WO2022008045A1

WO2022008045A1 - Method, apparatus and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2022008045A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/069202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Hoffmann
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-07-08
Filing date: 2020-07-08
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-08

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

Description

Title

Method, apparatus and computer program

Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) and home routed (HR) roaming.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices (also referred to as station or user equipment) and/or application servers. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality) , V2X (vehicle to all communication) content data, time-sensitive network (TSN) flows and/or data in an industrial application such as critical system messages between an actuator and a controller, critical sensor data (such as measurements, video feed etc.) towards a control system and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session, for example, between at least two stations or between at least one station and at least one application server (e.g. for video), occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN) operating based on 3GPP radio standards such as E- UTRA, New Radio, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access one or more carriers provided by the network, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and/or receive communications on the one or more carriers. In carrier aggregation (CA) two or more carriers are combined into one channel. In dual connectivity (DC), two carriers from different sites are combined, that is a user equipment may be dual (or multi) connected to two (or more) sites.

The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) based on the E-UTRAN radio-access technology, and so-called 5G system (5GS) including the 5G or next generation core (NGC) and the 5G Access network based on the New Radio (NR) radio-access technology. 5GS including NR are being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Summary

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

The network entity may comprise a network entity of a second network. The delay may be in the second network.

The first network may be a home network. The second network may be a visited network.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the indication of the delay at the first network in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network. The apparatus may comprise means for determining a delay on an interface between the first network and the second network and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay on the interface.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining the delay on the interface based on an agreement between the first network and the second network, querying a database or a request to a user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining a delay between the user plane resource and an application server and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on at least one of the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay between the user plane resource and the application server.

The network entity may be an application function. The delay may be between the user plane resource and an application server.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining a candidate list of the one or more user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing the candidate list to an application function and receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and the delay between the user plane resource and an application server

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving, at the first network from a second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, associating each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network with one of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list to form a pair and providing a candidate list of the pairs to the second network or an application function.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining the order of the candidate list based on at least a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and the associated user plane resource of the second network. The apparatus may comprise means for receiving at the first network an indication of a pair selected from the candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

When the candidate list is provided to the application function, the apparatus may comprise means for receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement, and the delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server, providing the modified candidate list to the second, receiving an indication of a pair selected from the modified candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the indication of the selected pair in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving a first security handle from the second network at the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing a second security handle to the second network from the first network.

The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function.

The apparatus may comprise at least a session management function, serving gateway control plane function, packet data network gateway control plane function, policy control function, policy and charging rules function, a network resource function, domain name system, security edge protection proxy, or application function.

In a second aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network. The apparatus may comprise means for providing the indication of the delay to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing, to the first network from the second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, receiving from the first network, a candidate list in which each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network is associated with one of the one or more user plane resources of the first network to form a pair, selecting a pair from the candidate list and providing an indication of the selected one of the pairs to the first network.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing the indication of the selected pair to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing a first security handle from the second network to the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving a second security handle at the second network from the first network.

The apparatus may comprise at least a session management function, serving gateway control plane function, packet data network gateway control plane function, policy control function, policy and charging rules function, a network resource function, domain name system or security edge protection proxy.

In a third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network. The apparatus may comprise means for modifying the order of the candidate list based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server and providing the modified candidate list to the first network.

Each of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list may be associated with one or more user plane resource of a second network.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

The method may comprise receiving the indication of the delay at the first network in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The method may comprise determining a delay on an interface between the first network and the second network and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay on the interface.

The method may comprise determining the delay on the interface based on an agreement between the first network and the second network, querying a database or a request to a user plane resource of the first network. The method may comprise determining a delay between the user plane resource and an application server and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on at least one of the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay between the user plane resource and the application server.

The method may comprise determining a candidate list of the one or more user plane resource of the first network.

The method may comprise providing the candidate list to an application function and receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and the delay between the user plane resource and an application server

The method may comprise receiving, at the first network from a second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, associating each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network with one of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list to form a pair and providing a candidate list of the pairs to the second network or an application function.

The method may comprise determining the order of the candidate list based on at least a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and the associated user plane resource of the second network.

The method may comprise receiving at the first network an indication of a pair selected from the candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

When the candidate list is provided to the application function, the method may comprise receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement, and the delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server, providing the modified candidate list to the second network, receiving an indication of a pair selected from the modified candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

The method may comprise receiving the indication of the selected pair in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The method may comprise receiving a first security handle from the second network at the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

The method may comprise providing a second security handle to the second network from the first network.

In a fifth aspect there is provided a method comprising determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

The method may comprise providing the indication of the delay to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The method may comprise providing, to the first network from the second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, receiving from the first network, a candidate list in which each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network is associated with one of the one or more user plane resources of the first network to form a pair, selecting a pair from the candidate list and providing an indication of the selected one of the pairs to the first network. The method may comprise providing the indication of the selected pair to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The method may comprise providing a first security handle from the second network to the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

The method may comprise receiving a second security handle at the second network from the first network.

In a sixth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.

The method may comprise modifying the order of the candidate list based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server and providing the modified candidate list to the first network.

The first network may be a home network. The second network may be a visited network. The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function.

In a seventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity and determine a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

The apparatus may be configured to receive the indication of the delay at the first network in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be configured to determine a delay on an interface between the first network and the second network and determine the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay on the interface.

The apparatus may be configured to determine the delay on the interface based on an agreement between the first network and the second network, querying a database or a request to a user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may be configured to determine a delay between the user plane resource and an application server and determine the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on at least one of the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay between the user plane resource and the application server.

The network entity may be an application function. The delay may be between the user plane resource and an application server. The apparatus may be configured to determine a candidate list of the one or more user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may be configured to provide the candidate list to an application function, and receive a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and the delay between the user plane resource and an application server

The apparatus may be configured to receive, at the first network from a second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, associate each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network with one of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list to form a pair and provide a candidate list of the pairs to the second network or an application function.

The apparatus may be configured to determine the order of the candidate list based on at least a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and the associated user plane resource of the second network.

The apparatus may be configured to receive at the first network an indication of a pair selected from the candidate list from the second network and determine the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

When the candidate list is provided to the application function, the apparatus may be configured to receive a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement, and the delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server, provide the modified candidate list to the second network, receive an indication of a pair selected from the modified candidate list from the second network and determine the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

The apparatus may be configured to receive the indication of the selected pair in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be configured to receive a first security handle from the second network at the first network with the indication of the selected pair. The apparatus may be configured to provide a second security handle to the second network from the first network.

In an eighth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network and provide, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

The apparatus may be configured to provide the indication of the delay to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be configured to provide, to the first network from the second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, receive from the first network, a candidate list in which each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network is associated with one of the one or more user plane resources of the first network to form a pair, select a pair from the candidate list and provide an indication of the selected one of the pairs to the first network.

The apparatus may be configured to provide the indication of the selected pair to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a first security handle from the second network to the first network with the indication of the selected pair. The apparatus may be configured to receive a second security handle at the second network from the first network.

In an ninth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may be configured to modify the order of the candidate list based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server and providing the modified candidate list to the first network.

The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function. In a tenth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the indication of the delay at the first network in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining a delay on an interface between the first network and the second network and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay on the interface.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining the delay on the interface based on an agreement between the first network and the second network, querying a database or a request to a user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining a delay between the user plane resource and an application server and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on at least one of the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay between the user plane resource and the application server.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining a candidate list of the one or more user plane resource of the first network. The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the candidate list to an application function and receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and the delay between the user plane resource and an application server

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving, at the first network from a second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, associating each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network with one of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list to form a pair and providing a candidate list of the pairs to the second network or an application function.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining the order of the candidate list based on at least a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and the associated user plane resource of the second network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving at the first network an indication of a pair selected from the candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

When the candidate list is provided to the application function, the apparatus may be caused to perform receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement, and the delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server, providing the modified candidate list to the second, receiving an indication of a pair selected from the modified candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the indication of the selected pair in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving a first security handle from the second network at the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing a second security handle to the second network from the first network. The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function.

In an eleventh aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the indication of the delay to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing, to the first network from the second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network, receiving from the first network, a candidate list in which each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network is associated with one of the one or more user plane resources of the first network to form a pair, selecting a pair from the candidate list and providing an indication of the selected one of the pairs to the first network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the indication of the selected pair to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing a first security handle from the second network to the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving a second security handle at the second network from the first network. The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function.

In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform modifying the order of the candidate list based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server and providing the modified candidate list to the first network.

The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function. In a thirteenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect.

In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a Standalone Non-public network supporting service provider architecture;

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a Standalone Non-public network supporting service continuity based on the home-routed roaming architecture for services provided by the PLMN (in the role of a home network);

Figure 6 shows a Standalone Non-public network supporting service continuity based on the home-routed roaming architecture for services provided by the SNPN (in the role of a home network);

Figure 7 shows a roaming 5G System architecture - home routed scenario in service-based interface representation;

Figure 8 shows NRF Roaming architecture in reference point representation; Figure 9 shows a signalling flow for UE-requested PDU Session Establishment for home- routed roaming scenarios;

Figure 10 shows a signalling flow for UE-requested PDU Session Establishment for non roaming and roaming with local breakout;

Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

Figure 12 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment;

Figure 13 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment;

Figure 14 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment;

Figure 15 shows a continuation of the signalling flow according to the example embodiment shown in Figure 14.

Detailed description

Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in figure 1 , mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station (e.g. next generation NB, gNB) or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. Base stations may be controlled or assisted by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatuses. The controller apparatus may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a Radio Network Controller. In Figure 1 control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107. The control apparatus of a base station can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus is typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control apparatus may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.

In Figure 1 base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 113 via gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

The smaller base stations 116, 118 and 120 may also be connected to the network 113, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the controllers of the macro level stations. The base stations 116, 118 and 120 may be pico or femto level base stations or the like. In the example, stations 116 and 118 are connected via a gateway 111 whilst station 120 connects via the controller apparatus 108. In some embodiments, the smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 116, 118 and 120 may be part of a second network, for example WLAN and may be WLAN APs.

The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples comprise time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof such as the interleaved frequency division multiple access (I FDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA) and so on.

An example of wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A latest 3GPP based development is often referred to as the long term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specifications are referred to as releases. More recent developments of the LTE are often referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE-A). The LTE (LTE-A) employs a radio mobile architecture known as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and a core network known as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Base stations of such systems are known as evolved or enhanced Node Bs (eNBs) and provide E-UTRAN features such as user plane Packet Data Convergence/Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control/Physical layer protocol (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol terminations towards the communication devices. Other examples of radio access system comprise those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). A base station can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. Core network elements include Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW) and Packet Gateway (P-GW).

An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. Network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation Node Bs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer QoS support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support QoE of user point of view. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple input - multiple output (Ml MO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so- called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

Future networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into “building blocks” or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent.

An example 5G core network (CN) comprises functional entities. The CN is connected to a UE via the radio access network (RAN). An UPF (User Plane Function) whose role is called PSA (PDU Session Anchor) may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN (data network) and the tunnels established over the 5G towards the UE(s) exchanging traffic with the DN. The UPF is controlled by an SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from a PCF (Policy Control Function). The CN may also include an AMF (Access & Mobility Function).

A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), VR/AR or V2x equipment, personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

Figure 3 shows an example embodiment of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node such as an MME or S-GW or P-GW, or a core network function such as AMF/SMF, or a server or host. The method may be implanted in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

A UE may be enabled to receive data services from one network (e.g. Non-Public Networks (NPN)), and paging, as well as data services, from another network, (e.g. PLMN) simultaneously.

The data service from a NPN may be a low latency and high data rate service and serve a massive number of UEs in a small area, e.g. the integrated audience multicast service in large live production events, such as music festivals. It is assumed that the FS_lloT will cover aspects to enable low latency data services, and that FS_5MBS will cover aspects to enable low latency multicast downlink services, while the scope of the FS_eNPN is to enable these services while the UE is using two networks e.g. NPN and PLMN. To provide NPN support for Video, Imaging and Audio for Professional Applications (VIAPA), low latency may be required.

As described above low latency requirements may need to be met in NPN cases. Table 1 corresponds to TS 22.263 Table 6.3.1-1 and shows performance requirements for low latency deterministic periodic traffic with multicast service.

Table 1

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an architecture for SNPN supporting service providers covering the non- roaming case and the Local breakout (LBO) case. In figure 4 the overall/end to end delay comprises the delay in the (5G) network, e. g. delay between UE to UPF and the delay between UPF and the AS (not shown in figure 4).

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a SNPN supporting service continuity based on the home-routed roaming architecture for services provided by the PLMN (in the role of a home network).

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a SNPN supporting service continuity based on the home-routed roaming architecture for services provided by the SNPN (in the role of a home network).

Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an example of roaming 5G System architecture for a home routed scenario in service-based interface representation.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an example of NRF Roaming architecture in reference point representation.

The dynamic value for the core network packet delay budget (PDB) of a Delay-critical guaranteed bit-rate (GBR) 5G QoS Identifier (5QI) may be configured in the network in two ways. For example, the CN PDB may be configured in each NG-RAN node, based on a variety of inputs such as different IP address(es) or Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (TEID) range of UPF terminating the N3 tunnel and based on different combinations of PSA UPF to NG-RAN under consideration of any potential l-UPF, etc.

Alternatively, or in addition, the CN PDB may be configured in the SMF, based on different combinations of PSA UPF to NG-RAN under consideration of any potential l-UPF. The dynamic value for the CN PDB for a particular QoS Flow shall be signalled to NG-RAN (during PDU Session Establishment, PDU Session Modification, Xn/N2 handover and the Service Request procedures) when the QoS Flow is established or the dynamic value for the CN PDB of a QoS Flow changes, e.g. when an l-UPF is inserted by the SMF.

Figure 9 shows an example signalling flow for UE requested PDU session establishment for home-routed roaming scenarios.

Figure 10 shows an example signalling flow for UE requested PDU session establishment for non-roaming and roaming with local breakout.

The 5G system may optimize the resource use of the control plane and/or user plane for transfer of continuous uplink data that requires both high data rate (e.g. 10 Mbit/s) and very low end-to-end latency (e.g. 1-10 ms).

The 5G network may optimize the resource use of the control plane and/or user plane to support high density connections (e.g., 1 million connections per square kilometre) taking into account, for example, any of the following criteria: the type of mobility support, communication pattern (e.g. send-only, frequent or infrequent), characteristics of payload (e.g. small or large size data payload), characteristics of application (e.g. provisioning operation, normal data transfer), UE location and the timing pattern of data transfer (e.g. real time or non-delay sensitive).

The UE may have access to the PLMN via the SNPN or vice versa, or to a home-SNPN (H- SNPN) via a visited SNPN (V-SNPN). The 7ms latency may need to be met even in the case of these VIAPA scenarios. Since the PLMN, as well as the application function (AF)/application server (AS), do not know which delay is already accumulated in the SNPN or the SNPN/AF/AS does not know which delay is already accumulated in the PLMN, this may not be achievable.

According to TS 23501 ch. 5.30.2.7 and 5.30.2.8, SLAs exist between SNPN and PLMN meaning that 5QI are the same for setting up of the sessions. According to TS 22263, for Audio Video services a PDB of 7ms are requested, however in TS 23501 only 5Qls with 5ms and 10ms delay are defined. Other 5Qls may be higher.

That means SNPN/PLMN services being requested via PLMNs involve both SNPN and PLMN and AS/AF, but it is unclear how to meet the low latency requirements of 7ms.

For instance, a NSSAho with 10ms is ruled out, as it never will meet the 7ms requirement, because a NSSAI with at least 10ms delay can never provide a slice which supports 7ms delay.

On the other hand, requesting a NSSAIs 5ms delay for the SNPN and requesting 5ms for the PLMN results in 10ms, which exceeds the requirement of TS 22263/ TR above, i.e. , 7ms.

In home routed roaming cases, there may be a need to coordinate between the two networks, i.e. visited and home network, to meet the QoS (latency) requirement.

Roaming partners typically have a binding service level agreement (SLA) between them.

Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at at least one of a SMF, PCF, a network resource function, a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), security edge protection proxy (SEPP), an application function, SGW-C, PGW-C and a domain name system (DNS).

In a first step, S1, the method comprises receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity.

In a second step, S2, the method comprises determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

The network entity may comprise a network entity of a second network. The delay may be in the second network. The network entity may be a V-SMF. The first network may be a home network (e.g., a H-PLMN or H-SNPN). The second network may be a visited network (e.g., a V-PLMN or V-SNPN).

The network entity may be an application function and the delay may be between the user plane resource and an application server. This embodiment may be applicable in a non roaming or local breakout case.

The user plane resource may comprise a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, a packet data network gateway user plane function, an inter public land mobile network user plan security function or application user plane.

In an example embodiment, a V-SMF in a visited network signals a delay in the visited network to the home network. The delay may be already consumed in the visited network or possibly consumed (e.g., in the case where a list of more than one candidate V-UPF is sent to the home network as described below). In this example embodiment, the delay is indicated in an information element of a PDU session establishment request to the home network. In turn the H-SMF receives and evaluates the delay being consumed in the visited network, before selecting a H-UPF.

If this method was part of the agreed SLA between the home and visited network, the visited network may not simply always allocate 2.25ms latency to its network but would be able to allocate 1.5ms or 2.5ms and signal this in an information element to the home network. As a result, the H-SMF may have more freedom to select the H-UPF in the home network, while still meeting the latency requirement. For example, the home network may be able to select a more central H-UPF and DNAI if the visited network did not consume as much delay compared to the case where the visited network consumed more delay and the home network chooses to allocate a H-UPF which is closer to the network edge.

The method may comprise determining a delay on an interface between the first network and the second network and/or between the user plane resource and an application server and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on the delay in the second network and the delay on the interface and/or the delay between the user plane resource and the application server.

The interface may be the N9 interface between the V-UPF of the visited network and the IH- ll PF of the home network.

In accordance with TS 23.501 , and as shown in Figure 9, a PDU Session is established with a standardized NSSAI for a 5QI value of 5ms, e.g. 85 or 86 (see table 5.7.4-1 of TS 23.501) towards the Home network. Consequently, the H-SMF receives a NSSAI which in accordance with agreed SLA between home and visited network is potentially able to meet the delay of 7ms as requested e.g. by the said VIAPA application in the TS 22.263.

In accordance with one example embodiment, the H-UPF is selected by the H-SMF based on delay in the second network indicated by the second network plus the additional delay on the N9 interface.

The method may comprise determining the delay on the interface based on querying a database or a request to a user plane resource of the first network

In one example embodiment, the H-SMF may retrieve the delay by requesting the H-UPF to retrieve via local means, e.g. either by accessing lower layer routing protocols of the H-UPF or by a ping or Echo request messages, the delay between H-UPF and V-UPF. Alternatively, or in addition, the H-SMF may retrieve the delay by querying an external database providing the actual delay on the N9 interface, which may be fed by attached router/switches participating in the routing protocol. Alternatively, the queried database may be a (semi-) permanent database roughly providing an estimation for the delay.

In an example embodiment, assuming that the delay on the N9 interface has been determined to be 0.5ms in H-SMF, and knowing due to the indication that the NSSAI for URLLC / 5QI, is 5ms, and based on further PCF instructions and e.g. via DNN and NSSAI, the H-SMF subtracts the 5ms consumed in the visited network and the 0.5ms consumed on the N9 interface between visited and home network from the 5QI as requested by the PCF for the application in question , e.g. in this case 7ms . That means the home network may select any UPF which has a H-CN PDB (home core network PDB) of 1.5ms for its home network as this still meets the latency requirement of 7ms. Figure 12 shows an example embodiment in which a H-SMF retrieves the delay of 0.5 ms on the N9 interface from the H-UPF and receives an indication of the consumed delay of 3ms in the visited network in a PDU session establishment request from a V-SMF. The H-SMF subtracts 3.5ms from the latency requirement of 7ms for selection of the H-UPF.

The delay on the interface between the first network and the second network may be determined based on an agreement between the first network and the second network (e.g., the SLA).

In an example embodiment, since both roaming partners know that this is a roaming case, there may be a bilateral agreement based on the SLA that, contrary to the above, e.g. a half of the delay assigned to the NSSAI (e.g., 5ms) is to be allocated to each of the roaming partner. That means in this example, 2.5 ms to each.

Of course, any other portion of the delay between the network may be agreed in the SLA between the roaming partners. The above is just one example.

In this case the networks know that the end to end delay across both the networks shall not be higher than 5ms. However, the delay induced by the N9 interface has also to be considered. Therefore, the SLA shall consider an additional NSSAI dependent delay, e.g. 0.5ms for a 5ms NSSAI, which may be allowed between the two networks. This should be considered when the roaming partner allocate their respective resource, thus then resulting in e. g. 2.25ms to remain for each network (2+2.25ms + 0.5ms). Respective procedures and decision as described above are adapted accordingly.

The method may comprise providing the candidate list to an application function and receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and the delay between the user plane resource and an application server.

The method may comprise receiving, at the first network from the second network, a list one or more user plane resource of the second network, associating each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network with one of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list to form a pair and providing a candidate list of the pairs to the second network or an application function.

The method may comprise determining the order of the candidate list based on at least one of a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and the associated user plane resource of the second network. For example, the candidate list may be ordered based on the overall delay comprising sum of the delay of the visited network, the home network and the delay between them

In accordance with TS 23.502, the AMF selects both the V-SMF and the H-SMF in the home network.

In an example embodiment, based on the SLA, the V-SMF, when querying the V-NRF for the selection of the V-UPF in step 4 of Figure 9 in the visited network, shares a list of possible candidate V-UPFs including the possibly consumed associated delay together with the requested NSSAI, the DNN, the newly incorporated identity of the H-SMF (as selected by the AMF already) with the H-NRF. Based on this H-NRF query, the H-UPF may be selected in the home network by the H-NRF (contrary to the legacy approach, where the V-SMF/V-NRF selects V-UPF in visited network and H-SMF selects H-UPF in the home network).

On receipt of the candidate list of possible V-UPFs at the H-NRF, with the knowledge of the H-SMF (already selected by the AMF in the step 2 of Figure 9 the H-NRF may built a candidate list of V-UPF and H-UPFs pairs in a preferred order based on the overall delay for each pair.

The candidate H-UPFs may be selected based on the delay between V-UPF and H-UPF reported by the H-UPFs towards a DB, potentially the H-NRF. The candidate list may be returned to the V-NRF.

When the candidate list is provided to the application function, the application function may modify the order of the candidate list based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server. The application function may provide the modified candidate list to the first network. The first network may provide the modified candidate list to the second network.

This delay between the user plane resource and the application server may be preconfigured at the H-NRF OAM or via the PCF(N5) /NEF(N33) Interfaces by which the NRF does know the expected/measured/estimated delay between any allowed/possible UPFx and AS or signalled in a dynamic exchanges. NRF is one example. Any other kind of suitable data base may be used.

In one example embodiment, before returning the list to the V-NRF, the H-UPFs of the Fi ll PF/V-UPF pairs may be shared together with the associated QoS e. g. delay with the AF, e.g. via FI-PCF/h-NEF. The AF may be aware of the delay between the potential FI-UPFs and the potential AS locations by means of ping being reported to the AF. Alternatively, any other means like routing protocols or data base query may be applied. The AF may reorder the Fi ll PF’s list according to AF preference of QoS/delay. The list may be returned back to FI-NRF via FI-PCF/h-NEF. Based on that the FI-NRF shall re-order its list of V-UPF/H-UPF pairs.

The method may comprise receiving at the first network an indication of a pair selected from the candidate list/modified candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the pair. The indication of the selected pair may be received in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network

The method may comprise receiving a first security handle from the second network with the indication of the selected pair. Where the V-SMF selects one pair from the pairs of candidate V-UPF/FI-UPFs, the security token/handle may be useful to make sure that the NRF authorised the use of the selected user plane where the FI-SMF/FI-NRF suggests the pairs of candidate V-UPF/H-UPFs.

The method may comprise sending a security handle from the first network to the second network. The second security handle may be provided with the indication of the candidate list/modified candidate list of pairs.

Figure 13 shows a signalling flow for an example embodiment where the FI-UPF selection is based on a V-UPF list received from the visited network.

Figures 14 and 15 show a signalling flow for an example embodiment in which an AS returns an ordered list of FI-UPF to FI-NRF based on signalled consumed delay and delay between FI- UPF and ASx.

In an example embodiment, whether the candidate list is reordered or not, the V-NRF forwards the candidate list of V-UPF and FI-UPFs pairs to the V-SMF. From that candidate list the V- SMF may pick one V-UPF-H-UPF pair and shall continue the PDU session setup by allocating the corresponding V-UPF as shown in the step 4 and 5 of Figure 9.

Alternatively, the V-SMF may request that the V-NRF returns the candidate list to the V-SMF, from which the V-SMF may pre-select some V-UPFs, before the V-SMF sends the modified candidate list again to the V-NRF which then will forward this to the H-NRF for further processing in order to determine from that the list V-UPF and H-UPF pairs, which is then returned by the H-NRF back to the V_SMF via the V-NRF. This additional cycle may consume additional processing time and further delay the selection process.

Regardless which of the above ways was performed, at the end, the H-SMF receives a selected pair of V-UPF and H-UPF which enables the H-SMF to allocate the H-UPF now in the step 12a of Figure 9.

Instead of exchanging the candidate list of V-UPFs and the candidate list of V-UPF and H- UPF pairs between the visited and the home network via the NRF interfaces (N27,etc), the lists may be sent via the N24 interface and a new interface between the V-SMF and the V- PCF or N16 interface. For example, the V-SMF, after querying the V-NRF for V-UPFs, sends the list of candidate V-UPFs to the H-SMF via the N 16 interface.

However, if the SMF interface is utilized, the FTEID (Fully qualified GTP Tunnel Endpoint ID) of the GTP Tunnel needs to be allocated and added to each possible candidate V-UPF and to be sent towards the H-SMF. On receipt the H-SMF shall query the H-NRF for the H-UPFs with the list of candidates V-UPFs as input. After receipt of the response from the H-NRF, the H-SMF selects the final pair of V-UPF and H-UPF, allocates the corresponding H-UPF and informs the V-SMF about the selected UPF pair, so that the V-SMF may release the FTEID of the not selected UPFs. However, this may of impose a drawback as corresponding reservation and “usage” of the FTEIDs may limit the space of available FTEID for usage by other PDU sessions.

In order to be able to run these new procedures between home and the visited networks the involved network functions (OAM, AMF, SMF, NRF, PCF, NEF and/or etc) are configured in accordance with SLA in place. If the corresponding new optional information elements may be received unexpectedly at the receiving network function, the receiving may simply ignore the information element. Although the above has been described in relation to 5G networks, it may also be applied to other networks, e.g., 4G and 3G communication systems. Figures 12 to 15 illustrate the home routed case however the method is also applicable to the non-roaming case and the LBO roaming case.

The network repository function (NRF) is one example, domain name system (DNS) would be another example. NEF, SCEF, PCRF may be used where the PCF is referred to.

In 3G and 4G systems, SGW-C, PGW-C and SGW-U, PGW-U, Inter PLMN UP Security (I PUPS) may be used where the SMF and UPF are referred to in the examples above. SEPP may be one example where V-SMF/H-SMF are referred to in the examples above.

The use of the PDU session establishment procedure is one example, any suitable session modification, service request and handover request may be further examples.

The coordination between SNPN and PLMN and AS/AF and vice versa may provide efficient use of resources. SNPN Application needs can be met. Existing solutions may not meet the requested delay. The PLMN operator and third party AS/AF operators knows that it is important for the SNPN to meet the latency requirement, and therefore the PLMN may charge the SNPN for offering service to the SNPN.

The method may be implemented in a control apparatus as described with reference to figure 3.

An apparatus may comprise means for receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

Alternatively, or in addition, an apparatus may comprise means for determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

Alternatively, or in addition, an apparatus may comprise means for receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network. It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and/or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to LTE and 5G NR, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the various example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Example embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. An apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for: receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity; and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the network entity comprises a network entity of a second network and the delay is in the second network.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first network is a home network and the second network is a visited network.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, comprising means for receiving the indication of the delay at the first network in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

5. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4 comprising means for: determining a delay on an interface between the first network and the second network; and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay on the interface.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, comprising means for determining the delay on the interface based on an agreement between the first network and the second network, querying a database or a request to a user plane resource of the first network.

7. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6, comprising means for determining a delay between the user plane resource and an application server; and determining the user plane resource from the one or more user plane resource based on at least one of the indication of the delay in the second network and the delay between the user plane resource and the application server.

8. An apparatus according to any of claim 1, wherein the network entity is an application function and the delay is between the user plane resource and an application server.

9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising means for determining a candidate list of the one or more user plane resource of the first network.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, comprising means for providing the candidate list to an application function; and receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and the delay between the user plane resource and an application server

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, comprising means for: receiving, at the first network from a second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network; associating each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network with one of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list to form a pair; and providing a candidate list of the pairs to the second network or an application function.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, comprising means for determining the order of the candidate list based on at least a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and the associated user plane resource of the second network.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising means for: receiving at the first network an indication of a pair selected from the candidate list from the second network and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

14. An apparatus according to any of claims 11 or claim 12, wherein the candidate list is provided to the application function and comprising means for: receiving a modified candidate list from the application function based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement, and the delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server; providing the modified candidate list to the second network; receiving an indication of a pair selected from the modified candidate list from the second network; and determining the user plane resource of the first network based on the indication of the pair.

15. An apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14 comprising means for: receiving the indication of the selected pair in a protocol data unit session setup request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

16. An apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15 comprising means for receiving a first security handle from the second network at the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 16, comprising means for providing a second security handle to the second network from the first network.

18. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the user plane resource comprises a user plane function, a serving gateway user plane function, inter public land mobile network user plane security function, application user plane or a packet data network gateway user plane function.

19. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises at least a session management function, serving gateway control plane function, packet data network gateway control plane function, policy control function, policy and charging rules function, a network resource function, domain name system, security edge protection proxy, or application function.

20. An apparatus comprising means for: determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network; and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, comprising means for providing, to the first network from the second network, a list of one or more user plane resource of the second network; receiving from the first network, a candidate list in which each of the one or more user plane resource of the second network is associated with one of the one or more user plane resources of the first network to form a pair; selecting a pair from the candidate list and providing an indication of the selected one of the pairs to the first network.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21 comprising means for providing the indication of the selected pair to the first network in a protocol data unit session request, a protocol data unit session modification request, a Xn/N2 handover procedure or a service request procedure from the second network.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 comprising means for providing a first security handle from the second network to the first network with the indication of the selected pair.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, comprising means for receiving a second security handle at the second network from the first network.

25. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, comprising means for modifying the order of the candidate list based on at least one of an application quality of service requirement and a delay between the user plane resource of the first network and an application server; and providing the modified candidate list to the first network.

27. An apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the each of the one or more user plane resource of the first network in the candidate list is associated with one or more user plane resource of a second network.

28. A method comprising: receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity; and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

29. A method comprising: determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network; and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

30. A method comprising: receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.

31. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity; and determine a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

32. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network; and provide, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

33. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.

34. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, at a first network from a network node, an indication of a delay associated with a network entity; and determining a user plane resource for the first network from one or more user plane resource based on the indication.

35. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: determining, at a second network having an association with a first network, a delay in the second network; and providing, to the first network from the second network, an indication of the delay in the second network.

36. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving from a first network at an application function, a candidate list comprising one or more user plane resource of the first network.