Patent ID: 12200793

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

Herein, the term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

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.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS.2through9, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

FIG.2is a signaling diagram illustrating extension of the MA PDU session to the UE300which is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to theFIG.2, at step1the UE300is registered with the HPLMN100of the home network for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access. The HPLMN100provides the required services to the UE300based on a subscriber data policy. In the proposed method, at step2, the MA PDU Session for ATSSS is established when the UE300is camped on the same HPLMN100for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access.

At step3and step4, as the UE300is in roaming, due to mobility the UE300is moved to different PLMN (i.e., visited PLMN200) for the 3GPP access. At step5, according to the proposed method, the MA PDU session is established by extending the ATSSS feature to the UE300by the HPLMN100where the UE300is registered with the HPLMN100for non-3GPP access and the VPLMN200for 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 UE300.

FIG.3is a schematic diagram, illustrating the UE300which is in non-roaming with local breakout architecture for the ATSSS support, according to prior art.

Currently TR agreement of 23.793 describes support of the MA PDU Session for the ATSSS when the UE300is camped on the same PLMN (i.e., same HPLMN100/VPLMN200) 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 theFIG.3, consider that the UE300is in non-roaming and is registered with the HPLMN100for both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. In the conventional methods and systems, the ATSSS feature is supported to the UE300when the UE300registered to 3GPP access, N3GPP access over the same HPLMN100(as shown inFIG.3). The N11 interface is established between the H-AMF143of the HPLMN100and the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE300which is registered over the non-3GPP access on the HPLMN100.

In the conventional methods and systems, the ATSSS feature is supported to the UE300when the UE300registered to 3GPP access, N3GPP access over the same VPLMN200in LBO (Local Break Out). However, when the UE300is 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.4is architecture for providing an extension of the MA PDU session to the UE300which is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to theFIG.4, in conjunction withFIG.3, consider that the UE300is in roaming. When the UE300enters a visited network and has no entry in the VLR245(referFIG.6) of the network, the required subscriber data is first requested by the VPLMN200from the subscriber's home network (i.e., from the HPLMN100) to perform the authentication of the subscriber and for authorization for using the network services. The VLR245then enters the visiting subscriber's acquired information and the authorized network services are enabled.

The UE300is registered to the VPLMN200via Home Routed (HR) VPLMN200over the 3GPP access and to the N3GPP access via HPLMN100. When UE300requests for the MA PDU session establishment, a H-SMF141shall indicate to both VSMF241and the UE300that the UE300is allowed to establish the MA PDU session. The UE300then 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-SMF241of the VPLMN200and the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100indicates that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE300which is registered over the 3GPP access on the VPLMN200. Further, the N11 interface is established between the H-AMF143of the HPLMN100and the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100. In this case, the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE300which is registered over the non-3GPP access on the HPLMN100.

During the procedure, the H-SMF141shall send a “Least cost Access for Roaming” ATSSS policy to the UE300so that the HPLMN100can 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 HPLMN100, thereby increasing home operator revenue even in the roaming scenario. In the above scenario, the H-SMF141is the anchor point for the ATSSS related decisions for the MA PDU session of the UE300between the H-SMF141and the V-SMF241.

Also, the H-UPF144is the anchor point between the H-UPF144and the V-UPF244to provide the ATSSS related performance decision information to the UE300.

FIG.5is a block diagram of the HPLMN100for traffic control in the wireless communication network when the UE300is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

The Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN)100identifies the PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) in which the subscribers profile is held. The HLR145holds the subscribers profile with data including subscription data for the specific subscribers. The users roaming to other networks will receive subscription information from the HPLMN100. The HPLMN100may transfer the subscription data to a VLR245of the VPLMN200(during registration in a PLMN). The HPLMN100may also contain various service nodes, such as a short message service center (SMSC), service control point (SCP), etc.

Referring to theFIG.5, the HPLMN100includes a communicator120, a processor140and a memory160. The processor140includes a home session management function (H-SMF)141, a home Policy Control function (H-PCF)142, a home access and mobility management function (H-AMF)143, a home User Plane Function (H-UPF)144and a Home Location Register (HLR)145.

In an embodiment, the communicator120is configured to receive the MA PDU session request from the UE300. Initially the MA PDU session request from the UE300is 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 UE300over the second interface to establish of the MA PDU session over the second interface. The UE300is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN100in the wireless communication network. The MA PDU session request includes the ATSSS Capability information of the UE300. Further, the communicator120forwards the MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF141.

In an embodiment, the H-PCF142is configured to send a PCC policy to the H-SMF141including 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-SMF141is 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-SMF141establishes the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF144. The H-SMF141is also configured to provide a N4 interface filter rules to the H-UPF1441. Further, the H-SMF141generates the MA PDU session establishment accept message. The communicator120is configured to send the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE300. The MA PDU session establishment accept message includes the ATSSS policy.

Further, the communicator120is configured to send the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE300. The MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy.

In one of the embodiments, 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-AMF143of the HPLMN100and the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE300which is registered over the non-3GPP access on the HPLMN100. The N16 interface is established between the V-SMF241of the VPLMN200and the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100indicating that the MA PDU session establishment request is received from the UE300which is registered over the 3GPP access on the VPLMN200. Therefore, the H-SMF141is an anchor point for the ATSSS related decisions for the MA PDU session of the UE300between the H-SMF141and the V-SMF241. Further, the H-UPF144is the anchor point between the H-UPF144and a V-UPF244and provides ATSSS related performance decision information to the UE300.

In an embodiment, the memory160can 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 memory160may, 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 memory160is non-movable. In some examples, the memory160can 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 theFIG.5shows the hardware elements of the HPLMN100but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the HPLMN device100may 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 HPLMN100.

FIG.6is a block diagram of the VPLMN200in the wireless communication network to which the UE300is registered, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

The Visited PLMN (VPLMN)200is the network where a subscriber is currently registered after moving away from the home network. The subscriber is registered in the HPLMN100and hence the subscriber is outbound roaming (from HPLMN100's perspective) and inbounds roaming (from VPLMN200's perspective). When the subscriber is currently registered in the HPLMN100, then the HPLMN100is same as the VPLMN200. Therefore, the HPLMN100for one subscriber is the VPLMN200for the other subscriber.

When the UE300enters a visited network and has no entry in the HLR145of the network, the required subscriber data must first be requested by the VPLMN200from the subscriber's home network (i.e., from the HPLMN100) in order to authenticate the subscriber and for authorization for using the network services. The “visiting” subscriber acquires an entry in the VLR245and the authorized network services are enabled. If there is no roaming agreement between the two networks, i.e., the HPLMN100and the VPLMN200then 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 VPLMN200includes a communicator220, a processor240and a memory260. The processor240includes a visitor session management function (V-SMF)241, a visitor Policy Control function (V-PCF)242, a visitor access and mobility management function (V-AMF)243, a visitor User Plane Function (V-UPF)244and a visitor location register (VLR)245.

The UE300is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN200. In conjunction with theFIG.3, the N16 interface is established between the V-SMF241of the VPLMN200and the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100to extend the ATSSS policy of the HPLMN100to the UE300even when the UE300is registered to the VPLMN200due to roaming. Therefore, the UE300receives the MA PDU session support even when the UE300is on the VPLMN2003GPP 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 VPLMN200for the services.

FIG.7is a block diagram of the UE300which is registered on different PLMNs in the wireless communication network, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to theFIG.7, the UE300may 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 UE300includes a communicator320, a processor340and a memory360. The processor340includes a MA PDU session management engine342and an ATSSS policy management engine344.

In an embodiment, the UE300is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN200and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN100in the wireless communication network.

The MA PDU session management engine342is configured to indicate to the communicator320, when the MA PDU session request needs to be sent to the HPLMN100. The MA PDU session request comprises the ATSSS Capability information of the UE300. The ATSSS policy management engine344provides the ATSSS capability information to the MA PDU session management engine342. The MA PDU session management engine342appends the ATSSS capability information to the MA PDU session request which is sent to the HPLMN100. The communicator320is configured to send the MA PDU session request to the HPLMN100, requesting the HPLMN100to 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 communicator320is also configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN100over the first interface. The MA PDU session establishment accept message comprises the ATSSS policy. The ATSSS policy management engine344is 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 communicator320is also configured to send the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN300over the second interface and in response receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN300over the second interface.

In an embodiment, the memory360can 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 memory360may, 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 memory360is non-movable. In some examples, the memory360can 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 theFIG.7shows the hardware elements of the UE300but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the UE300may 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.8Ais a flowchart800for a method for the HPLMN-based traffic control in the wireless communication network when the UE300is registered on different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to theFIG.8A, at step820, the HPLMN100receives the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session from the UE300which is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN200and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN100in the wireless communication network. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the communicator140can be configured to receive the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session from the UE300which is registered for 3GPP access over the VPLMN200and non-3GPP access over the HPLMN100in the wireless communication network.

At step840, the HPLMN100determines the ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the H-SMF141can be configured to determine the ATSSS policy for the MA PDU session establishment.

At step860, the HPLMN100establishes the MA PDU session with the UE300. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the H-SMF141can be configured to establish the MA PDU session with the UE300.

At step880, the HPLMN100sends the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE300. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the H-SMF141can be configured to send the MA PDU session establishment accept message to the UE300.

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.8Bis a flowchart for a method for establishing the MA PDU session with the UE300, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to theFIG.8B, at step862, the HPLMN100receives the MA PDU session establishment request from the UE300to the H-SMF141over the first interface. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the processor140can be configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment request from the UE300to the H-SMF141over the first interface.

At step864, the HPLMN100determines whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100based on the home operator policy and the subscription data. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the processor140can be configured to determine whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100based on the home operator policy and the subscription data.

At step866, the HPLMN100establishes the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF144of the HPLMN100by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100, where the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100provides the N4 filter rules to the H-UPF144. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the processor140can be configured to establish the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF144of the HPLMN100by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100, where the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100provides the N4 filter rules to the H-UPF144.

At step868, the HPLMN100establishes the MA PDU session with the UE300in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.3, the processor140can be configured to establish the MA PDU session with the UE300in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed.

At step870, the HPLMN100receives the MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF141. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the communicator120can be configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment request to the H-SMF141.

At step872, the HPLMN100determines whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100based on the home operator policy and the subscription data. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the processor140can be configured to determine whether establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100based on the home operator policy and the subscription data.

At step874, the HPLMN100establishes the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF144of the HPLMN100by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the processor140can be configured to establish the MA PDU session context with the H-UPF144of the HPLMN100by the H-SMF141of the HPLMN100.

At step876, the HPLMN100establishes the MA PDU session with the UE300in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed. For example, in the HPLMN100as illustrated in theFIG.5, the processor140can be configured to establish the MA PDU session with the UE300in response to determining that establishment of the MA PDU session is allowed.

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.9is a flowchart for a method for establishing the MA PDU session with the UE300with the different PLMNs, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Referring to theFIG.9, at step902, the UE300sends the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN100over the first interface. For example, in the UE300as illustrated in theFIG.7, the communicator320can be configured to send the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN100over the first interface.

At step904, the UE300receives the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN100over the first interface. For example, in the UE300as illustrated in theFIG.7, the communicator320can be configured to receive the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN100over the first interface.

At step906, the UE300sends the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN100over the second interface. For example, in the UE300as illustrated in theFIG.7, the communicator320can be configured to send the MA PDU session request to establish the MA PDU session to the HPLMN100over the second interface.

At step908, the UE300receives the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN100over the second interface. For example, in the UE300as illustrated in theFIG.7, the communicator320can be configured to receives the MA PDU session establishment accept message from the HPLMN100over the second interface.

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.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.