Session Parameter Reuse for Uniform 3GPP and Wi-Fi Policy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to provide uniform policy enforcement across different network types due to varying session parameters in 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, leading to inconsistencies in policy application and the lack of session parameters in non-3GPP networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes the same session management function/packet gateway (SMF/PGW-C) selected over a 3GPP network to extract and apply session parameters, such as IMEI and UE location, for enforcing policies across 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, independent of APN/DNN, ensuring uniform policy application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different session parameters are provided for 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, then network-specific policies can be enforced, but uniform policy enforcement across different network types cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork-specific policy enforcementVSAvoiduniform policy application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the SMF/PGW-C the common session management function for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks. This single function performs multiple roles: it manages 3GPP sessions, enables Wi-Fi offload, and provides unified policy enforcement. By consolidating these functions into one universal entity, the system achieves uniform policy application across different network types while maintaining network-specific capabilities through configurable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If session parameters are not provided in non-3GPP networks, then simpler network operation is maintained, but policy enforcement consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-3GPP network operationVSAvoidpolicy enforcement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the SMF/PGW-C as an intermediary that bridges 3GPP and non-3GPP networks. This intermediary function receives session requests from non-3GPP networks, checks for existing 3GPP sessions, and utilizes available session parameters (such as IMEI and location) to enforce policies consistently. The intermediary translates between different network parameter sets, enabling uniform policy enforcement without requiring non-3GPP networks to implement complex parameter collections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate session management functions are used for 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, then network-specific management is simplified, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork-specific session managementVSAvoidsession management architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the session management functions for 3GPP and non-3GPP networks into a single SMF/PGW-C entity. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate management systems, reducing overall system complexity. The unified function handles both 3GPP and Wi-Fi offload sessions, shares common resources, and enforces policies consistently, while maintaining the ability to handle network-specific requirements through configurable parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If existing 3GPP session parameters are reused for non-3GPP networks, then uniform policy enforcement is achieved, but network-specific parameter requirements may not be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform policy applicationVSAvoidnetwork-specific parameter support

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically selecting and transforming session parameters based on the access network type. For non-3GPP networks, the system checks for existing 3GPP sessions and reuses available parameters (IMEI, location) to enforce policies. The system can transform and adapt these parameters to meet network-specific requirements, ensuring both uniform policy enforcement and network-specific parameter support through flexible parameter mapping and transformation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260019454A1System and method for reuse of session parameters across different networks

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 JIO PLATFORMS LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system and a method for selecting a session management function/packet gateway (SMF/PGW-C) and existing session parameters from a third-generation partnership project (3GPP) access network session. Further, the system utilizes existing session parameters for a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service independent of an access point name/data network name (APN/DNN) over 4G or 5G access networks. The SMF/PGW-C will be able to use an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) from the 3GPP Session for enforcing user equipment (UE) model/vendor specific policies through the Wi-Fi offload services. Additionally, the SMF/PGW-C will be able to use the 3GPP UE location information for applying location-based policies over the Wi-Fi network to ensure uniform policy application across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks.