PDU Session Management for Multi-Access Traffic Splitting

The patent segments the session management by introducing separate PDU sessions for different access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP accesses). Each PDU session is managed independently with its own session ID, allowing the terminal to maintain multiple simultaneous connections without overwhelming complexity. The session management function is divided into access-specific sessions rather than a single unified session.

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a unified PDU session container that aggregates multiple access-specific PDU sessions. This intermediary structure allows the terminal to manage multiple access networks through a standardized interface, reducing the complexity of directly managing each access network separately while maintaining service continuity.

The patent implements a universal PDU session framework that can accommodate multiple types of access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP) through a common session management structure. The PDU session container and associated control mechanisms are designed to be access-agnostic, allowing the same architecture to support diverse access networks without requiring separate specialized systems for each access type.

The patent uses parameter-based differentiation to support various access networks. By changing session parameters (such as session ID, access type indicators, and routing rules) rather than changing the fundamental session management structure, the system can adapt to different access networks while maintaining architectural simplicity. The core framework remains unchanged, only the configurable parameters vary across different access types.

The patent establishes routing rules in advance during PDU session setup, before actual data transmission begins. The session container and associated routing configurations are pre-configured with the necessary rules for directing traffic across different access networks. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex dynamic rule updates during communication, as the routing framework is already in place.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the session management function monitors communication status and automatically triggers routing rule updates only when necessary. The control apparatus receives feedback about session establishment and status changes, and dynamically adjusts routing rules based on this feedback rather than continuously updating them. This event-driven approach reduces control complexity while maintaining communication efficiency.