Patent Description:
To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4th generation (<NUM>) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop an improved 5th generation (<NUM>) or pre-<NUM> communication system. The <NUM> or pre-<NUM> communication system is also called a 'beyond <NUM> network' or a 'post long term evolution (LTE) system'. To decrease propagation loss of the radio waves and increase the transmission distance, the beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, an analog beamforming, and large scale antenna techniques are discussed with respect to <NUM> communication systems.

In the <NUM> system, hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK) and Feher's quadrature amplitude 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, which is a human-centered connectivity network where humans generate and consume information, is now evolving to the Internet of things (IoT) where distributed entities, such as things, exchange and process information without human intervention.

<NPL>en) discloses an AMF locally releasing all non-emergency PDU sessions and informing the UE via the PDU session status IE in the REGISTRATION ACCEPT message.

This method and UE 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:.

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 or modules or the like, are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware and 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 invention. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings.

In the present disclosure, whenever it is mentioned that the UE shall consider itself registered only for emergency services, it implicitly means that the UE shall release locally all non-emergency bearers that have not already been explicitly deactivated by network. In other words, the UE releases the PDU session locally corresponding to an ongoing normal service. The term locally implies the UE will release the PDU session without peer to peer signaling between the UE and a network. i.e., UE (<NUM>) will release the PDU session locally without executing PDU session release procedure.

Accordingly, embodiments, not covered by the claimed invention, herein disclose a method for handling a PDU session by a UE. The method includes receiving, by the UE, a NAS message from a network entity. The NAS message indicates that the UE is registered for an emergency service. Further, the method includes performing, by the UE, an action in response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE is registered for the emergency service. The action comprises at least one of: the UE is registered with the network entity for at least one emergency service, release the PDU session locally corresponding to an ongoing normal service, and avoid a request for normal services to the network entity.

Unlike conventional methods and systems, in the proposed method, the AMF entity indicating to the UE in a NAS message that the UE is only registered for emergency services. Based on the indication, the UE continues to remain in a registered state but only for the emergency services and the UE shall not initiate any non-emergency related services. This results in avoiding network resource wastage.

According to the present disclosure, there is no need for UE to be in a normal service state. That is, in prior art it is not possible to receive an indication("registered for emergency service") during the registration procedure (That is, in the prior art, receiving the indication is applicable only after registration procedure). But According to the present disclosure, receiving the indication during the registration procedure is allowed.

According to the present disclosure, no need for at least one emergency PDU session. That is the method and the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure don't consider preserving of existing emergency PDU session.

According to the present disclosure, the method and the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure is not dependent on subscription expiry.

Mobility and periodic registration update accepted by the network: If the UE is not currently registered for emergency services and a Fifth generation service (5GS) registration result IE value in the REGISTRATION ACCEPT message is set to "Registered for emergency services", the UE shall consider itself registered for emergency services and shall release locally PDU session(s) not associated with emergency services, if any.

Generic UE configuration update accepted by the UE: If the UE is not currently registered for emergency services and the 5GS registration result IE in the CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message is set to "Registered for emergency services", the UE shall consider itself registered for emergency services.

The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and UE for handling a PDU session when multiple PDU sessions are released in the wireless communication network.

<FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating a UE (<NUM>) for handling a PDU session, when a Session Management Function (SMF) entity (<NUM>) sends a release PDU session request to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity (<NUM>), according to prior art.

Consider that the UE (<NUM>) is registered with a network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and an active emergency PDU session. The SMF entity (<NUM>) initiates a PDU session release procedure for the UE (<NUM>). In an example, at S102, the SMF entity (<NUM>) sends a release PDU session request to the AMF entity (<NUM>). Based on receiving the release PDU session request from the SMF entity (<NUM>), S104, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the applicable PDU session except emergency PDU session. After releasing all the PDU session except emergency PDU session, at S106, the UE (<NUM>) then establish a new PDU session or SMS, etc. using an uplink (UL) Non-access stratum (NAS) transport message (i.e., the UE (<NUM>) tries to trigger a non-emergency service). Based on the UL NAS TRANSPORT message, at S108, the AMF entity (<NUM>) process a new request (i.e., the AMF entity (<NUM>) can process the SMS request or new PDU session establishment requests, etc. without any problems.

<FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating the UE (<NUM>) for handling the PDU session based on a deregistration notification, according to prior art.

Consider that the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and active emergency PDU session.

The AMF entity (<NUM>) decides to deregister the UE (<NUM>) which can be based on receiving the deregistration notification from other entity in the wireless communication network or UEs mobility, at S202, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session. At S204, the UE (<NUM>) sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to establishes a new PDU session or SMS (i.e., the UE (<NUM>) trigger a non-emergency service) to the AMF entity (<NUM>). After receiving the UL NAS TRANSPORT message from the UE (<NUM>), at S206, the AMF entity (<NUM>) cannot process the request as the UE (<NUM>) is in an emergency registered only state. At S208a, S208b, S208c, the AMF entity (<NUM>) cannot use existing reject causes to indicate the same to the UE (<NUM>) as the existing reject causes will impact the emergency services (i.e., if the NAS message is rejected then the UE (<NUM>) will get into deregistered state and emergency services are impacted).

Further, the UE (<NUM>) will keep sending the uplink request on expiry of retry timers, but the AMF entity (<NUM>) cannot process the requests. This will happen continuously impacting network resources.

Based on the <FIG> and <FIG>, when all the PDU sessions are released from the UE (<NUM>), the UE (<NUM>) have no idea for what purpose all the PDU sessions are released.

<FIG> is an overview of a system (<NUM>) for handling a PDU session, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the system (<NUM>) includes a UE (<NUM>) and an AMF entity (<NUM>). The UE (<NUM>) can be, for example, but not limited to a cellular phone, a smart phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an Internet of Things (IoT), a virtual reality device, a smart watch or the like.

Consider, the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and the UE (<NUM>) is also having active emergency PDU session.

In this disclosure, "n" number of PDU sessions may mean at least one PDU session. For example, the number of PDU sessions may be <NUM>. For example, the number of PDU sessions may be over <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the UE (<NUM>) moves from the normal area to the forbidden area or an emergency area. The AMF entity (<NUM>) deregister the UE (<NUM>). Based on receiving the DeregistrationNotification from other entity in the wireless communication network or AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that UE has entered the forbidden area or an emergency area or non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session. The AMF entity (<NUM>) sends a NAS message (e.g., UE configuration update or the like) to the UE (<NUM>). The NAS message includes an information element (IE) indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for an emergency service. When the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services, release locally all the PDU sessions not related to emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

In another embodiment, based on receiving the Deregistration Notification or the AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that UE (<NUM>) has entered the forbidden area or the emergency area or non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session. The UE (<NUM>) triggers to establish a new PDU session or SMS using the UL NAS TRANSPORT message (i.e. the UE (<NUM>) tries to trigger a non-emergency service. The AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the NAS message (e.g., DL NAS transport message or the like) to the UE (<NUM>). The NAS message includes an information element (IE) indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. When the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is in the registered for the emergency service, release locally all the PDU sessions not related to emergency services, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

In another embodiment, based on receiving the Deregistration Notification or the AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that UE (<NUM>) has entered the forbidden area or an emergency area or non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session. As part of the PDU session release procedure, the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. When the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, release locally all the PDU sessions not related to emergency services, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

<FIG> shows various hardware components of the UE (<NUM>), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the UE (<NUM>) includes a processor (<NUM>), a communicator (<NUM>) a memory (<NUM>), a PDU session based emergency service provider (<NUM>), and a PDU session based ongoing service handler (<NUM>). The processor (<NUM>) is coupled with the communicator (<NUM>), the memory (<NUM>), the PDU session based emergency service provider (<NUM>), and the PDU session based ongoing service handler (<NUM>).

In an embodiment, the processor (<NUM>) is configured to receive the NAS message from the network entity (i.e., AMF entity (<NUM>)). The NAS message indicates that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. The NAS message can be, for example, but not limited to a UE configuration update, a DL NAS transport message, a deregister message, a registration accept message or the like.

In response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the PDU session based emergency service provider (<NUM>) is configured to register with the network entity for the at least one emergency service.

In response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the PDU session based ongoing service handler (<NUM>) is configured to release locally the PDU session corresponding to the ongoing normal service.

In response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the PDU session based ongoing service handler (<NUM>) is configured to avoid the request for normal services to the network entity.

The processor (<NUM>) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (<NUM>) and to perform various processes. The communicator (<NUM>) is configured for communicating internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks.

Further, the memory (<NUM>) also stores instructions to be executed by the processor (<NUM>). The memory (<NUM>) may 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 various hardware components 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 components. Further, the labels or names of the components 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 to handle the PDU session.

<FIG> is a flow chart (S500) illustrating a method for handling the PDU session, according to an embodiment, not covered by the claimed invention, as disclosed herein. The operations (S502, S504a, S504b, S504c) are performed by the processor (<NUM>). At S502, the method includes receiving the NAS message from the network entity (i.e., AMF entity (<NUM>)). The NAS message indicates that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S504a, the method includes registering with the network entity for the at least one emergency service in response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S504b, the method includes releasing the PDU session corresponding to the ongoing normal service in response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S504c, the method includes avoiding the request for normal services to the network entity in response to receiving the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow chart (S500) 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 sequence diagram illustrating the UE (<NUM>) for handling the PDU session, when the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the at least one emergency service, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Consider, the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and the UE (<NUM>) is also having active emergency PDU session. The DeregistrationNotification is send due to the UE (<NUM>) has entering the forbidden area or an emergency area or non-allowed area and like so. Based on receiving the DeregistrationNotification from other entity in the wireless communication network or the AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that the UE (<NUM>) has entered the forbidden area or an emergency area or non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session at S602. At S604, the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends a NAS message (e.g., UE configuration update or the like) to the UE (<NUM>). The NAS message includes an information element (IE) indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S606, when the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services, release locally all the PDU sessions not related to emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

<FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating the UE (<NUM>) for handling the PDU session, when the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the at least one emergency service and the UE (<NUM>) moves from the normal area to the forbidden area or emergency area, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Consider, the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and the UE (<NUM>) is also having active emergency PDU session. At S702, the UE (<NUM>) moves from the normal area to the forbidden area or the current normal area is converted to the forbidden area. The AMF entity (<NUM>) receives the de-registration procedure for the UE (<NUM>). Based on receiving the DeregistrationNotification, the AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that the UE (<NUM>) has entered the forbidden area or the emergency area or the non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session at S704. At S706, the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the NAS message (e.g., UE configuration update or the like) to the UE (<NUM>). The NAS message includes an information element (IE) indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S708, when the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, releases locally all the PDU sessions not related to emergency services, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

The procedure of the <FIG> also applicable for the current registered area converted to forbidden area for the UE (<NUM>), the UE (<NUM>) initiated a registration procedure in an area where the area is not allowed to receive normal service.

<FIG> is another sequence diagram illustrating the UE (<NUM>) for handling the PDU session, when the UE (<NUM>) trying to trigger the non-emergency service and the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the NAS message indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the at least one emergency service, according to an embodiment, not covered by the claimed invention, as disclosed herein.

Consider, the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and active emergency PDU session. The AMF entity (<NUM>) receives the de-registration procedure for the UE (<NUM>). Based on receiving the DeregistrationNotification from other entity in the wireless communication network or the AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that the UE (<NUM>) has entered the forbidden area or an emergency area or non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session at S802. At S804, the UE (<NUM>) triggers to establish a new PDU session or SMS using the UL NAS TRANSPORT message (i.e. the UE tries to trigger a non-emergency service. At S806, the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the NAS message (e.g., DL NAS transport message or the like) to the UE (<NUM>). The NAS message includes an information element (IE) indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S808, when the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

<FIG> is another sequence diagram illustrating the UE (<NUM>) for handling the PDU session, when the AMF entity (<NUM>) indicates that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the at least one emergency service as part of PDU session release procedure, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Consider, the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the network. The UE (<NUM>) is having "n" number of PDU sessions active and the UE (<NUM>) is also having active emergency PDU session. The AMF entity (<NUM>) receives the de-registration procedure for the UE (<NUM>). Based on receiving the DeregistrationNotification from other entity in the wireless communication network or the AMF entity (<NUM>) by itself identifies that the UE (<NUM>) has entered the forbidden area or an emergency area or non-allowed area and like so, the AMF entity (<NUM>) releases all the PDU session except emergency PDU session at S902. As part of the PDU session release procedure, the AMF entity (<NUM>) sends the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service. At S904, when the UE (<NUM>) receives the NAS message including the IE indicating that the UE (<NUM>) is registered for the emergency service, the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services and shall not initiate normal services for example new PDU session (related to normal service).

In yet another embodiment, when all the normal PDU sessions are released by the network, the UE (<NUM>) can trigger registration procedure with the network and as a response to a registration message, the network can indicate in the NAS message to the UE (<NUM>) that the UE (<NUM>) is either registered only for emergency services or the UE (<NUM>) continue to avail normal services.

In yet another embodiment, when the AMF entity (<NUM>) receives the UL NAS TRANSPORT with a message not for emergency services or SMS or control plane data i.e. the UE (<NUM>) has triggered a procedure to initiate for normal service then the AMF entity (<NUM>) can neglect this message if the AMF entity (<NUM>) is in an emergency registered state for that UE (<NUM>).

Consider, the pre-condition to initiate deregister procedure by AMF entity (<NUM>) is after the wireless network initiates deregistration procedure. This should be considered as an example. This is also applicable when other core network elements including the AMF entity (<NUM>) meets with a trigger condition to perform deregister procedure but will not be able to initiate deregister procedure as at least one emergency PDU session is active.

Consider, whenever it is mentioned that the UE (<NUM>) shall consider itself registered only for emergency services, it implicitly means that the UE (<NUM>) shall release locally all non-emergency bearers that have not already been explicitly deactivated by network. i.e. releases the PDU session locally corresponding to an ongoing normal service. The term locally implies the UE (<NUM>) will release the PDU session without peer to peer signaling between the UE (<NUM>) and network. i.e., UE (<NUM>) will release the PDU session locally without executing PDU session release procedure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the network entity according to an embodiment, not covered by the claimed invention, of the disclosure.

The network entity <NUM> may correspond to the AMF (for example, the AMF entity <NUM>).

Referring to the <FIG>, the network entity <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM> and may include a memory <NUM>. However, all of the illustrated components are not essential. The network entity <NUM> may be implemented by more or less components than those illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, the processor <NUM> and the transceiver <NUM> and the memory <NUM> may be implemented as a single chip according to another embodiment.

The processor <NUM> may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed function, process, and/or method. Operation of the network entity <NUM> may be implemented by the processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store the control information or the data included in a signal obtained by the network entity <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be connected to the processor <NUM> and store at least one instruction or a protocol or a parameter for the proposed function, process, and/or method. The memory <NUM> may include read-only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM) and/or hard disk and/or CD-ROM and/or DVD and/or other storage devices.

In an embodiment, the transceiver <NUM> may transmit, to a User Equipment (UE), at least one signal for selecting a plurality of non-CAG cells available in a location of the UE, connect to the UE based on the at least one signal and provide at least one emergency service to the UE.

In an embodiment, the transceiver <NUM> is configured to transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a non-access stratum (NAS) message, wherein the non-access stratum (NAS) message includes information indicating whether the UE is registered for emergency services and wherein whether the UE registers for the emergency services may be determined based on the NAS message.

In an embodiment, the UE may be determined registered for the emergency services, when the information indicates that the UE is registered for the emergency services.

In an embodiment, Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions not associated with the emergency services are released, when the information indicates that the UE is registered for the emergency services.

In an embodiment, the UE may be not currently registered for emergency services.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to the <FIG>, the UE <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM> and may include a memory <NUM>. However, all of the illustrated components are not essential. The UE <NUM> may be implemented by more or less components than those illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, the processor <NUM> and the transceiver <NUM> and the memory <NUM> may be implemented as a single chip according to another embodiment.

The processor <NUM> may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed function, process, and/or method. Operation of the UE <NUM> may be implemented by the processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store the control information or the data included in a signal obtained by the UE <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be connected to the processor <NUM> and store at least one instruction or a protocol or a parameter for the proposed function, process, and/or method. The memory <NUM> may include read-only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM) and/or hard disk and/or CD-ROM and/or DVD and/or other storage devices.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> is configured to receive, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a non-access stratum (NAS) message, wherein the non-access stratum (NAS) message includes information indicating whether the UE is registered for emergency services. The processor <NUM> may be configured to determine registering for the emergency services based on the NAS message.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be further configured to determine that the UE is registered for the emergency services, when the information indicates that the UE is registered for the emergency services.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> is further configured to release Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions not associated with the emergency services, when the information indicates that the UE is registered for the emergency services.

The embodiments disclosed herein describe methods and systems for handling emergency services in a wireless network. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.

Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a user equipment, UE, (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving (S604), from an access and mobility management function, AMF, entity (<NUM>, <NUM>), a non-access stratum, NAS, message; and
releasing (S606) at least one protocol data unit, PDU, session not associated with at least one emergency service by identifying that the UE (<NUM>, <NUM>) is only registered for the at least one emergency service, in case that the NAS message includes information indicating that the UE is registered for the at least one emergency service.