Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for the grouping of UEs, such that UEs can share a UE group context or share a PDU session context or both. In this manner, network resource usage, with respect to UE context and PDU session context management, can be mitigated.

Abstract: A method for optimizing operation of a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communications network.

Abstract: A network function and a method for associating a UE of a UE group to a PDU session with in a CN. The NF establishes a shared PDU session for the UE group before all of the UEs in the UE group register with the CN and binds a UE that has not yet registered with the CN to the shared PDU session when the UE registers with the CN, provided the UE will share at least one of a UL UP connection and a DL UP connection associated with the shared PDU session. The NF may be an SMF.

Abstract: A method of MB delivery of Downlink (DL) MB Data to a plurality of Electronic Devices (EDs) connected to a (Radio) Access Network (R)AN node, the method comprises: storing the DL MB Data in a buffer of the (R)AN node; and transmitting, by the (R)AN node, the DL MB Data to the plurality of EDs.

Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for the grouping of UEs, such that UEs can share a UE group context or share a PDU session context or both. In this manner, network resource usage, with respect to UE context and PDU session context management, can be mitigated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing User Plane (UP) path selection or reselection over a communications network with a 3rd party entity, and for notifying network entities of UP changes in a communications network, are disclosed. The method includes: receiving an application program interface based request for UP path selection from the 3rd party entity; performing a validation and authorization procedure with the request; transmitting a UP path selection configuration request to a Control Plane Function that maintains configuration data; obtaining a reference number confirming the UP path selection configuration request; and installing the UP path selection according to the reference number.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods and apparatuses for enabling private communication between user equipments (UEs) in a (LAN) UE group. The UEs in the (LAN) UE group can communicate with each other using IP and/or non-IP type communication services. The communications between these UEs may take place in the form of point to point (e.g. UE to UE) communication or point to multi-point communication (e.g. UE to multiple UEs) as opposed to UE to Data Network (DN) communication.

Abstract: A method and system for providing access to Quality of Service levels from within a network to entities outside of the network.

Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for the grouping of UEs, such that UEs can share a UE group context or share a PDU session context or both. In this manner, network resource usage, with respect to UE context and PDU session context management, can be mitigated.

Abstract: A method and system of unifying data transmission and storage in a communication network are provided. The method comprises determining, by a coordinator associated with a network data analytics function (NWDAF) service instance set, what data that more than one NWDAF service instances in the NWDAF service instance set requires, if the data required by the more than one NWDAF service instances is the same, requesting, by the coordinator associated with the NWDAF service instance set, the data from a network function service instance set, and receiving the data from a data storage function that is notified by the network function service instance set of the request from the coordinator associated with the NWDAF service instance set.

Abstract: A network function and a method for associating a UE of a UE group to a PDU session with in a CN. The NF establishes a shared PDU session for the UE group before all of the UEs in the UE group register with the CN and binds a UE that has not yet registered with the CN to the shared PDU session when the UE registers with the CN, provided the UE will share at least one of a UL UP connection and a DL UP connection associated with the shared PDU session. The NF may be an SMF.

Abstract: A network data analytics (NWDA) function and method of policy optimization in a communication network are provided. The NWDA performs data analytics on the communication network traffic, and includes communication interfaces to connect to other network elements in the communication network. The method comprises the NWDA function configured to receive a request for a policy input, send instructions to network elements to obtain network performance measurement data, receive the measurement data from the network elements, and transmit a policy input based on the received measurement data.

Abstract: A plurality of methods for unicast and group communication delivery of Downlink (DL) group communication data to a plurality of User Equipment's (UEs) are used by embodiments of this invention. These methods include two architectures wherein both architectures include a first AMF, AMF-1, which has an N1 connection to UE and both AMF-1 and a second AMF, the network control function, have an N2 connection to the RAN. In the first architecture, AMF-1 supports unicast data delivery and a second AMF, the network control function, supports GC data delivery. AMF-1 and the network control function have no direct connection between each other in the first architecture. In the second architecture, AMF-1 supports unicast data delivery and the network control function supports group communication data delivery. In the second architecture, the network control function and AMF-1 are connected by an interface.

Abstract: Methods, systems and architectures are described which provide at least one aggregated tunnel protocol, in addition to the existing per PDU session tunnel protocols (1, 2, . . . N). When the UE requests a new PDU session or a new QoS flow, the SMF may establish a Per PDU Session Tunnel to serve this PDU session. Alternatively, an Aggregated Tunnel may be selected to serve the PDU session or to serve the QoS flow. When a packet from a UE arrives, the receiving network function can send this packet either using a per PDU session tunnel protocol or aggregated tunnel protocol.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure provides a method for handling delayed packets in a mobile wireless network performed by a PCF. The method includes receiving information pertaining to packet handling policy (PHP) parameters for a PDU session; and sending the PHP to other network functions for instructing devices in the user plane of the mobile wireless network how to handle delayed packets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing User Plane (UP) path selection or reselection over a communications network with a 3rd party entity, and for notifying network entities of UP changes in a communications network, are disclosed. The method includes: receiving an application program interface based request for UP path selection from the 3rd party entity; performing a validation and authorization procedure with the request; transmitting a UP path selection configuration request to a Control Plane Function that maintains configuration data; obtaining a reference number confirming the UP path selection configuration request; and installing the UP path selection according to the reference number.

Abstract: A communication system includes a user plane function (UPF) configured to receive a domain name system (DNS) query from a user equipment (UE). The DNS query includes a first destination address of a first DNS server. The DNS query is for determining an address of a data server in proximity to the UE. According to the first destination address of the first DNS server, the UPF obtains, from a session management function (SMF), a second destination address of a second DNS server for providing the address of the data server. The SMF is configured to provide, to the UPF, the second destination address of a second DNS server.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure provides a method for handling delayed packets in a mobile wireless network performed by a PCF. The method includes receiving information pertaining to packet handling policy (PHP) parameters for a PDU session; and sending the PHP to other network functions for instructing devices in the user plane of the mobile wireless network how to handle delayed packets.

Abstract: A network architecture and methods of managing packet data unit (PDU) sessions in a network are provided. The methods include PDU session establishment procedures, PDU session modification procedures, PDU session state transfer procedures, PDU session release procedures, and user equipment (UE) handover procedures.

Abstract: A method and system of unifying data transmission and storage in a communication network are provided. The method comprises determining, by a coordinator associated with a network data analytics function (NWDAF) service instance set, what data that more than one NWDAF service instances in the NWDAF service instance set requires, if the data required by the more than one NWDAF service instances is the same, requesting, by the coordinator associated with the NWDAF service instance set, the data from a network function service instance set, and receiving the data from a data storage function that is notified by the network function service instance set of the request from the coordinator associated with the NWDAF service instance set.