromising security or operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples for protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment include sending a first PDU session establishment request to a first network The first PDU session establishment request is sent via an access network. A second PDU session establishment request is sent to a second network via the access network A first acknowledgement corresponding to the first PDU session establishment request is received via the access network, and a second acknowledgement corresponding to the second PDU session establishment request is received via the access network.