Non-3GPP Path Switching with AMF-Gated User Plane Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective methods for non-3GPP path switching behavior, specifically in wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

Implement methods for performing communication by an AMF, for receiving a registration request from a UE via a new non-3GPP access, triggering a procedure to release old non-3GPP access, and transmitting an indication to an SMF.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-3GPP path switching behavior is supported in NR systems, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and system complexity increase due to the need to manage multiple access paths and coordinate between AMF and SMF

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-3GPP path switching capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AMF triggers a procedure to release AN resources for the old non-3GPP access before the path switching is completed. This preliminary action prevents resource conflicts and ensures clean transition between access paths, reducing the complexity of resource management during switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing of resource release based on the switching state. The AMF monitors the path switching progress and coordinates resource release accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its resource management strategy to the current switching phase, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If user plane resources are established during non-3GPP path switching, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential conflicts and errors from simultaneous path changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource establishment speedVSAvoidpath switching reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The AMF triggers release of AN resources for the old access before path switching completes, preparing the system in advance to avoid conflicts during resource establishment, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF receives feedback about the switching state and coordinates resource establishment timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures resources are established at appropriate moments, preventing conflicts and maintaining reliability while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If request messages are processed during path switching, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases due to temporary rejections and coordination overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage processing speedVSAvoidrequest message status
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The AMF preliminarily determines whether path switching is in progress before processing request messages. This early detection allows the system to temporarily reject messages appropriately, preventing information loss from incorrect processing while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the SMF and the path switching process. It manages the timing and status of request messages during switching, ensuring no information is lost while maintaining efficient processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4661590A1Path switching
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4661590A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661590A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4661590A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method by which an AMF performs communication. The method may comprise the steps of: receiving a registration request message from a UE via a new non-3GPP AN; triggering a procedure for releasing an AN resource for an old non-3GPP access; receiving, from an SMF, a request message for requesting the establishment of a user plane resource; rejecting the request message on the basis that the request message was received before the completion of non-3GPP path switching; and transmitting, to the SMF, an indication that the request message has been temporarily rejected.