UE Route Selection Policy for Multi-Network Traffic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications networks struggle to efficiently manage user equipment route selection policies in scenarios involving dual or multiple connectivity to different radio access networks, leading to inefficiencies and loss of home network operator control over traffic routing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced user equipment route selection policy information with a multiple connectivity indication that allows flexible traffic steering based on current network connections, enabling application-based granularity and ensuring home operator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectivity modes are supported to increase routing flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing policy is segmented into multiple URSP rules, each corresponding to a specific connectivity mode (e.g., one rule for 3GPP access, another for non-3GPP access). Each rule contains route selection descriptors that are independently evaluated, allowing the UE to manage complex routing scenarios through modular rule segments rather than a single monolithic policy
Solution Approach 2:
The home network pre-provisions multiple URSP rules in the UE before the UE actually connects to multiple networks. These rules include pre-defined route selection descriptors for various connectivity scenarios (dual connectivity, multi-RAT, etc.), so when the UE enters a complex routing scenario, it can immediately apply the appropriate pre-configured rule without real-time computation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectivity modes are supported to enable diverse network combinations, then adaptability is improved, but determining applicable rules becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each URSP rule is assigned a specific priority level and contains route selection descriptors tailored to particular connectivity scenarios (e.g., one descriptor for 3GPP-only, another for 3GPP+non-3GPP combinations). The UE evaluates rules locally based on its current connectivity state, matching the specific scenario to the appropriate pre-configured descriptor rather than searching through all possible rules
Solution Approach 2:
The UE dynamically evaluates which URSP rule applies based on its current connectivity state (e.g., connected to one network, two networks, specific RAT types). The system transitions between different routing policies as connectivity conditions change, with the UE monitoring network state and automatically selecting the appropriate pre-provisioned rule set
3Reliability
If home network maintains control over traffic routing, then operator control is improved, but signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The home network performs preliminary provisioning of multiple URSP rules and route selection descriptors to the UE in advance, before the UE actually needs to route traffic through multiple networks. This bulk provisioning reduces the need for frequent incremental updates and real-time signaling exchanges between the UE and home network
Solution Approach 2:
The UE is empowered to autonomously evaluate its current connectivity state and independently select the appropriate URSP rule and route selection descriptor from its pre-provisioned set. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the UE to continuously query the home network for routing decisions, significantly reducing signaling load while maintaining home network control over the available policy options
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting and/or using user equipment route selection policy information when operating a user equipment in view of the user equipment having, or using, multiple connectivity towards, or involving, a plurality of radio access networks or a plurality of mobile communication networks, wherein the user equipment is associated with a, or its, home network, or comprises a subscription thereof, wherein furthermore, at a predefined location, the user equipment is connected, or able to be connected, to at least a specific first mobile communication network and a specific second mobile communication network, -- wherein either one of the specific first or second mobile communication networks corresponds to the home network of the user equipment, -- or wherein both specific first and second mobile communication networks are visited mobile communication networks to the user equipment, wherein, in order to use or to apply, by the user equipment, at least one multiple connectivity mode, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the user equipment comprises or receives, from its home network, a specific user equipment route selection policy information, wherein the specific user equipment route selection policy information comprises a multiple connectivity indication, wherein the multiple connectivity indication refers to, or indicates, the at least one multiple connectivity mode involving at least two mobile communication networks, wherein the multiple connectivity indication refers or is related to at least two networks or characteristics of networks out of the following: -- the specific first mobile communication network and/or -- the specific second mobile communication network and/or -- the usable or allowed (radio) access technologies of, or provided by, the specific first and/or second mobile communication networks and/or -- the usable or allowed (radio) access technology types of, or provided by, the specific first and/or second mobile communication networks and/or -- the usable or allowed mobile country code of the specific first and/or second mobile communication networks, -- in a second step, the at least one multiple connectivity mode is used or applied, by the user equipment, by means of using or applying the specific user equipment route selection policy information in case the multiple connectivity indication on the one hand, and the first and second mobile communication networks on the other hand match.