Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managed or “intelligent” paging of a user device in one or more wireless networks. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which enable prioritized paging operations of a given user device (e.g., a mobile 3GPP-compliant UE) within two or more mobile networks (e.g., PLMNs) when the UE is operating in a “dual” mode such as 3GPP 5G NR dual-SIM, dual standby (DSDS) mode. In one implementation, the UE contains multiple SIM cards to enable connection to different PLMNs simultaneously, such that paging associated with one network can be managed and prioritized as needed when the UE is actively utilizing another network.

Abstract: A communications system includes a non-MUSIM enhanced PLMN and a MUSIM enhanced PLMN. The MUSIM enhanced PLMN includes a novel Multi-Path (MP) Proxy node. The MP Proxy Node is controlled to switch between two alternative DL data flow paths to facilitate graceful path changeovers. Downlink (DL) data flow toward the non MUSIM enhanced network (e.g., PLMN-A) is based on the interaction between the MUSIM UE and the MUSIM enhanced network (e.g., PLMN-B) together with the novel MultiPath (MP) Proxy node.

Abstract: A cable communications network provides an alternative communications path between a user equipment device and a data network to a cellular path for a communications session with a desired level of Quality of Service. A cable modem termination system, coupled to a wireless core network, e.g., a 5G core network, interacts with the wireless core network to attempt to establish a PDU session for a UE with a desired QoS level. The core sends a QoS service request message to the CMTS including a requested level of QoS, an IP address and port number for the session. The CMTS and cable modem, corresponding to the UE, negotiate and decide if the request desired QoS level can be supported over the cable between the CMTS and the cable mode for the session.

Abstract: A radio access network (RAN) for a wireless communication network transmits, to user equipment (UE), information about NPN services provided by a non-public network (NPN) supported by the wireless network, where the UE is not subscribed to the NPN. In some embodiments, the NPN service information is periodically broadcasted to the UE; in other embodiments, the information is transmitted in response to receiving a request from the UE. In response to receiving the NPN service information, the UE transmits and the RAN receives an on-boarding request from the UE to on-board the UE to the NPN, which the RAN forwards to an on-boarding network (OBN) of the wireless network. In response, the RAN receives NPN credentials for the UE from the OBN, which the RAN forwards to the UE, which uses the NPN credentials to register to the NPN, thereby enabling the non-subscribing UE to subscribe to the NPN.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for interworking a user device in one or more wireless networks. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which enable operation of a given user device (e.g., a mobile 3GPP-compliant UE) within two or more mobile networks (e.g., PLMNs), such as a macro network and micro network. In one implementation, the UE contains multiple SIM cards to enable connection to different networks simultaneously. Accordingly, the UE can roam between two different networks seamlessly, regardless of whether the operators of each are independent or the same operator. Enhanced network capability as described herein advantageously allows for interworking between the macro and micro (e.g., small-cell) layers of the system without complicated network configuration requirements between the two operating networks as required under the prior art.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for services, such as SMS, location services, and/or the like over the NAS through a non-cellular access. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method that includes receiving, via a non-access stratum connection through a wireless local area network, a notification message; sending a service request message to request, via the non-access stratum connection through the wireless local area network, delivery of downlink data for a service; and receiving, via the non-access stratum connection through the wireless local area network, the downlink data for the service. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for streamlined cell activation in a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which utilize bandwidth-efficient setup/configuration messaging and cell activation, including for very large numbers of cells, and which do not overwhelm data backhaul(s) associated with wireless nodes used for communication. In one embodiment, a message protocol is used wherein a prescribed number of cells of a given DU (e.g., all, a prescribed subset, etc.) are activated without having to enumerate or include specific data relating to the cells being activated. In one variant, this “global” activation is conducted using an Activate All Cells IE (Information Element) disposed with the F1SETUP RESPONSE message issued by a controlling CU entity within a 5G-NR infrastructure. In other variants, cells of multiple DUs can be controlled simultaneously, such as via distribution of a system-wide global activation IE.

Abstract: A radio access network (RAN) for a wireless communication network transmits, to user equipment (UE), information about NPN services provided by a non-public network (NPN) supported by the wireless network, where the UE is not subscribed to the NPN. In some embodiments, the NPN service information is periodically broadcasted to the UE; in other embodiments, the information is transmitted in response to receiving a request from the UE. In response to receiving the NPN service information, the UE transmits and the RAN receives an on-boarding request from the UE to on-board the UE to the NPN, which the RAN forwards to an on-boarding network (OBN) of the wireless network. In response, the RAN receives NPN credentials for the UE from the OBN, which the RAN forwards to the UE, which uses the NPN credentials to register to the NPN, thereby enabling the non-subscribing UE to subscribe to the NPN.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for prioritizing spectrum and controlling data traffic steering within a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which allow network operators to prioritize utilization of spectrum for their subscribers. In one variant, an enhanced 3GPP UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) framework is provided for a UE connected to 5G wireless network, which allows the UE to use one or more prioritized 3GPP spectrum Band Class(es) based on one or more selection criterion or preconditions. In another variant, UE location information is used to dynamically update a data traffic steering mode or other functionality of an enhanced ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting) rule framework is described for dynamic control of steering or routing functionality, including between 3GPP- and non-3GPP network accesses for the data traffic.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a processor configured to send, over a 3rd Generation Partnership project (3GPP) access, a notifying message regarding non-3GPP access to a user equipment, the user equipment being simultaneously registered to the communication network via the 3GPP access and via the non-3GPP access, the user equipment being in a connection management-idle state over the non-3GPP access. The method includes sending over a 3rd Generation Partnership project (3GPP) access a notifying message regarding non-3GPP access to a user equipment, the user equipment being simultaneously registered to a communication network via the 3GPP access and via the non-3GPP access, the user equipment being in a connection management-idle state over the non-3GPP access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for services, such as SMS, location services, and/or the like over the NAS through a non-cellular access. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method that includes receiving, via a non-access stratum connection through a wireless local area network, a notification message; sending a service request message to request, via the non-access stratum connection through the wireless local area network, delivery of downlink data for a service; and receiving, via the non-access stratum connection through the wireless local area network, the downlink data for the service. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing IMS level awareness of high latency device are provided. One method, when a UE attaches to EPC, receiving, at a network node, an indication that the UE is a high latency device. The method may also include assigning, to the UE, an IP address selected from a special IP address range that is designated specifically for high latency devices. When the UE performs IMS registration, the method may include determining that the UE is a high latency UE based on the UE's IP address provided with the IMS registration request and assigned during the EPC attach procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for streamlined cell activation in a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which utilize bandwidth-efficient setup/configuration messaging and cell activation, including for very large numbers of cells, and which do not overwhelm data backhaul(s) associated with wireless nodes used for communication. In one embodiment, a message protocol is used wherein a prescribed number of cells of a given DU (e.g., all, a prescribed subset, etc.) are activated without having to enumerate or include specific data relating to the cells being activated. In one variant, this “global” activation is conducted using an Activate All Cells IE (Information Element) disposed with the F1SETUP RESPONSE message issued by a controlling CU entity within a 5G-NR infrastructure. In other variants, cells of multiple DUs can be controlled simultaneously, such as via distribution of a system-wide global activation IE.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for prioritizing spectrum and controlling data traffic steering within a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which allow network operators to prioritize utilization of spectrum for their subscribers. In one variant, an enhanced 3GPP UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) framework is provided for a UE connected to 5G wireless network, which allows the UE to use one or more prioritized 3GPP spectrum Band Class(es) based on one or more selection criterion or preconditions. In another variant, UE location information is used to dynamically update a data traffic steering mode or other functionality of an enhanced ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting) rule framework is described for dynamic control of steering or routing functionality, including between 3GPP- and non-3GPP network accesses for the data traffic.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a processor configured to send, over a 3rd Generation Partnership project (3GPP) access, a notifying message regarding non-3GPP access to a user equipment, the user equipment being simultaneously registered to the communication network via the 3GPP access and via the non-3GPP access, the user equipment being in a connection management-idle state over the non-3GPP access. The method includes sending over a 3rd Generation Partnership project (3GPP) access a notifying message regarding non-3GPP access to a user equipment, the user equipment being simultaneously registered to a communication network via the 3GPP access and via the non-3GPP access, the user equipment being in a connection management-idle state over the non-3GPP access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for V2X server discovery. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method. The method may include receiving, by a user equipment, an indication of an identity of a local server configured to provide, in the serving public land mobile network, information regarding a vehicle-based service, when the user equipment enters a region of the serving public land mobile network; and discovering, by the user equipment, the local server based on the received indication of the identity. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Efficient paging in a communications system including macro and small cell base stations is described. A macro cell base station receives, from a network node, a request to page a UE and determines a set of base stations including one or more small cell base stations, which are to attempt to page the UE. The macro cell base station communicates the paging request to the selected one or more small cell base stations. A small cell base station, using unlicensed spectrum, may fail in its paging attempt due to current unavailability of the unlicensed spectrum (LBT fails to clear) resulting in no paging signal transmitted; the reason for failure is communicated from the small cell base station to the macro cell base station via a paging response message. The macro cell base station in turn communicates a paging response message to the network node communicating the reason for failure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient paging in a communications system using unlicensed spectrum are described. A base station, which uses unlicensed spectrum, receives a paging request message from a network node and performs paging operations attempting to page the UE. The paging attempt may fail due to the base station being unable to transmit a paging signal to the UE because the unlicensed spectrum is currently unavailable or because the UE did not respond to a transmitted page. The base station generates and transmits a paging failure response message including a failure cause code indicating the reason that the paging attempt failed. The network node receives the paging failure response message, recovers the failure cause code, and implements a paging escalation strategy as a function of the recovered failure cause code.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for supporting local MBMS distribution are provided. One method includes receiving, by a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC), an activate multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) bearer request message to initiate an activate multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) bearer request procedure. The activate MBMS bearer request message comprises at least one of information on local MBMS distribution received from a local MBMS entity (LME), or a destination area, or a destination area and an indication that preferred delivery is via local distribution. The method may further include determining whether local distribution path will be used based on at least one of information received in the activate MBMS bearer request message, or stored information about local MBMS entities.

Abstract: A 5G network having a multi-path transport protocol (MPTP) proxy external to the user plane function (UPF). The session management function (SMF) provides address information of the external MPTP proxy to user equipment (UE) and distributes access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS)-related rules to the UE, the UPF, and the external MPTP proxy. The external MPTP proxy receives, from the UPF, (i) 3GPP uplink data transmitted by the UE via a 3GPP radio access network (RAN) and (ii) non-3GPP uplink data transmitted by the UE via a non-3GPP RAN, combines the 3GPP and non-3GPP uplink data to form network uplink data for a data network. The external MPTP proxy also divides received network downlink data into 3GPP downlink data and non-3GPP downlink data, and provides the 3GPP and non-3GPP downlink data to the UPF for transmission to the UE via the 3GPP RAN and the non-3GPP RAN, respectively.