Patent Description:
In the <NUM> system, Hybrid FSK and QAM Modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as an advanced coding modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as an advanced access technology have been developed.

The Internet of Everything (IoE), which is a combination of the loT technology and the Big Data processing technology through connection with a cloud server, has emerged. As technology elements, such as "sensing technology", "wired/wireless communication and network infrastructure", "service interface technology", and "Security technology" have been demanded for loT implementation, a sensor network, a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, Machine Type Communication (MTC), and so forth have been recently researched. Such an loT environment may provide intelligent Internet technology services that create a new value to human life by collecting and analyzing data generated among connected things.

Application of a cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) as the above-described Big Data processing technology may also be considered to be as an example of convergence between the <NUM> technology and the loT technology.

In general, consider that a user equipment (UE) is camped to a home network of a subscriber. Consider that the UE is registered with a HPLMN of the home network for both 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and non-3GPP access (Consider <FIG>, step <NUM>). The HPLMN provides the required services to the UE based on a subscriber data policy. Current 3GPP standards support establishment of a Multi-Access protocol data unit (MA PDU) Session for Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) when the UE is camped on the HPLMN for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access. The ATSSS feature extends <NUM> system to enable traffic steering, switching and splitting between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks. The ATSSS feature can be achieved by establishing the MA PDU session between the UE and the network. Further, when the UE is in roaming, the MA PDU session can be established only if the UE is registered to a same visitor Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) for both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. i.e. only if the UE is registered for both the 3GPP access and non-3GPP access with the same telecom operator, then that telecom operator controls how much traffic flows to 3GPP access and how much traffic should flow over non-3GPP access.

However, due to mobility when the UE is registered with different PLMNs i.e., the HPLMN for non-3GPP access and a visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) for the 3GPP access (step <NUM>), then the MA PDU session gets terminated (step <NUM>) or will not be able to be established. The above scenario indicates that the ATSSS feature cannot be extended when the UE is registered with two different PLMNs(i.e. two different telecom operators).

Further, due to the UE being registered with the VPLMN during roaming, majority of the traffic shall go over the VPLMN. For any traffic over the VPLMN, home operator is charged as per roaming agreements due to which the subscriber may also incurs roaming charges for the data services provided by the VPLMN. As there is no ATSSS feature support in this scenario, home operator has no control over the data traffic.

The above information is presented as background information only to help the reader to understand the present invention. Applicants have made no determination and make no assertion as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present application. "<NPL>, provides a study on Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting support in the <NUM> system architecture. <NPL>), discusses ATSSS Solution - Capability negotiation.

The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and system for HPLMN-based traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to extend an ATSSS policy by the HPLMN for the UE which is registered to a VPLMN.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to increases a home operator's revenue and protect the UE from the high roaming charges reported by a visited network for services of the HPLMN.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to reduce user roaming cost.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to divert the UE traffic by the HPLMN based on the ATSSS policy.

Accordingly the aspects herein provide a method for HPLMN-based traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs. The method includes receiving, by the HPLMN, a MA PDU session request to establish a MA PDU session from the UE which is registered for 3GPP access over a VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN in the wireless communication network, where the MA PDU session request comprises ATSSS Capability information of the UE. Further, the method includes determining, by the HPLMN, an ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment and establishing, by the HPLMN, the MA PDU session with the UE. Further, the method also includes sending, by the HPLMN, a MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE, where the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

Accordingly the aspects herein provide method for HPLMN-based traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs. The method includes sending, by the UE, a MA PDU session request to establish a MA PDU session to the HPLMN over a first interface, where the UE is registered for 3GPP access over a VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN in the wireless communication network and wherein the MA PDU session request comprises an ATSSS Capability information of the UE. Further, the method includes receiving, by the UE, a MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN over the first interface, wherein the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy and sending, by the UE, the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN over a second interface. Further, the method also includes receiving, by the UE, the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN over the second interface, wherein the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

Accordingly the aspects herein provide a HPLMN for traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs. The HPLMN includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a MA PDU session request to establish a MA PDU session from the UE which is registered for 3GPP access over a VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN in the wireless communication network, wherein the MA PDU session request comprises ATSSS Capability information of the UE. The processor is also configured to determine an ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment and establish the MA PDU session with the UE. Further, the processor is also configured to send a MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE, wherein the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

Accordingly the aspects herein provide a system for HPLMN-based traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs. The system comprises the UE, the HPLMN and the VPLMN. The UE configured to send a MA PDU session request to establish a MA PDU session to the HPLMN, wherein the UE is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN in the wireless communication network and where the MA PDU session request comprises ATSSS Capability information of the UE. The HPLMN is configured to receive the MA PDU session request to establish a MA PDU session from the UE which is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN in the wireless communication network, where the MA PDU session request comprises the ATSSS Capability information of the UE. The HPLMN is also configured to determine an ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment and establish the MA PDU session with the UE. Further, the HPLMN is configured to send a MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE, wherein the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy. The UE is configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN, wherein the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

These and other aspects herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method and system for HPLMN-based traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs are provided.

This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Herein, the term "or" as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated.

As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units, engines, manager, modules or the like, are physically implemented by analog and/or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for HPLMN-based traffic control in a wireless communication network when a UE is registered on different PLMNs. The method includes receiving, by the HPLMN, a MA PDU session request to establish a MA PDU session from the UE which is registered for 3GPP access over a VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN in the wireless communication network, where the MA PDU session request comprises ATSSS Capability information of the UE. Further, the method includes determining, by the HPLMN, an ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment and establishing, by the HPLMN, the MA PDU session with the UE. Further, the method also includes sending, by the HPLMN, a MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE, where the MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

In an embodiment, the establishing, by the HPLMN, the MA PDU session with the UE includes receiving the MA PDU session establishment request from the UE to an H-SMF of the HPLMN over a first interface. The method also includes determining whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF of the HPLMN based on a home operator policy (for example by contacting policy control function (PCF) and a subscription data (for example by contacting the Unified data management (UDM)) or based on local configuration. Further, the method includes establishing a MA PDU session context with the H-UPF of the HPLMN by the H-SMF of the HPLMN, where the H-SMF of the HPLMN provides a N4 filter rules to the H-UPF. Further, the method also includes establishing the MA PDU session with the UE in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed and receiving a MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF over the second interface. Furthermore, the method includes determining whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF of the HPLMN based on the home operator policy and the subscription data. Finally, the method includes establishing the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF of the HPLMN by the H-SMF of the HPLMN, wherein the H-SMF of the HPLMN provides a N4 filter rules to the H-UPF and establishing the MA PDU session with the UE in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed.

In an embodiment, the first interface is a N11 interface and the second interface is a N16 interface.

In an embodiment, the first interface is a N16 interface and the second interface is a N11 interface.

In an embodiment, the N11 interface is established between an H-AMF of the HPLMN and the H-SMF of the HPLMN indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE which is registered over a non-3GPP access on the HPLMN. In this case, the receiving of MA PDU session establishment request from the UE to an H-SMF of the HPLMN includes the UE sending MA PDU session establishment request message to HPLMN AMF, HPLMN AMF requests HPLMN SMF to create the PDU session context. The method of establishing the MA PDU session with the UE by the H-SMF includes H-SMF provides the Namf_Communication_N1N2_message_transfer to the AMF. Then AMF forwards the PDU session establishment accept message to the UE. The PDU session establishment accept message indicates the success of establishing MA PDU session to the UE. This message includes the ATSSS rules for the MA PDU session, which were derived by H-SMF, and may include Measurement Assistance Information.

In an embodiment, the N16 interface is established between a V-SMF of the VPLMN and the H-SMF of the HPLMN indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE which is registered over a 3GPP access on the VPLMN. In this case, the receiving of MA PDU session establishment request from the UE to an H-SMF of the HPLMN includes the UE sending MA PDU session establishment request message to VPLMN AMF, VPLMN AMF requests VPLMN SMF to create the PDU session context, VPLMN SMF requests the HPLMN SMF(H-SMF) to create the PDU session context. The method of establishing the MA PDU session with the UE includes H-SMF provides Nsmf_PDUSession_Create response message to the V-SMF. V-SMF provides the Namf_Communication_N1N2_message_transfer to the AMF. Then AMF forwards the PDU session establishment accept message to the UE. The PDU session establishment accept message indicates the success of establishing MA PDU session to the UE. This message includes the ATSSS rules for the MA PDU session, which were derived by H-SMF, and may include Measurement Assistance Information.

In an embodiment, the H-SMF is an anchor point for ATSSS related decisions for the MA PDU session of the UE between the H-SMF and the V-SMF.

In an embodiment, the H-UPF is the anchor point between the H-UPF and a V-UPF and provides ATSSS related performance decision information to the UE.

The PMF of UE side or/and H-UPF side should be able to correlate the measurement packets with the corresponding access type in order to get the accurate measurement result for each access. The PMF of UE side correlates the sent measurement request and received measurement response messages via the same access type, and the PMF of H-UPF side correlates the sent measurement request and received measurement response messages via the same N3 or N9 Tunnel. The PMF of H-UPF side shall record the relationship between the RTT measurement result and the N3 or N9 Tunnel. That is the H-UPF is the anchor for ATSSS related functionality between the V-UPF and H-UPF.

<FIG> is a signaling diagram illustrating extension of the MA PDU session to the UE <NUM> which is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to the <FIG>, at step <NUM> the UE <NUM> is registered with the HPLMN <NUM> of the home network for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access. The HPLMN <NUM> provides the required services to the UE <NUM> based on a subscriber data policy. In the proposed method, at step <NUM>, the MA PDU Session for ATSSS is established when the UE <NUM> is camped on the same HPLMN <NUM> for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access.

At step <NUM> and step <NUM>, as the UE <NUM> is in roaming, due to mobility the UE <NUM> is moved to different PLMN (i.e., visited PLMN <NUM>) for the 3GPP access. At step <NUM>, according to the proposed method, the MA PDU session is established by extending the ATSSS feature to the UE <NUM> by the HPLMN <NUM> where the UE <NUM> is registered with the HPLMN <NUM> for non-3GPP access and the VPLMN <NUM> for the 3GPP access.

The proposed method ensures that the subscriber is not burdened with the roaming charges. Further, the proposed method allows the, home operator to control the data traffic of the UE <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram, illustrating the UE <NUM> which is in non-roaming with local breakout architecture for the ATSSS support, according to prior art.

Currently TR agreement of <NUM> describes support of the MA PDU Session for the ATSSS when the UE <NUM> is camped on the same PLMN (i.e., same HPLMN <NUM>/VPLMN <NUM>) in both the 3GPP access and the N3GPP access in both home and roaming scenarios. The ATSSS policy is introduced to enhance the usage of existing network resources by diverting traffic using steering, switching, splitting of the data traffic. The ATSSS policy can be either pre-configured or provisioned during the establishment of the MA PDU session or modified dynamically based on the different factors like throughput, latency, signal conditions etc..

Referring to the <FIG>, consider that the UE <NUM> is in non-roaming and is registered with the HPLMN <NUM> for both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. In the conventional methods and systems, the ATSSS feature is supported to the UE <NUM> when the UE <NUM> registered to 3GPP access, N3GPP access over the same HPLMN <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The N11 interface is established between the H-AMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> and the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE <NUM> which is registered over the non-3GPP access on the HPLMN <NUM>.

In the conventional methods and systems, the ATSSS feature is supported to the UE <NUM> when the UE <NUM> registered to 3GPP access, N3GPP access over the same VPLMN <NUM> in LBO (Local Break Out). However, when the UE <NUM> is in roaming and is registered with different PLMNs for the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access, then the conventional method terminates the MA PDU session.

<FIG> is architecture for providing an extension of the MA PDU session to the UE <NUM> which is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to the <FIG>, in conjunction with <FIG>, consider that the UE <NUM> is in roaming. When the UE <NUM> enters a visited network and has no entry in the VLR <NUM> (refer <FIG>) of the network, the required subscriber data is first requested by the VPLMN <NUM> from the subscriber's home network (i.e., from the HPLMN <NUM>) to perform the authentication of the subscriber and for authorization for using the network services. The VLR <NUM> then enters the visiting subscriber's acquired information and the authorized network services are enabled.

The UE <NUM> is registered to the VPLMN <NUM> via Home Routed (HR) VPLMN <NUM> over the 3GPP access and to the N3GPP access via HPLMN <NUM>. When UE <NUM> requests for the MA PDU session establishment, a H-SMF <NUM> shall indicate to both VSMF <NUM> and the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> is allowed to establish the MA PDU session. The UE <NUM> then proceeds with the MA PDU session establishment procedure for the requested PDU (if required) and thereby extending the ATSSS feature support in the Home Routed roaming case. The N16 interface established between the V-SMF <NUM> of the VPLMN <NUM> and the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> indicates that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE <NUM> which is registered over the 3GPP access on the VPLMN <NUM>. Further, the N11 interface is established between the H-AMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> and the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM>. In this case, the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE <NUM> which is registered over the non-3GPP access on the HPLMN <NUM>.

During the procedure, the H-SMF <NUM> shall send a "Least cost Access for Roaming" ATSSS policy to the UE <NUM> so that the HPLMN <NUM> can control the traffic flow of the subscriber. The "Least cost access for roaming" policy provides the configuration to divert (Switch/Split/Steer) the data traffic towards access registered to HPLMN <NUM>, thereby increasing home operator revenue even in the roaming scenario. In the above scenario, the H-SMF <NUM> is the anchor point for the ATSSS related decisions for the MA PDU session of the UE <NUM> between the H-SMF <NUM> and the V-SMF <NUM>.

Also, the H-UPF <NUM> is the anchor point between the H-UPF <NUM> and the V-UPF <NUM> to provide the ATSSS related performance decision information to the UE <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the HPLMN <NUM> for traffic control in the wireless communication network when the UE <NUM> is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

The Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) <NUM> identifies the PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) in which the subscribers profile is held. The HLR <NUM> holds the subscribers profile with data including subscription data for the specific subscribers. The users roaming to other networks will receive subscription information from the HPLMN <NUM>. The HPLMN <NUM> may transfer the subscription data to a VLR <NUM> of the VPLMN <NUM> (during registration in a PLMN). The HPLMN <NUM> may also contain various service nodes, such as a short message service centre (SMSC), service control point (SCP), etc..

Referring to the <FIG>, the HPLMN <NUM> includes a communicator <NUM>, a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> includes a home session management function (H-SMF) <NUM>, a home Policy Control function (H-PCF) <NUM>, an home access and mobility management function (H-AMF) <NUM>, a home User Plane Function (H-UPF) <NUM> and a Home Location Register (HLR) <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the communicator <NUM> is configured to receive the MA PDU session request from the UE <NUM>. Initially the MA PDU session request from the UE <NUM> is received over the first interface and after establishment of the MA PDU session over the first interface, the MA PDU session request is again received from the UE <NUM> over the second interface to establish of the MA PDU session over the second interface. The UE <NUM> is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN <NUM> in the wireless communication network. The MA PDU session request includes the ATSSS Capability information of the UE <NUM>. Further, the communicator <NUM> forwards the MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the H-PCF142 is configured to send a PCC policy to the H-SMF <NUM> including the ATSSS policy. Further, as the extension of the ATSSS policy, the PCC policy may include new parameters to PCC rule such as for example Access Technology, Routing Factor (optional), Second Access Technology (optional) and Routing Factor (optional). The H-SMF <NUM> is configured to determine whether the MA PDU session can be establishment based on the home operator policy and the subscription data. In response to determining that the establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed based on the home operator policy and the subscription data, the H-SMF <NUM> establishes the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF <NUM>. The H-SMF <NUM> is also configured to provide a N4 interface filter rules to the H-UPF <NUM>. Further, the H-SMF 141generates the MA PDU session establishment accept message. The communicator <NUM> is configured to send the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE <NUM>. The MA PDU session establishment accept message includes the ATSSS policy.

Further, the communicator <NUM> is configured to send the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE <NUM>. The MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

In one of the embodiment, the first interface is a N11 interface and the second interface is a N16 interface.

In another embodiment, the first interface is a N16 interface and the second interface is a N11 interface.

The N11 interface is established between the H-AMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> and the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE <NUM> which is registered over the non-3GPP access on the HPLMN <NUM>. The N16 interface is established between the V-SMF <NUM> of the VPLMN <NUM> and the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE <NUM> which is registered over the 3GPP access on the VPLMN <NUM>. Therefore, the H-SMF <NUM> is an anchor point for the ATSSS related decisions for the MA PDU session of the UE <NUM> between the H-SMF <NUM> and the V-SMF <NUM>. Further, the H-UPF <NUM> is the anchor point between the H-UPF <NUM> and a V-UPF <NUM> and provides ATSSS related performance decision information to the UE <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the memory <NUM> can include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory <NUM> may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted that the memory <NUM> is non-movable. In some examples, the memory <NUM> can be configured to store larger amounts of information than the memory. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

Although the <FIG> shows the hardware elements of the HPLMN <NUM> but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the HPLMN device <NUM> may include less or more number of elements. Further, the labels or names of the elements are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function for enabling interaction on HPLMN <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the VPLMN <NUM> in the wireless communication network to which the UE <NUM> is registered, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

The Visited PLMN (VPLMN) <NUM> is the network where a subscriber is currently registered after moving away from the home network. The subscriber is registered in the HPLMN <NUM> and hence the subscriber is outbound roaming (from HPLMN100's perspective) and inbounds roaming (from VPLMN <NUM>'s perspective). When the subscriber is currently registered in the HPLMN <NUM>, then the HPLMN <NUM> is same as the VPLMN <NUM>. Therefore, the HPLMN <NUM> for one subscriber is the VPLMN <NUM> for the other subscriber.

When the UE <NUM> enters a visited network and has no entry in the HLR <NUM> of the network, the required subscriber data must first be requested by the VPLMN <NUM> from the subscriber's home network (i.e., from the HPLMN <NUM>) in order to authenticate the subscriber and for authorization for using the network services. The "visiting" subscriber acquires an entry in the VLR <NUM> and the authorized network services are enabled. If there is no roaming agreement between the two networks, i.e. the HPLMN <NUM> and the VPLMN <NUM> then the continuance of service becomes impossible, and service is denied by the visited network. The roaming subscriber is connected to the E-UTRAN, MME and S-GW of the visited network. However, by using a home network's PDN-GW, the user can have access to the home operator's services even while in the visited network.

The VPLMN <NUM> includes a communicator <NUM>, a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> includes a visitor session management function (V-SMF) <NUM>, a visitor Policy Control function (V-PCF) <NUM>, a visitor access and mobility management function (V-AMF) <NUM>, a visitor User Plane Function (V-UPF) <NUM> and a visitor location register (VLR) <NUM>.

The UE <NUM> is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN <NUM>. In conjunction with the <FIG>, the N16 interface is established between the V-SMF <NUM> of the VPLMN <NUM> and the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> to extend the ATSSS policy of the HPLMN <NUM> to the UE <NUM> even when it is registered to the VPLMN <NUM> due to roaming. Therefore, the UE <NUM> receives the MA PDU session support even when the UE <NUM> is on the VPLMN <NUM>3GPP and N3GPP access with home routed support. The proposed method helps in enhancing the home operator's revenue and also avoids high roaming charges to the subscriber reported by VPLMN <NUM> for the services.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the UE <NUM> which is registered on different PLMNs in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to the <FIG>, the UE <NUM> may be fixed or mobile and may also be called by another term, such as a Mobile Station (MS), a User Terminal (UT), a Subscriber Station (SS), a wireless device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a handheld device, or an Access Terminal (AT).

The UE <NUM> includes a communicator <NUM>, a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> includes a MA PDU session management engine <NUM> and an ATSSS policy management engine <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the UE <NUM> is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN <NUM> and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN <NUM> in the wireless communication network.

The MA PDU session management engine <NUM> is configured to indicate to the communicator <NUM>, when the MA PDU session request needs to be sent to the HPLMN <NUM>. The MA PDU session request comprises the ATSSS Capability information of the UE <NUM>. The ATSSS policy management engine <NUM> provides the ATSSS capability information to the MA PDU session management engine <NUM>. The MA PDU session management engine <NUM> appends the ATSSS capability information to the MA PDU session request which is sent to the HPLMN <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> is configured to send the MA PDU session request to the HPLMN <NUM>, requesting the HPLMN <NUM> to establish the MA PDU session over the first interface.

The ATSSS capability may be discovered during initial MA PDU Session Establishment and the inter-PLMN mobility procedures where the network functions indicate the ATSSS support. If one of these network functions indicates no support for the ATSSS capability, corresponding MA PDU session will not have the ATSSS support. The communicator <NUM> is also configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN <NUM> over the first interface. The MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy. The ATSSS policy management engine <NUM> is further configured to receive the ATSSS policy. The ATSSS Policy defines the certain policies according to the application-specific information, the UE subscription data, user preference, local policy or any combination of them. The policies defined by the ATSSS Policy include
Traffic steering policy, Traffic switching policy, Traffic splitting policy etc..

Further, the communicator <NUM> is also configured to send the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN <NUM> over the second interface and in response receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN <NUM> over the second interface.

Although the <FIG> shows the hardware elements of the UE <NUM> but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the UE <NUM> may include less or more number of elements. Further, the labels or names of the elements are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> for a method for the HPLMN-based traffic control in the wireless communication network when the UE <NUM> is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to the <FIG>, at step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> receives the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session from the UE <NUM> which is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN <NUM> and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN <NUM> in the wireless communication network. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> can be configured to receive the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session from the UE <NUM> which is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN <NUM> and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN <NUM> in the wireless communication network.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> determines the ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the H-SMF <NUM> can be configured to determine the ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> establishes the MA PDU session with the UE <NUM>. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the H-SMF <NUM> can be configured to establish the MA PDU session with the UE <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> sends the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE <NUM>. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the H-SMF <NUM> can be configured to send the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE <NUM>.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the method may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

<FIG> is a flowchart for a method for establishing the MA PDU session with the UE <NUM>, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to the <FIG>, at step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> receives the MA PDU session establishment request from the UE <NUM> to the H-SMF <NUM> over the first interface. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the processor <NUM> can be configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment request from the UE <NUM> to the H-SMF <NUM> over the first interface.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> determines whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> based on the home operator policy and the subscription data. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the processor <NUM> can be configured to determine whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> based on the home operator policy and the subscription data.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> establishes the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> by the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM>, where the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> provides the N4 filter rules to the H-UPF <NUM>. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the processor <NUM> can be configured to establish the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> by the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM>, where the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> provides the N4 filter rules to the H-UPF <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> establishes the MA PDU session with the UE <NUM> in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the processor <NUM> can be configured to establish the MA PDU session with the UE <NUM> in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> receives the MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF <NUM>. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> can be configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the HPLMN <NUM> establishes the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> by the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM>. For example, in the HPLMN <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the processor <NUM> can be configured to establish the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM> by the H-SMF <NUM> of the HPLMN <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart for a method for establishing the MA PDU session with the UE <NUM> with the different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to the <FIG>, at step <NUM>, the UE <NUM> sends the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN <NUM> over the first interface. For example, in the UE <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> can be configured to send the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN <NUM> over the first interface.

At step <NUM>, the UE <NUM> receives the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN <NUM> over the first interface. For example, in the UE <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> can be configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN <NUM> over the first interface.

At step <NUM>, the UE <NUM> sends the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN <NUM> over the second interface. For example, in the UE <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> can be configured to send the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN <NUM> over the second interface.

At step <NUM>, the UE <NUM> receives the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN <NUM> over the second interface. For example, in the UE <NUM> as illustrated in the <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> can be configured to receives the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN <NUM> over the second interface.

Claim 1:
A method for establishing a multi-access protocol data unit, MA PDU, session of a user equipment, UE (<NUM>), by a home public land mobile network, HPLMN (<NUM>), in a communication network including a visited public land mobile network, VPLMN (<NUM>), the method comprising:
receiving (<NUM>), from the VPLMN (<NUM>), information on an MA PDU session request for the UE (<NUM>) registered to the VPLMN over 3rd generation partnership project, 3GPP, access and to the HPLMN over non-3GPP access;
identifying (<NUM>) whether the MA PDU session is allowed based on subscription data and home operator policy information; and
transmitting (<NUM>), to the UE (<NUM>) via the VPLMN (<NUM>), access traffic steering, switching and splitting, ATSSS, rules for the MA PDU session based on the MA PDU session being successfully established.