Abstract: A policy control function, PCF, node, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a message related to information for updating policies of at least one of User Equipment, UE, access and Protocol Data Unit, PDU, Session selection, to a UE via an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF node.

Abstract: A method performed by an operations administration and management (OAM) apparatus includes acting as a Management Data Analytics Function (MDAF) in a network. The network includes a plurality of network functions (NFs). Acting as the MDAF includes: collecting management data and network data from the network, analysing the management data and the network data, and providing a receiving entity with management data analytics service information based on the analysis of the management data and the network data.

Abstract: A Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) for 5G networks is disclosed. A higher granularity of the load level information from the NWDAF is proposed. Also proposed are new ways to utilise the services provided by the NWDAF for other Network Functions (NF) like Network Repository Function (NRF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), and Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF).

Abstract: User equipment, UE, includes: a receiver configured to receive a parameter indicating whether the UE is restricted or authorized for transmission of user data in a message transmitted on Uplink Synchronization Channel, UL-SCH, from an access network node; and a hardware processor configured to process instructions to determine whether the transmission of the user data in the message is restricted or authorized based on the parameter.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed in which a control node generates configuration data for each of a plurality of MMEs operating in overlay networks. The configuration data defines a type of user equipment (UE) or a type of UE traffic to be serviced by each MME. The MME configuration data is provided to a base station and used to control selection of an MME to service a request from a UE. The control node monitors network traffic within and across the overlay networks and can reconfigure one or more MMEs to service different UE traffic types. This allows for improved flexibility in load balancing with overlay networks.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for dynamic switching between a control plane data transmission and user plane data transmission avoiding the Detach and consecutive re-attach procedure or TAU procedure. In particular the decision for switch between the different transmission schemes is based on various criteria like the size of the data packet or on total amount of data, etc.

Abstract: The current invention proposes procedures for selection of isolated network slices and rerouting to isolated network slices. It explores different use cases of successful isolated network slice selection and also the fallback from isolated network slice when it is not available.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of selecting a Dedicated Core Network (DCN) based on assisting indication by mobile terminals, and including the step of configuring the RAN Nodes of the mobile network with the DCN Types of the serving EPC Nodes so that the RAN Nodes can map the DCN selection assisting information from the connecting mobile terminals with the right dedicated EPC Node. This allows for the RAN Node to connect the mobile terminals with EPC Node of the mobile terminal's dedication at initial attach and then keep the mobile terminals on the same DCN. Thus, a re-routing of mobile terminals NAS message from one EPC Node to another EPC node is avoided. The invention also allows for a flexible and dynamic change of the EPC Nodes dedication based on operator's configuration and policy. Additionally, the invention allows for DCN access restriction control by broadcasting of the supported DCN Types by the RAN Node.

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to receive, from a network, a paging message including an indication for delayed paging. The indication for delayed paging indicates that the UE is allowed to delay a response to the paging message. The processor is configured to identify the indication for delayed paging in the paging message.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of selecting a Dedicated Core Network (DCN) based on assisting indication by mobile terminals, and including the step of configuring the RAN Nodes of the mobile network with the DCN Types of the serving EPC Nodes so that the RAN Nodes can map the DCN selection assisting information from the connecting mobile terminals with the right dedicated EPC Node. This allows for the RAN Node to connect the mobile terminals with EPC Node of the mobile terminal's dedication at initial attach and then keep the mobile terminals on the same DCN. Thus, a re-routing of mobile terminals NAS message from one EPC Node to another EPC node is avoided. The invention also allows for a flexible and dynamic change of the EPC Nodes dedication based on operator's configuration and policy. Additionally, the invention allows for DCN access restriction control by broadcasting of the supported DCN Types by the RAN Node.

Abstract: The invention provides for a wireless communications terminal (502), and related system and method, for wirelessly communicating with a network (504, 506). The terminal (502) is arranged to transmit, as part of a wireless connection establishment procedure for forming a wireless connection between the terminal (502) and the network (504, 506), wireless-connection establishment signalling (510) including a small-data indicator to indicate to the network (504) that transmission of an amount of data below a threshold value is required from the terminal (502) by way of the wireless connection to the network (504, 506).

Abstract: A core network node includes a transmitter configured to transmit a control plane data back-off timer to restrict a request from a UE for data transmission via Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization. A UE includes a receiver configured to receive a control plane data back-off timer from a core network node, and a controller configured to not initiate data transmission via Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization while the control plane data back-off timer is running.

Abstract: The invention provides for a wireless communications terminal (502), and related system and method, for wirelessly communicating with a network (504, 506). The terminal (502) is arranged to transmit, as part of a wireless connection establishment procedure for forming a wireless connection between the terminal (502) and the network (504, 506), wireless-connection establishment signalling (510) including a small-data indicator to indicate to the network (504) that transmission of an amount of data below a threshold value is required from the terminal (502) by way of the wireless connection to the network (504, 506).

Abstract: The invention describes a method for dynamic switching between a control plane data transmission and user plane data transmission avoiding the Detach and consecutive re-attach procedure or TAU procedure. In particular the decision for switch between the different transmission schemes is based on various criteria like the size of the data packet or on total amount of data, etc.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for supporting a registration procedure for an inbound roamer user equipment, ‘UE’, in a visited public land mobile network, ‘VPLMN’ that includes a transceiver and a controller. The controller is configured to: control the transceiver to receive, from a communicator of the VPLMN, a request for authentication information; retrieve the authentication information from a communicator of a home public land mobile network, ‘HPLMN’; and control the transceiver to transmit the authentication information to the serving CSCF of the VPLMN for use in the registration procedure.

Abstract: A policy control function, PCF, node, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a message related to information for updating policies of at least one of User Equipment, UE, access and Protocol Data Unit, PDU, Session selection, to a UE via an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF node.

Abstract: A wireless terminal can communicate with two radio access networks (RAN) (304, 306) of different types. The wireless terminal can register simultaneously with a RAN of the first type and a RAN of the second type and can wirelessly connect to a RAN of either the first type or the second type in a connected state. The wireless terminal when registered with both a first RAN and a second RAN and when wirelessly connected to the first RAN in the connected state, receives a mobility signal via the first RAN indicating a RAN of the second type and, in response to receiving the mobility signal and in response to being so registered with the first RAN and second RAN, transmits an access trigger signal (417). The access trigger signal indicates that the wireless terminal is to be connected to the second RAN in the connected state.

Abstract: A system (1) is disclosed in which a network entity determines whether a radio bearer should be maintained or released for a communications device (2). The communications device (2) establishes the radio bearer via a base station (5) of the communications system (1) and communicates data using the established radio bearer. The communications device (2) determines whether any further data is to be sent or received and/or whether a user-plane connection is required. The communications device (2) then provides information to the network entity identifying a result of said determination for use in determining whether the radio bearer should be maintained or released.

Abstract: A system is described in which a default MME (9A) receives a NAS message (S501, S505) from a mobile device (3D); sends a rerouting request (S509) to a base station (5) serving the mobile device (3D) and includes information identifying a group of dedicated MMEs (9D) to which the NAS message should be rerouted. If none of the dedicated MMEs (9D) is available, then the default MME (9A) receives a message from the base station (5), the message rerouting the NAS message to the default MME (9A), instead of a dedicated MME (9D). The default MME (9A) either proceeds (S515a) to serving the mobile device (3D) or the default MME (9A) rejects (S515b) the NAS message.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for dynamic switching between a control plane data transmission and user plane data transmission avoiding the Detach and consecutive re-attach procedure or TAU procedure. In particular the decision for switch between the different transmission schemes is based on various criteria like the size of the data packet or on total amount of data, etc.