Abstract: A UE is supplied with one or more UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules which include an indicator indicating support for a “L4S” Connection Capability. The use of an L4S connection capability indicator allows a UE to obtain L4S support for application traffic data requiring L4S support. The connection capabilities option in the URSP rule or rules allows a UE to select an appropriate route selection for matching L4S connection capability. By allowing a UE to indicate that a packet or packet flow is to be matched to a PDU session which has an L4S connection capability, the UE can trigger establishment of a new PDU session to support a flow of application data packets requiring L4S support or can cause the packet flow to be assigned to an existing PDU session or trigger a modification of an existing PDU Session which supports L4S.

Abstract: In various embodiments an explicit congestion feedback capabilities indication, e.g., information indicating a UE's support or lack of support for low latency, low loss and scalable throughput services (L4S), is communicated in a message sent from a UE to device in a network core. In some embodiments the communicated UE capability information provides information about the capability of the UE sending the message to support the use of feedback (e.g., congestion feedback) for scalable throughput services (e.g., (L4S services) or other explicit congestion notification (ECN) services which use congestion feedback for encoding and/or data rate control). In some embodiments the message or messages communicating the UE capability information include a PDU Session Establishment Request message, a PDU Session Modification Request message, and/or a Registration Request message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing bandwidth which can be used to support network connectivity and to obtain services from elements in a network, e.g., 5G network, are described. In various embodiments a DOCSIS link is connects a residential gateway at a customer premises to devices outside the customer premises, e.g., to devices in a 5G network or another network. Devices which support EAP authentication are provided with their dedicated bandwidth over the DOCSIS link. Devices which do not support EAP authentication, e,g, WiFi devices, share bandwidth to which a subscriber residing at the customer premise subscribes. Devices which support EAP authentication are provided reserved resources corresponding to a subscription associated with the individual device thereby allowing a user of a device which supports EAP authentication to obtain more bandwidth than is normally provided to a visited premises based on the service subscription associated with the visiting device.

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: 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.

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: 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: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus for managing UE migration or offloading from mobile network operators (MNO) cells to mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) cells (optionally access points) in a dual-network deployment use case by identifying and communicating one or more dynamic traffic offload policies to UE(s) based information provided by MVNO subscriber UEs and/or information generated by the network itself. In this manner, the MVNO network operator may control an amount of traffic in the MVNO small cell network while avoiding or at least reducing negative end-user experience. In various embodiments, the UE offloaded from the MNO to the MVNO may be roaming UE associated with a different MVNO.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting efficient switching of data paths corresponding to a communications session between different non-3GPP access networks, e.g., networks including WiFi access points, using network core functionality are described. A novel registration process in which UE and AMF capability information is exchanged at an early stage in the registration process is described. An initial registration request message from a UE, via a 3GPP or N3GPP access network, includes an indicator as to whether or not the UE supports path switching for MA PDU sessions between N3GPP access paths. This allows, for a UE which supports the path switching, a AMF to be selected and assigned to the UE, which also supports the path switching, thus matching capabilities and eliminating the need for interrupting communications to change AMFs at a later point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting efficient switching of data paths corresponding to a communications session between different non-3GPP access networks, e.g., networks including WiFi access points, using network core functionality are described. A novel registration process in which UE and AMF capability information is exchanged at an early stage in the registration process is described. An initial registration request message from a UE, via a 3GPP or N3GPP access network, includes an indicator as to whether or not the UE supports path switching for MA PDU sessions between N3GPP access paths. This allows, for a UE which supports the path switching, a AMF to be selected and assigned to the UE, which also supports the path switching, thus matching capabilities and eliminating the need for interrupting communications to change AMFs at a later point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting switching of data paths corresponding to a communications session between different non-3GPP access networks, e.g., networks including WiFi access points, using network core functionality are described. This allows a communications session in which a UE is involved as an end point to be switched between two different WiFi access networks and/or a WiFi access network and a 3GPP access network, e.g., cellular access network, without the communications session being terminated while service is provided to the UE by a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) with which it is registered. A UE can switch between multiple WiFi networks while maintaining a communications session supported by network core functionality even though the session may be switched between different non-3GPP networks while the session is ongoing.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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: 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.