Study on Upper layer traffic steering, switching and split over dual 3GPP access
The scope of this TR is to document use cases, gap analysis and potential service requirements related to 5GS support of enhanced mechanisms for steering, splitting and switching of user data, pertaining to a UE data session, across two 3GPP networks. The following scenarios are covered, where only one single PLMN subscription is assumed:
• Single PLMN;
• PLMN and NPN;
• two PLMNs.
The two 3GPP networks may use same or different RAT, i.e. NR plus NR or E-UTRA, where NR RAT can be terrestrial or satellite NR access (including different staellite orbits, e.g., GEO/MEO/LEO).
For the PLMN plus PLMN / NPN scenarios, the two networks can be managed by the same operator or by different operators (assumed to have a business agreement among them). In both cases, it is assumed that a single PLMN subscription is used to access both networks (including the NPN).
Simultaneous connectivity over two 3GPP networks presumes UE support of proper capabilities (e.g., dual radio).
It is assumed that there are no impacts to normal inter-PLMN roaming scenarios.
Dual subscription scenarios are not in scope of this TR.