Content for  TS 23.501  Word version:  16.7.0

In order to support the ATSSS feature, the 5G System Architecture is extended as shown in Figure 4.2.10-1, Figure 4.2.10-2 and Figure 4.2.10-3. The additional functionality that is supported by the UE and the network functions shown in these figures is specified in clause 5.32 below. In summary:

• The UE supports one or more of the steering functionalities specified in clause 5.32.6, e.g. MPTCP functionality and/or ATSSS-LL functionality. Each steering functionality in the UE enables traffic steering, switching and splitting across 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, in accordance with the ATSSS rules provided by the network. The ATSSS-LL functionality is mandatory in the UE for MA PDU Session of type Ethernet.
• The UPF may support MPTCP Proxy functionality, which communicates with the MPTCP functionality in the UE by using the MPTCP protocol (RFC 8684).
• The UPF may support ATSSS-LL functionality, which is similar to the ATSSS-LL functionality defined for the UE. There is no user plane protocol defined between the ATSSS-LL functionality in the UE and the ATSSS-LL functionality in the UPF. The ATSSS-LL functionality in the UPF is not shown in the following three figures.
• In addition, the UPF supports Performance Measurement Functionality (PMF), which may be used by the UE to obtain access performance measurements (see clause 5.32.5) over the user-plane of 3GPP access and/or over the user-plane of non-3GPP access.
• The AMF, SMF and PCF are extended with new functionality that is further discussed in clause 5.32.

Figure 4.2.10-2 shows the 5G System Architecture for ATSSS support in a roaming case with home-routed traffic and when the UE is registered to the same VPLMN over 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses. In this case, the MPTCP Proxy functionality and the PMF are located in the H-UPF.

Figure 4.2.10-3 shows the 5G System Architecture for ATSSS support in a roaming case with home-routed traffic and when the UE is registered to a VPLMN over 3GPP access and to HPLMN over non-3GPP access (i.e. the UE is registered to different PLMNs). In this case, the MPTCP Proxy functionality and the PMF are located in the H-UPF.