Single PDU Session for Multi-Device Terminal Function Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are limited to consuming digital content on a single device despite better devices being available, and existing wireless communication systems lack efficient methods for transferring terminal functions between devices without interruption or manual configuration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and systems for establishing and maintaining a single packet data unit (PDU) session across multiple terminal devices, allowing for the distribution of terminal functions and service level agreement (SLA) mapping, enabling seamless function transfer and optimization of resource utilization and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user consumes digital content on a single device, then the consumption experience is continuous and stable, but the user cannot transfer the experience to better available devices
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal function is segmented into multiple independent components that can be distributed across different devices. Each device performs specific functions (e.g., rendering, audio processing, control) while maintaining coordinated operation through the shared PDU session, enabling experience transfer without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDU session is designed to be universal and device-agnostic, allowing the same session to be maintained across multiple different terminal devices. This enables the digital content experience to be transferred between devices of varying capabilities while maintaining continuous access to the service.
2Productivity
If terminal functions are distributed among multiple devices, then resource utilization is optimized and battery life is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple devices are merged into a single logical terminal through the shared PDU session. The network perceives the distributed devices as one unified terminal, simplifying session management and reducing the complexity of maintaining multiple separate connections while optimizing resource utilization across devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDU session acts as an intermediary that coordinates communication between the distributed terminal functions and the network. This mediator manages the complexity of device distribution by providing a unified interface for session establishment, maintenance, and handover.
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminal functions are transferred between devices, then user experience is enhanced by leveraging better device capabilities, but the transfer process causes interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The PDU session maintains continuous connectivity throughout the device transfer process. By establishing the session with multiple devices simultaneously and enabling seamless handover, the useful action of digital content consumption continues uninterrupted during the transition between devices of different capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PDU sessions are established for function distribution, then device independence is maintained, but the network resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple devices share a single PDU session instead of each device having its own separate session. This merging approach maintains device independence and individual capabilities while significantly reducing network resource overhead by eliminating redundant session management structures and control plane signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure pertains to methods and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a single PDU session with multiple terminal devices, such as for transferring a terminal function between two WTRUs or distributing the performance of a terminal function amongst a plurality of WTRUs. Additionally, methods and apparatus for SLA mapping for terminal function distribution are provided. SLAs for a single PDU session may be mapped among multiple distributed WTRUs based on the function demands for network slice selection. A set of devices running functions of the same PDU session may be selected and registered to the suitable slices based on their required SLAs. A network assisted function distribution slice selection function may serve over multiple slices in the 5G Core for an ongoing single PDU session among the chosen set of WTRUs.