Multi-SIM PDU Session Setup via Shared N3IWF 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 dual or multiple SIMs are registered via different networks, leading to suboptimal data offloading and inefficient traffic steering, switching, and splitting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shared non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) allows simultaneous registration and utilization of non-3GPP access networks across multiple 3GPP networks, enabling dual or multiple SIM devices to establish and maintain multiple PDU sessions, facilitating traffic steering, switching, and splitting through shared access nodes and user plane functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device with multiple SIMs establishes separate PDU sessions for each SIM through different networks, then each SIM can be registered on its respective network, but the device cannot effectively utilize non-3GPP access networks for simultaneous data and voice connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single non-3GPP access network to serve multiple 3GPP networks simultaneously through a shared N3IWF. This allows the non-3GPP access to function universally for both data and voice connections across multiple networks, eliminating the need for separate access networks for each SIM and enabling simultaneous data and voice connections through multi-access PDU sessions.
2Productivity
If separate access networks are used for each SIM, then network registration is straightforward, but data offloading and traffic steering efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access network functions into a single shared non-3GPP access network with a common N3IWF. This consolidation allows efficient data offloading through centralized traffic steering while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to manage separate access networks for each SIM. The shared architecture enables efficient traffic management across multiple networks through unified steering and splitting capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate PDU sessions are established for each SIM, then network connectivity is maintained, but traffic steering and splitting capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into different access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP) through a shared N3IWF architecture. This segmentation enables sophisticated traffic steering and splitting capabilities where different data flows can be routed through different access networks based on network conditions, service requirements, and load balancing considerations, while maintaining connection stability through coordinated session management across multiple networks.
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.