CN113301630A

CN113301630A - Method and apparatus for user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communication

Info

Publication number: CN113301630A
Application number: CN202110190141.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马堤·摩伊沙嫩
Original assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte Ltd
Current assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-21
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2021-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-18
Also published as: CN113301630B

Abstract

Methods and apparatus related to User Equipment (UE) reachability after notification in mobile communications are described. An apparatus (e.g., a UE) receives an indication to initiate a notification procedure from a network over a non-third generation partnership project (non-3GPP) access when 3GPP access with the network is unavailable. In response, the device sends a notification response message to the network. After 3GPP access with the network becomes available, the device indicates to the network that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access. According to the method and apparatus for user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communication provided by the present invention, it is possible to reduce delay caused by a network being unable to know a state of user equipment when 3GPP access with a network is unavailable and to save signaling overhead.

Description

Method and apparatus for user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communication

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present invention is priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/979,487, filed on 21/2/2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to mobile communications, and more particularly, to User Equipment (UE) reachability after notification in mobile communications.

Background

Unless the invention is otherwise indicated, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims set forth below and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

In wireless communications, including mobile communications according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications and/or wireless local area networks according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 specifications, the network may initiate a notification procedure on the non-3GPP access when the UE is in a fifth Generation (5th Generation, 5G) Mobility Management (5G mobile Management, 5GMM) CONNECTED (5GMM CONNECTED, 5GMM-CONNECTED) mode on the non-3GPP access and in a 5GMM IDLE (5GMM IDLE ) mode on the 3GPP access. The network may do this to command the UE to switch to 5GMM-CONNECTED mode over 3GPP access. The notification procedure may be initiated by a Session Management Function (SMF) of the network, for example, when there is Downlink (DL) data of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session related to the 3GPP access to be transmitted over the 3GPP access. If the UE is unable to initiate a connection setup over a 3GPP Access (e.g., due to being in a NO-CELL-AVAILABLE state or another state in which setup is not achievable), the UE will need to send a NOTIFICATION RESPONSE (NOTIFICATION RESPONSE) message over a non-3GPP Access to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the network to indicate such a failure (e.g., according to 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 24.501, section 5.6.3). Upon receiving the notification response message, the AMF will notify the SMF that the UE is unreachable, and the SMF will refrain from requesting DL data transmission from the AMF to the UE when the UE is unreachable (e.g., according to 3GPP TS 23.502 section 4.2.3.3). Later, the AMF will indicate to the SMF when the UE becomes reachable (e.g., when the UE enters a connection management CONNECTED (CM-CONNECTED) mode over a 3GPP access).

However, after the UE sends the notification response message, it is unknown and uncertain when the UE enters CM-CONNECTED mode and returns a state where it can reach but does not require a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling connection. For example, if the UE is in a state of a registered fifth generation mobility management unavailable CELL (5GMM-registered no-CELL-AVAILABLE) with respect to the 3GPP access when transmitting the notification response message through the non-3GPP access, and the UE is camped on a CELL belonging to a TA included in a registered Tracking Area (TA) list, the UE will enter a registered fifth generation mobility management normal SERVICE (5GMM-registered no-SERVICE) state and will not initiate connection establishment. The AMF will not know that the UE is reachable again and therefore will not inform the SMF that the UE is reachable, and therefore the SMF will still avoid initiating any DL data transmission. Disadvantageously, this will result in additional delay before the SMF sends the DL data again.

Disclosure of Invention

The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. That is, the following summary is provided to introduce concepts, points, benefits and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described herein. Selected implementations are further described in the detailed description below. Thus, the following summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An object of the present invention is to propose schemes, concepts, designs, systems, methods and arrangements related to UE reachability after notification in mobile communication. It is believed that the above-described problems may be avoided or otherwise alleviated by the implementation of one or more of the proposed solutions described herein.

In one aspect, a method may include a processor of an apparatus receiving an indication to initiate a notification procedure from a network over a non-3GPP access when 3GPP access with the network is unavailable. The method may also include the processor sending a notification response message to the network in response to the receiving. The method may further include the processor indicating to the network that the apparatus is reachable over the 3GPP access after the 3GPP access with the network becomes available.

In another aspect, a method may include a processor of an apparatus receiving an indication to initiate a notification procedure from a network over a non-3GPP access when 3GPP access with the network is not available. The method may also include the processor sending a notification response message to the network in response to the receiving. The method may further include the processor sending an indication message to the network over the non-3GPP access indicating that the apparatus is reachable over the 3GPP access after the 3GPP access with the network becomes available.

In another aspect, a method may include a processor of an apparatus receiving an indication to initiate a procedure from a network through a first type of access when a second type of access with the network is unavailable. The method may also include the processor sending a response message to the network in response to the receiving. The method may further include the processor indicating to the network that the device is reachable on the second type of access after the second type of access with the network becomes available, regardless of whether signaling on the second type of access is required.

According to the method and apparatus for user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communication provided by the present invention, it is possible to reduce delay caused by a network being unable to know a state of user equipment when 3GPP access with a network is unavailable and to save signaling overhead.

It is noted that although the present invention may be described in the context of certain Radio Access technologies, networks and Network topologies (e.g., 5G/New Radio (NR) Mobile networking), the proposed concepts, schemes and any variations/derivatives may be implemented in, for, and through other types of wireless and wireline communication technologies, networks and Network topologies, such as, but not limited to, ethernet, Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network, UTRAN)/Evolved UTRAN (Evolved UTRAN, E-UTRAN), Global System for Mobile communications (Global System for Mobile communications, GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)/EDGE Radio Access Network (GPRS/EDGE Radio Access Network, GERAN), Long-Term Evolution (Long-Term Evolution, LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-Advanced Pro), Internet of Things (Internet of Things, IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and any future-developed networking technologies. The scope of the invention is therefore not limited to the examples described.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, since certain components may be shown out of proportion to actual implementation dimensions in order to clearly illustrate the concepts of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary network environment in which various solutions and schemes according to the present invention may be implemented.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example process according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example process according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter are disclosed. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrative of the claimed subject matter, which can be embodied in various forms. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

Overview

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to various techniques, methods, schemes and/or solutions relating to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications. According to the invention, a plurality of possible solutions can be implemented individually or jointly. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one or another combination.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example network environment 100 in which various solutions and schemes according to this invention may be implemented. Refer to the figures. As shown in fig. 1, network environment 100 may include a UE 110 and a wireless network 120 (which may include a 5G NR mobile network), which wireless network 120 may include one or more servers 128 on which AMF may be executed or otherwise implemented. UE 110 may wirelessly communicate with wireless network 120 through network node 125 via either or both of 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, depending on channel conditions, availability, and/or other factors. In network environment 100, UE 110 and wireless network 120 may implement various aspects related to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications in accordance with the present invention, as described herein. It is noted that in the present disclosure, the term "3 GPP access" refers to one or more access or wireless connections according to one or more 3GPP specifications, protocols and/or standards (e.g., 5G/NR, LTE-Advanced, and/or LTE-Advanced Pro), and the term "non-3 GPP access" herein refers to one or more access or wireless connections according to one or more non-3GPP specifications, protocols and/or standards (e.g., Wi-Fiax/be, bluetooth, infrared, Near-Field Communication (NFC), etc., as defined in IEEE 802.11).

Under the first proposed scheme according to the present invention, in the case where UE 110 has transmitted the notification response message to wireless network 120, UE 110 may perform certain operations. First, UE 110 may store (e.g., by storing relevant data or information in memory or storage) that a notification procedure has been performed and UE 110 has sent a notification response message to wireless network 120. Second, when a 3GPP access becomes available, UE 110 may initiate a connection establishment procedure through the 3GPP access when possible next, regardless of whether a connection to wireless network 120 via the 3GPP access is required. That is, UE 110 may initiate a connection establishment procedure (e.g., by initiating a registration procedure or a service request procedure) even if there is no reason or need to do so. For example, under the first proposed scheme, when mobility or periodic registration update is not required and the UE 110 has no Uplink (UL) signaling or data to send, the UE 110 will still initiate the connection establishment procedure through the 3GPP access.

As an example of an implementation of the first proposed scheme, when UE 110 is in 5GMM-CONNECTED mode on a non-3GPP access and is in 5GMM-IDLE mode on a 3GPP access (e.g., due to a 3GPP access being unavailable or otherwise out of service), UE 110 may have sent a notification response message to wireless network 120 over the non-3GPP access in response to a notification procedure initiated by wireless network 120 over the non-3GPP access. Later, when UE 110 enters the state of 5 GMM-transferred. normal-SERVICE through 3GPP access, UE 110 may initiate a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates by sending a registration request message to AMF 128 of wireless network 120 via network node 125.

Under the second proposed scheme according to the present invention, in case UE 110 has sent the notification response message to wireless network 120, UE 110 may perform certain operations. First, UE 110 may remember (e.g., by storing relevant data in a data store or memory) that a notification procedure has been performed and that UE 110 has sent a notification response message. In addition, UE 110 may indicate that the 3GPP access is reachable again by sending a message over the non-3GPP access. It is believed that this will save signalling when 3GPP access connection establishment and signalling is not performed. Especially in typical cases, the original DL data will be discarded and DL signaling or data transmission may not require 3GPP access/connection. Under the second proposed scheme, the UE 110 may send a notification response message together with a new or modified existing Information Element (IE) indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state where it is reachable. Alternatively, the UE 110 may send some other existing message, which may be extended or otherwise modified for this purpose. Still alternatively, a new message type may be defined for this purpose.

Under the third proposed scheme according to the present invention, the first proposed scheme or the second proposed scheme can be utilized according to circumstances. For example, where the non-3GPP access is in connected mode, UE 110 may utilize the second proposed scheme to indicate to wireless network 120 that UE 110 may be reachable over the 3GPP access even though UE 110 does not require NAS signaling. Further, if UE 110 is in idle mode when the 3GPP access becomes available again with a non-3GPP access, even when UE 110 does not require NAS signaling, UE 110 may indicate to wireless network 120 that UE 110 is reachable over the 3GPP access using the first proposed scheme. Under the third proposed scheme, a mechanism (e.g., a timer) may be utilized to control the duration after sending the notification response message, for which UE 110 may store or otherwise store information regarding the situation and prepare to use the first or second proposed scheme. The duration of the timer may be fixed, dedicated by UE 110, dynamically defined by wireless network 120 (e.g., indicated to UE 110 by wireless network 120 in DL signaling), or pre-provisioned by wireless network 120 and saved to a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) or to a persistent memory of UE 110.

Illustrative embodiments

Fig. 2 illustrates an example communication system 200 having at least an example apparatus 210 and an example apparatus 220, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may perform various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described herein relating to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications, including the various schemes of the above design, concept, scheme, system, and methods described above with respect to various proposals, including the network environment 100 and processes described below.

Each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may be part of an electronic apparatus, which may be a network apparatus or UE (e.g., UE 110), such as a portable or mobile apparatus, a wearable apparatus, a vehicle device or vehicle, a wireless communication apparatus, or a computing apparatus. For example, each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may be implemented in a smart phone, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in a vehicle, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a notebook computer. Each of the devices 210 and 220 may also be part of a machine type device, which may be an IoT device such as a stationary or fixed device, a home device, a roadside unit (RSU), a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, each of the devices 210 and 220 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. When implemented in or as a network device, the apparatus 210 and/or the apparatus 220 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE, LTE-Advanced, or LTE-Advanced Pro network, or in a gNB or TRP in a 5G network, NR network, IoT network.

In some embodiments, each of the devices 210 and 220 may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated-circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more complex-instruction-set-computing (CISC) processors, or one or more reduced-instruction-set-computing (RISC) processors. In the various aspects described above, each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may be implemented in or as a network apparatus or UE. Each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may include at least some of those components shown in fig. 2 (e.g., the processor 212 and the processor 222), respectively. Each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may further include one or more other components (e.g., an internal power source, a display device, and/or a user interface device) that are not relevant to the proposed solution of the present invention, and therefore, for the sake of simplicity and brevity, these components of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 are not shown in fig. 2.

In an aspect, each of the processors 212 and 222 may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC or RISC processors. That is, even though the singular term "processor" is used in this disclosure to refer to the processor 212 and the processor 222, each of the processor 212 and the processor 222 may include multiple processors in some embodiments and a single processor in other embodiments according to this disclosure. In another aspect, each of the processors 212 and 222 may be implemented in hardware (and optionally firmware) with electronic components including, for example and without limitation, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and/or one or more varactors configured and arranged to achieve certain objectives in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, in at least some embodiments, each of the processor 212 and the processor 222 is a dedicated machine specifically designed, arranged and configured to perform specific tasks, including those related to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications according to various embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 210 may also include a transceiver 216 coupled to the processor 212. The transceiver 216 may be capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some embodiments, transceiver 216 is capable of wireless communication with different types of wireless networks of different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In some embodiments, the transceiver 216 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. That is, the transceiver 216 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication. In some embodiments, the apparatus 220 may further include a transceiver 226 coupled to the processor 222. The transceiver 226 may include a transceiver capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some embodiments, the transceiver 226 is capable of wireless communication with wireless networks of different RATs/different types of UEs. In some embodiments, the transceiver 226 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. That is, the transceiver 226 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for MIMO wireless communications.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 210 may further include a memory 214 coupled to the processor 212 and accessible to the processor 212 and storing data therein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 220 may further include a memory 224 coupled to the processor 222 and accessible to the processor 222 and storing data therein. Each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a random-access memory (RAM), such as a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (static RAM, SRAM), a thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and/or a zero-capacitor RAM (Z-RAM), alternatively or additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a type of read-only memory (ROM), such as a mask ROM, a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), and/or an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), alternatively or additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a type of non-volatile random-access memory (RAM, NVRAM) such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and/or phase change memory. Alternatively or additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224 may comprise a UICC.

Each of the apparatus 210 and the apparatus 220 may be a communication entity capable of communicating with each other using various proposed schemes according to the present invention. For illustrative purposes, and not limitation, as shown below, the capabilities of apparatus 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus 220 as a network node (e.g., network node 125) of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120) are described.

In an aspect of UE reachability after notification in mobile communications in accordance with the present invention, when 3GPP access to the network is not available, processor 212 of apparatus 210 embodied in or as UE 110 may receive an indication to initiate a notification procedure from the network (e.g., by apparatus 220 as network node 125) over a non-3GPP access via transceiver 216. Additionally, in response to the receiving, the processor 212 may send a notification response message to the network (e.g., via the device 220) via the transceiver 216. Further, after 3GPP access with the network becomes available, processor 212 may indicate to the network (e.g., via device 220) via transceiver 216 that device 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, processor 212 may perform certain operations when indicating to the network that apparatus 210 is reachable over a 3GPP access. For example, the processor 212 may enter a 5GMM-registered. normal-SERVICE state through 3GPP access. Further, the processor 212 may initiate a connection establishment procedure through the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, in initiating the connection establishment procedure, the processor 212 may initiate a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates by sending a registration request message to the network over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, the processor 212 may send a service request message to the network over a 3GPP access in initiating a connection establishment procedure.

In some embodiments, the processor 212 may also store information in the memory 214 indicating that the notification process has been performed and that a notification response has been sent. In some embodiments, in storing the information, the processor 212 may store the information for a fixed duration determined by the device, defined by the network in DL signaling, or previously provided by the network and stored in the memory 214.

In another aspect of UE reachability after notification in mobile communications in accordance with the present invention, when 3GPP access to the network is not available, the processor 212 of the apparatus 210 in the UE 110 or implemented as the UE 110 may receive an indication to initiate the notification procedure from the network (e.g., by the apparatus 220 as the network node 125) over a non-3GPP access via the transceiver 216. Additionally, in response to the receiving, the processor 212 may send a notification response message to the network (e.g., via the device 220) via the transceiver 216. Further, after 3GPP access with the network becomes available, processor 212 may indicate to the network (e.g., via device 220) through the non-3GPP access via transceiver 216 that device 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, the indication message may include any one of: (1) a notify response message with a new IE or a modified existing IE indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to the device 210 reachable state; (2) a pre-existing type of message that is extended or modified for the purpose of indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state reachable by the apparatus 210; or (3) a new type of message defined for the purpose of indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state reachable by device 210.

In yet another aspect of UE reachability after notification in mobile communications in accordance with the present invention, the processor 212 of the apparatus 210 embodied in or as the UE 110 may receive an indication to initiate a procedure from the network (e.g., via the apparatus 220 as the network node 125) via the transceiver 216 through the first access type when the second type of access to the network is not available. Process 500 may proceed from 510 to 520. Further, processor 212 may send a response message to the network (e.g., via device 220) via transceiver 216 in response to the receiving. Further, after a second type of access with the network becomes available, the processor 212 may indicate to the network (e.g., via the device 220) via the transceiver 216 that the device 210 is reachable over the second type of access regardless of whether a signal needs to be sent over the second type of access.

In some embodiments, the first type of access may comprise non-3GPP access and the second type of access may comprise 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, in receiving the indication to initiate the procedure, the processor 212 may receive an indication to initiate the notification procedure when the apparatus 210 is in 5GMM-CONNECTED mode on a non-3GPP access and in 5GMM-IDLE mode on a 3GPP access. Further, the processor 212 may transmit a notification response message when transmitting the response message.

In some embodiments, processor 212 may perform certain operations in indicating to the network that apparatus 210 is reachable over a 3GPP access. For example, the processor 212 may enter a 5GMM-registered. normal-SERVICE state through 3GPP access. Further, the processor 212 may initiate a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates by sending a registration request message to the network over the 3GPP access.

In some implementations, in receiving an indication to initiate the process, the processor 212 can receive an indication to initiate a notification process. Further, in sending the response message, the processor 212 may send a notification response message.

In some embodiments, upon indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access, the processor 212 may indicate to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access without NAS signaling over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, upon indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access, the processor 212 may indicate by using the first process or the second process based at least on a status of the non-3GPP access.

In some embodiments, a non-3GPP access may be in idle mode when a 3GPP access becomes available. Thus, in indicating by using the first procedure, the processor 212 may initiate a connection establishment procedure through the 3GPP access. In some embodiments, the processor 212 may send a registration request message or a service request message to the network through the 3GPP access in initiating a connection establishment through the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, the non-3GPP access may be in connected mode. Thus, in indicating by using the second procedure, the processor 212 may indicate to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable by sending a message over the non-3GPP access.

Illustrative Process

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. Process 300 may represent aspects of the designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods, whether partial or complete, including those described above, that implement the various proposals described above. More specifically, process 300 may represent an aspect of the proposed concepts and schemes related to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications. Process 300 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions illustrated by one or

more blocks

310, 320, and 330. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, the various blocks of process 300 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Further, the blocks/sub-blocks of process 300 may be performed in the order shown in fig. 3, or alternatively in other orders. Further, one or more blocks/sub-blocks of process 300 may be performed iteratively. Process 300 may be implemented by or within apparatus 210 and apparatus 220, or any variation thereof. For purposes of illustration only and not to limit scope, process 300 is described below in the context of apparatus 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus 220 as a communication entity (e.g., a network node or base station (e.g., network node 125)) of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120). Process 300 may begin at block 310.

At 310, process 300 may include processor 212 of apparatus 210 implemented in or as UE 110 receiving an indication to initiate a notification procedure from a network (e.g., by apparatus 220 as network node 125) over a non-3GPP access via transceiver 216 when 3GPP access with the network is unavailable. Process 300 may proceed from 310 to 320.

At 320, process 300 may include processor 212 sending a notification response message to the network (e.g., via device 220) via transceiver 216 in response to the receiving. Process 300 may proceed from 320 to 330.

At 330, after 3GPP access with the network becomes available, process 300 may include processor 212 indicating to the network (e.g., via device 220) via transceiver 216 that device 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, upon indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over a 3GPP access, the process 300 may include the processor 212 performing certain operations. For example, process 300 may include processor 212 entering a 5GMM-registered. Further, process 300 may include processor 212 initiating a connection establishment procedure through the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, in initiating the connection establishment procedure, process 300 may include processor 212 initiating a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates by sending a registration request message to the network over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, in initiating the connection establishment process, the process 300 may include the processor 212 sending a service request message to the network over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, the process 300 may further include the processor 212 storing information in the memory 214 indicating that the notification process has been performed and that a notification response has been sent. In storing information, process 300 may include processor 212 storing information for a fixed duration determined by the device, defined by the network in DL signaling, or previously provided by the network and stored in memory 214, in some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. Process 400 may represent aspects of the designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods, whether partial or complete, including those described above, that implement the various proposals described above. More specifically, process 400 may represent an aspect of the proposed concepts and schemes related to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications. Process 400 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions illustrated by one or

more blocks

410, 420, and 430. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, the various blocks of process 400 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Further, the blocks/sub-blocks of process 400 may be performed in the order shown in fig. 4 or alternatively in other orders. Further, one or more blocks/sub-blocks of process 400 may be performed iteratively. Process 400 may be implemented by or within apparatus 210 and apparatus 220, or any variation thereof. For purposes of illustration only and not to limit scope, process 400 is described below in the context of apparatus 210 being a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus 220 being a communication entity (e.g., a network node or base station (e.g., network node 125)) of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120 process 400 may begin at block 410.

At 410, process 400 may include processor 212 of apparatus 210 implemented in or as UE 110 receiving an indication to initiate a notification procedure from a network (e.g., by apparatus 220 as network node 125) over a non-3GPP access via transceiver 216 when 3GPP access with the network is unavailable. Process 400 may proceed from 410 to 420.

At 420, process 400 may include processor 212 sending a notification response message to the network (e.g., via device 220) via transceiver 216 in response to the receiving. Process 400 may proceed from 420 to 430.

At 430, after 3GPP access with the network becomes available, process 400 may include processor 212 sending an indication message to the network (e.g., via device 220) over the non-3GPP access via transceiver 216 indicating that device 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, the indication message may include any one of: (1) a notification response message with a new IE or a modified existing IE indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to the device 210 reachable state; (2) a pre-existing type of message that is extended or modified for the purpose of indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state reachable by the apparatus 210; or (3) a new type of message defined for the purpose of indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state reachable by device 210.

In some embodiments, process 400 may further include processor 212 storing information in memory 214 indicating that a notification process has been performed and that a notification response has been sent. In storing information, process 400 may include processor 212 storing information for a fixed duration determined by the device, defined by the network in DL signaling, or previously provided by the network and stored in memory 214, in some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. Process 500 may represent aspects of the designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods, whether partial or complete, including those described above, that implement the various proposals described above. More specifically, process 500 may represent an aspect of the proposed concepts and schemes related to UE reachability after notification in mobile communications. Process 500 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions illustrated by one or more of

blocks

510, 520, and 530. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, the various blocks of process 500 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Further, the blocks/sub-blocks of process 500 may be performed in the order shown in fig. 5, or alternatively in other orders. Further, one or more blocks/sub-blocks of process 500 may be performed iteratively. Process 500 may be implemented by or within apparatus 210 and apparatus 220, or any variation thereof. For purposes of illustration only and not to limit scope, process 500 is described below in the context of apparatus 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus 220 as a communication entity (e.g., a network node or base station (e.g., network node 125)) of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120). Process 500 may begin at block 510.

At 510, process 500 may include processor 212 of apparatus 210 implemented in or as UE 110 receiving an indication to initiate a procedure from a network (e.g., via apparatus 220 as network node 125) via transceiver 216 with a first access type when a second type of access with the network is not available. Process 500 may proceed from 510 to 520.

At 520, process 500 may include processor 212 sending a response message to the network (e.g., via device 220) via transceiver 216 in response to the receiving. Process 500 may proceed from 520 to 530.

At 530, process 500 may include processor 212 indicating, via transceiver 216, to the network (e.g., via device 220), whether or not device 210 is reachable over the second type of access, after the second type of access to the network becomes available, regardless of whether signaling over the second type of access is required.

In some embodiments, in receiving the indication to initiate the procedure, process 500 may include processor 212 receiving an indication to initiate the notification procedure when apparatus 210 is in 5GMM-CONNECTED mode on a non-3GPP access and in 5GMM-IDLE mode on a 3GPP access. Further, in sending the response message, process 500 may include processor 212 sending a notification response message.

In some embodiments, in indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over a 3GPP access, the process 500 may include the processor 212 performing certain operations. For example, process 500 may include processor 212 entering a 5GMM-registered. Further, process 500 may include a registration procedure in which processor 212 initiates mobility and periodic registration updates by sending a registration request message to the network over the 3GPP access.

In some implementations, in receiving the indication to initiate the process, the process 500 can include the processor 212 receiving an indication to initiate a notification process. Further, in sending the response message, process 500 may include processor 212 sending a notification response message.

In some embodiments, when indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over a 3GPP access, the process 500 may include the processor 212 indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over a 3GPP access without NAS signaling over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, upon indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable over the 3GPP access, the process 500 may include the processor 212 indicating by using the first process or the second process based at least on a status of the non-3GPP access.

In some implementations, the non-3GPP access may be in idle mode when a 3GPP access becomes available. Accordingly, in indicating by using the first procedure, procedure 500 may include processor 212 initiating a connection establishment procedure through a 3GPP access. In some implementations, in initiating connection establishment over a 3GPP access, process 500 may include processor 212 sending a registration request message or a service request message to a network over the 3GPP access.

In some embodiments, the non-3GPP access may be in connected mode. Thus, in indicating by using the second procedure, the procedure 500 may include the processor 212 indicating to the network that the apparatus 210 is reachable by sending a message over the non-3GPP access.

Supplementary notes

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components of the invention combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operatively couplable include, but are not limited to: physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

Further, with respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms of the present invention, those having skill in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. For clarity, the invention may explicitly set forth various singular/plural reciprocity.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, terms used in connection with the present invention, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) generally mean "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" introduced into the claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that: the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, in those cases where a convention similar to "A, B and at least one of C, etc." is used, in general, such an interpretation will be understood by those skilled in the art that this syntax means, for example: "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include, but not be limited to, a system having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc. In those cases where a convention similar to "A, B or at least one of C, etc." is used, in general, this interpretation will be understood by those skilled in the art that this syntax means, for example: "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method regarding user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communications, comprising:

when third generation partnership project (3GPP) access with the network is not available, receiving, by a processor of the device, an indication to initiate a notification procedure from the network through non-third generation partnership project (non-3GPP) access;

in response to the receiving, the processor sending a notification response message to the network; and

indicating, by the processor, to the network that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access after the 3GPP access with the network becomes available.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein indicating to the network that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access comprises:

entering a registered fifth generation mobility management normal service state through the 3GPP access; and

a connection establishment procedure is initiated through the 3GPP access.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein initiating the connection establishment procedure comprises: a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates is initiated by sending a registration request message to the network through the 3GPP access.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein initiating the connection establishment procedure comprises: a service request message is sent to the network through the 3GPP access.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

storing, by the processor, information in a universal integrated circuit card or memory indicating that the notification process has been performed and the notification response has been sent.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the storing the information comprises storing the information for a fixed duration determined by the device, defined by the network in downlink signaling, or previously provided by the network and stored in the universal integrated circuit card or the memory of the device.

7. A method regarding user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communications, comprising:

when third generation partnership project (3GPP) access with a network is not available, receiving, by a processor of a device, an indication to initiate a notification procedure from the network through non-third generation partnership project (non-3GPP) access;

after a 3GPP access with the network becomes available, an indication message is sent by the processor to the network over the non-3GPP access indicating that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the indication message comprises any one of:

a notification response message with a new or modified existing information element indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to the device reachable state;

a pre-existing type of message that is extended or modified for the purpose of indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state that the apparatus is reachable; or

A new type of message defined for the purpose of indicating that the 3GPP access has returned to a state reachable by the apparatus.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the storing the information comprises storing the information for a fixed duration determined by the device, defined by the network in downlink signaling, or previously provided by the network and stored in the universal integrated circuit card or the memory of the device.

11. A method regarding user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communications, comprising:

when a second type of access is not available with the network, the processor of the device receives an indication to initiate a procedure from the network through the first type of access;

in response to the receiving, the processor sending a response message to the network; and

after the second type of access with the network becomes available, indicating, by the processor, to the network that the apparatus is reachable over the second type of access regardless of whether a signal needs to be sent over the second type of access.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first type of access comprises non-third generation partnership project (non-3GPP) access, and wherein the second type of access comprises third generation partnership project (3GPP) access.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving the indication to initiate the notification process comprises: receiving an indication to initiate a notification procedure when the apparatus is in a fifth generation mobility management connected mode on a non-3GPP access and is in and out of a fifth generation mobility management idle mode on a 3GPP access, and wherein the sending the response message comprises sending a notification response message.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein indicating to the network that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access comprises:

a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates is initiated by sending a registration request message to the network over the 3GPP access.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the indication to initiate the procedure comprises: receiving an indication to initiate a notification procedure, and wherein sending the response message comprises sending a notification response message.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein indicating to the network that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access comprises: indicating to the network that the device is reachable at the 3GPP access without non-access stratum signaling over the 3 GPP.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein indicating to the network that the device is reachable over the 3GPP access comprises: indicating by using the first procedure or the second procedure based on at least a status of the non-3GPP access.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the non-3GPP access is in idle mode when the 3GPP access becomes available, and wherein the indicating by using the first procedure comprises: a connection establishment procedure is initiated through the 3GPP access.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein initiating the connection establishment procedure through the 3GPP access comprises: a registration request message or a service request message is sent to the network through the 3GPP access.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the non-3GPP access is in connected mode, and wherein the indicating by using the second procedure comprises: indicating to the network that the device is reachable by sending a message over the non-3GPP access.

21. An apparatus for determining user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communication, comprising:

a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the memory having stored therein program instructions and data that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform operations comprising any of claims 1, 7, 11.

22. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program instructions and data which, when executed by a processor of an apparatus for user equipment reachability after notification in mobile communication, cause the apparatus to perform operations included in any one of claims 1, 7, and 11.