NIN3A ATSSS-Lite for Flexible Multi-Access PDU Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in supporting non-integrated non-3GPP access links, leading to reduced flexibility and increased overhead in traffic steering-switching-splitting functionality.

Innovation Solution

Implementing ATSSS-Lite, which supports non-integrated non-3GPP access links without the need for integration with a gateway, enhancing flexibility and reducing overhead by allowing separate signaling and data transfer between 3GPP and non-3GPP access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If integrated non-3GPP access (N3GPPA) is used for PDU sessions, then coordination between access networks is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination between access networksVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access network coordination into two distinct modes: integrated N3GPPA for scenarios requiring high coordination, and non-integrated NIN3A for scenarios where simpler operation is preferred. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate complexity level based on service requirements, reducing unnecessary processing overhead while maintaining coordination where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic selection mechanisms that allow the UE and network to choose between integrated and non-integrated access modes based on real-time conditions, service requirements, and capability matching. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt the coordination level to match actual needs, avoiding the constant overhead of integrated modes when simpler operation suffices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-integrated non-3GPP access (NIN3A) is used for PDU sessions, then flexibility and processing overhead are improved, but coordination between access networks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcoordination between access networks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the PDU session management system to universally support both integrated and non-integrated access modes through a unified framework. The same core protocols and procedures can handle both N3GPPA and NIN3A scenarios, providing flexibility while maintaining essential coordination capabilities through standardized interfaces and fallback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary coordination mechanisms that enable even non-integrated access modes to maintain basic coordination through standardized signaling interfaces. These intermediaries allow the system to preserve essential coordination functions while still benefiting from the reduced overhead and increased flexibility of non-integrated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional ATSSS is used with integrated access, then traffic steering-switching-splitting functionality is improved, but user plane overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic steering-switching-splitting functionalityVSAvoiduser plane overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential ATSSS functionality from the integrated access framework and applies it independently to non-integrated access scenarios. By separating the traffic steering-switching-splitting logic from the integration requirements, the system maintains productive multi-access capabilities while removing the unnecessary user plane overhead associated with integrated gateway operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250311035A1Techniques for protocol data unit sessions via multiple access networks

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for a user equipment (UE) to receive a first signal that indicates the UE is to use non-integrated non-3GPP access (NIN3A) access traffic steering-switching-splitting (ATSSS) for a protocol data unit (PDU) session with a wireless network using both a first access link associated with a 3GPP link (or an integrated non-3GPP link) and a second access link associated with a non-integrated non-3GPP link. The UE may establish the PDU session using both the first access link and the second access link based on the NIN3A ATSSS. The PDU session may use extended UE route selection policy (URSP) rules that apply to the PDU session with a 3GPP access (3GPPA) link and an NIN3A link, or the PDU session may use extended ATSSS rules and N4 rules that explicitly include 3GPPA and NIN3A combinations.