Embodiments of a User Equipment (UE) to support dual-connectivity with a Master Evolved Node-B (MeNB) and a Secondary eNB (SeNB) are disclosed herein. The UE may receive downlink traffic packets from the MeNB and from the SeNB as part of a split data radio bearer (DRB). At least a portion of control functionality for the split DRB may be performed at each of the MeNB and the SeNB. The UE may receive an uplink eNB indicator for an uplink eNB to which the UE is to transmit uplink traffic packets as part of the split DRB. Based at least partly on the uplink eNB indicator, the UE may transmit uplink traffic packets to the uplink eNB as part of the split DRB. The uplink eNB may be selected from a group that includes the MeNB and the SeNB.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for handling emergency services in a wireless network are provided. A method operating a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system may include receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a strictly periodic registration timer indication with a periodic registration timer value; operating a periodic registration timer in a MICO (Mobile Initiated Connection Only) mode based on the received periodic registration timer value and the strictly periodic registration timer indication; initiating at least one service in the MICO mode; and determining to disable the MICO mode and not to apply the strictly periodic registration timer indication.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for handling emergency services in a wireless network are provided. A method operating a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system may include receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a strictly periodic registration timer indication with a periodic registration timer value; operating a periodic registration timer in a MICO (Mobile Initiated Connection Only) mode based on the received periodic registration timer value and the strictly periodic registration timer indication; initiating at least one service in the MICO mode; and determining to disable the MICO mode and not to apply the strictly periodic registration timer indication.

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for flexible, security context management during AMF changes. One aspect of the disclosure is a mechanism for achieving backward security during AMF changes in idle mode. Instead of passing the current NAS key to the target AMF, the source AMF derives a new NAS key, provides the new NAS key to the target AMF, along with a key change indication indicating that the NAS key has changed. The target AMF sends the key change indication to the user equipment.

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for flexible, security context management during AMF changes. One aspect of the disclosure is a mechanism for achieving backward security during AMF changes in idle mode. Instead of passing the current NAS key to the target AMF, the source AMF derives a new NAS key, provides the new NAS key to the target AMF, along with a key change indication indicating that the NAS key has changed. The target AMF sends the key change indication to the user equipment.

Methods and nodes related to subscription handling and notifications, for instance, with respect to Network Function (NF) management services, are described.

Methods and nodes related to subscription handling and notifications, for instance, with respect to Network Function (NF) management services, are described.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting an expiration of a subscription associated with a communication device, wherein the subscription is for services of a mobile network, and enabling an interim profile that provides the communication device with limited connectivity over the mobile network, wherein the limited connectivity facilitates communication with a subscription manager node of the mobile network. Various embodiments can include communicating with the subscription manager node to establish an active subscription for services of the mobile network and enabling an operational profile comprising subscription information associated with the active subscription. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Systems and methods for authenticating User Equipment (UE) are disclosed. The method includes a network obtaining a cross-registration status for the UE based on receiving a registration request from the UE. The network can execute a network registration response according to the cross-registration status that represents a permission given to the UE to register outside of an original network.

Systems and methods for authenticating User Equipment (UE) are disclosed. The method includes a network obtaining a cross-registration status for the UE based on receiving a registration request from the UE. The network can execute a network registration response according to the cross-registration status that represents a permission given to the UE to register outside of an original network.