UE Tsor-cm Timer Updates for 5G Roaming Mode Transition Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The 3GPP has not provided a clear method for Enhanced Control Plane Steering of Roaming (eCPSOR_CON) in the 5G System (5GS), which controls the timing of a User Equipment (UE) transitioning from a connected mode to an idle mode during roaming.

Innovation Solution

A User Equipment (UE) with transmission and reception circuitry and a controller sets a Tsor-cm timer value for an associated PDU session or service upon receiving new Steering of roaming connected mode control information (SOR-CMCI) while the Tsor-cm timers are running.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE follows the existing SOR mechanism without enhancements, then the basic roaming control function is maintained, but the network cannot control the timing of UE transition from connected mode to idle mode during roaming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveeCPSOR_CON function supportVSAvoidUE structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the UE's timer management behavior. When the UE receives new SOR-CMCI while Tsor-cm timers are running, it updates the timer values according to the new control information. This parameter update mechanism enables eCPSOR_CON functionality without requiring structural changes to the UE, thus resolving the contradiction between adding new functionality and maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the UE updates Tsor-cm timer values upon receiving new SOR-CMCI during roaming, then the network can control transition timing accurately, but timer management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition timing controlVSAvoidtimer management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors incoming SOR-CMCI messages and adjusts Tsor-cm timer values based on network instructions. The UE provides feedback by acknowledging receipt of new SOR-CMCI and updating its timer state accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable transition timing control while keeping timer management systematic and manageable through standardized update procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UE maintains multiple running Tsor-cm timers for different PDU sessions, then individual session control is achieved, but the complexity of timer coordination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDU session-specific controlVSAvoidtimer coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by associating separate Tsor-cm timers with individual PDU sessions or services. Each timer can be independently managed and updated based on SOR-CMCI specific to that session. This segmentation enables precise control for each PDU session while simplifying coordination, as each timer operates independently rather than requiring complex inter-timer synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12574996B2User equipment (UE)

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SHARP KK

AI summary

A User Equipment (UE) includes transmission and reception circuitry, and a controller, wherein while one or more Tsor-cm timers are running, and upon receiving a new Steering of roaming connected mode control information (SOR-CMCI), the controller sets a Tsor-cm timer value for an associated PDU session or service to a timer value in the new SOR-CMCI.