CTNF 18/658,256 CTNF 86055 Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 07-03-aia AIA 15-10-aia The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 07-20-aia AIA The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. 07-21-aia AIA Claim (s) 1-3, 9-11, 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over CHOI et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2025/0261150 A1) in view of KWEON et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2021/0281658 A1) . 1, CHOI disclose a method comprising: receiving, by a device, a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) [ par 0170 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF ]; storing, by the device, information associating the SMF with the IP address range or the IP index [ par 0171-0180 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF. the NFProfile may include basic attributes such as nfInstanceId, nfType, and nfStatus, similar to FIG. 2 B, and may also include attribute names such as amfInfo, smfInfo, pcfInfo, and upfInfo indicating specific data for each network function. 8 C illustrates detailed attributes of smfInfo that SMF registers with NRF ]; receiving, by the device and from a network function (NF), a query for a particular SMF associated with an IP address in the IP address range or the IP index [ par 0182 , Referring to FIG. 8D, another NF may send Nnrf NFDiscovery Request service to the NRF to find SMF with specific capability (801d). Herein, query-parameters for finding SMF with specific capability may be included, and query-parameters may be configured in the form of “NFType=SMF& vsmfSupport Ind=true ”]; identifying, by the device, the SMF associated with the IP address or the IP index as the particular SMF; and providing, by the device and to the NF, information identifying the SMF based on the received query [ par 0182 -0185 , Herein, query-parameters for finding SMF with specific capability may be included, and query-parameters may be configured in the form of “NFType=SMF& vsmfSupport Ind=true”, for example. The NRF may send the following messages in response (803d): 2a. 200 OK (SearchResult) if search is successful ] CUOI fails to show a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index In an analogous art KWEON show a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index [ par 0142 , an SMF 711 transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF 712 in order to update SM policy association information about a generated PDU session. A parameter included in the message in operation 702 may include at least one of a SM policy association ID, an IPv4 address and/or an IP6 network prefix, user location information, a UE time zone, a serving network, a RAT type, a session AMBR or subscribed default QoS information, a DN authorization profile index, a MAC address, the port number of a manageable Ethernet port, a UE-DS-TT residence time and port management information container, a MA PDU request indication, and a MA PDU network-upgrade allowed indication ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 2, CUOI and KWEON describe the method of claim 1, wherein the device includes a Network Repository Function (NRF) [ CUOI, par 0181, 0182 , NF searches Session Management Function (SMF) with specific functionality in a Network Repository Function (NRF). FIG. 8D, another NF may send Nnrf NFDiscovery Request service to the NRF to find SMF with specific capability ]. 3, CUOI and KWEON demonstrate the method of claim 2, CUOI fail to show further comprising: receiving a network function registration from the SMF, wherein the network function registration request includes information identifying the IP index or the IP address range, wherein the IP address range includes IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to user equipment (UE) devices when establishing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions. In an analogous art KWEON show further comprising: receiving a network function registration from the SMF, wherein the network function registration request includes information identifying the IP index or the IP address range, wherein the IP address range includes IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to user equipment (UE) devices when establishing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions [ par 0096, 0142 , the SMF 435 and the AMF 433 notify the UE 431 that the PDU session has been successfully generated through a PDU session establishment accept message and forwards a UE IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) or UE MAC address allocated to the PDU session ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 9, CUOI creates a system comprising: a device configured to: receive a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) [ par 0170 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF ]; store information associating the SMF with the IP address range or the IP index [ par 0171-0180 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF. the NFProfile may include basic attributes such as nfInstanceId, nfType, and nfStatus, similar to FIG. 2 B, and may also include attribute names such as amfInfo, smfInfo, pcfInfo, and upfInfo indicating specific data for each network function. 8 C illustrates detailed attributes of smfInfo that SMF registers with NRF ]; receive, from a network function (NF), a query for a particular SMF associated with an IP address in the IP address range or the IP index[ par 0182 , Referring to FIG. 8D, another NF may send Nnrf NFDiscovery Request service to the NRF to find SMF with specific capability (801d). Herein, query-parameters for finding SMF with specific capability may be included, and query-parameters may be configured in the form of “NFType=SMF& vsmfSupport Ind=true ”]; identify the SMF associated with the IP address or the IP index as the particular SMF; and provide, to the NF, information identifying the SMF based on the received query [ par 0182 -0185 , Herein, query-parameters for finding SMF with specific capability may be included, and query-parameters may be configured in the form of “NFType=SMF& vsmfSupport Ind=true”, for example. The NRF may send the following messages in response (803d): 2a. 200 OK (SearchResult) if search is successful ] CUOI fails to show a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index In an analogous art KWEON show a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index [ par 0142 , an SMF 711 transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF 712 in order to update SM policy association information about a generated PDU session. A parameter included in the message in operation 702 may include at least one of a SM policy association ID, an IPv4 address and/or an IP6 network prefix, user location information, a UE time zone, a serving network, a RAT type, a session AMBR or subscribed default QoS information, a DN authorization profile index, a MAC address, the port number of a manageable Ethernet port, a UE-DS-TT residence time and port management information container, a MA PDU request indication, and a MA PDU network-upgrade allowed indication ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 10, CUOI and KWEON provide the system of claim 9, wherein the device includes a Network Repository Function (NRF) ) [ CUOI, par 0181, 0182 , NF searches Session Management Function (SMF) with specific functionality in a Network Repository Function (NRF). FIG. 8D, another NF may send Nnrf NFDiscovery Request service to the NRF to find SMF with specific capability ]. 11, CUOI and KWEON discloses the system of claim 10, CUOI fail to show wherein the device is further configured to: receive a network function registration request from the SMF, wherein the network function registration request includes information identifying the IP index or the IP address range, wherein the IP address range includes IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to user equipment (UE) devices when establishing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions. In an analogous art KWEON show wherein the device is further configured to: receive a network function registration request from the SMF, wherein the network function registration request includes information identifying the IP index or the IP address range, wherein the IP address range includes IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to user equipment (UE) devices when establishing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions[ par 0096, 0142 , the SMF 435 and the AMF 433 notify the UE 431 that the PDU session has been successfully generated through a PDU session establishment accept message and forwards a UE IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) or UE MAC address allocated to the PDU session ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 17, CUOI convey a non-transitory computer-readable memory device storing instructions executable by a processor [ par 0616, 0617 , a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors in an electronic device ], the non-transitory computer-readable memory device comprising: one or more instructions to receive a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) [par 0170, the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF ]; one or more instructions to store information associating the SMF with the IP address range or the IP index; one or more instructions to receive, from a network function (NF) [ par 0171-0180 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF. the NFProfile may include basic attributes such as nfInstanceId, nfType, and nfStatus, similar to FIG. 2 B, and may also include attribute names such as amfInfo, smfInfo, pcfInfo, and upfInfo indicating specific data for each network function. 8 C illustrates detailed attributes of smfInfo that SMF registers with NRF ]; a query for a particular SMF associated with an IP address in the IP address range or the IP index[ par 0182 , Referring to FIG. 8D, another NF may send Nnrf NFDiscovery Request service to the NRF to find SMF with specific capability (801d). Herein, query-parameters for finding SMF with specific capability may be included, and query-parameters may be configured in the form of “NFType=SMF& vsmfSupport Ind=true ”]; one or more instructions to identify the SMF associated with the IP address or the IP index as the particular SMF; and one or more instructions to provide, to the NF, information identifying the SMF based on the received query [ par 0182 -0185 , Herein, query-parameters for finding SMF with specific capability may be included, and query-parameters may be configured in the form of “NFType=SMF& vsmfSupport Ind=true”, for example. The NRF may send the following messages in response (803d): 2a. 200 OK (SearchResult) if search is successful ] CUOI fails to show a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index In an analogous art KWEON show a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index [ par 0142 , an SMF 711 transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF 712 in order to update SM policy association information about a generated PDU session. A parameter included in the message in operation 702 may include at least one of a SM policy association ID, an IPv4 address and/or an IP6 network prefix, user location information, a UE time zone, a serving network, a RAT type, a session AMBR or subscribed default QoS information, a DN authorization profile index, a MAC address, the port number of a manageable Ethernet port, a UE-DS-TT residence time and port management information container, a MA PDU request indication, and a MA PDU network-upgrade allowed indication ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 07-21-aia AIA 4. Claim (s) 4-8, 12-16, 18 -20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over CHOI et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2025/0261150 A1) in view of KWEON et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2021/0281658 A1) in further view of Talebi Ford et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2020/0228936 A1) 4, CUOI and KWEON describes the method of claim 1, CUOI fail to show wherein the NF corresponds to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the method further comprising: receiving, by the AMF and from a user equipment (UE) device, a request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the UE device, wherein the request includes the IP address or the IP index; sending, by the AMF, the query to the device; receiving, by the AMF, the information identifying the SMF; and sending, by the AMF, a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, in response to receiving the information identifying the SMF. In an analogous art KWEON show wherein the NF corresponds to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [ par 0038 , according to an embodiment, an access and mobility management function (AMF) may be a network function of managing the mobility of a terminal ], the method further comprising: receiving, by the AMF and from a user equipment (UE) device, a request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the UE device [ par 0081 , in operation 401, the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433. The AMF 433 and an SMF 435 process a PDU session establishment request ], wherein the request includes the IP address or the IP index; sending, by the AMF [ par 0079-0081 , a UE registers a UE IP address (IPv4 or IPv6), a UE MAC address, and a UPF that is in charge of a PDU session in a UDM when performing a PDU session establishment procedure, In operation 401, the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433 ], receiving, by the AMF, the information identifying the SMF, and sending, by the AMF, a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, in response to receiving the information identifying the SMF [par 0082; In operation 403, to generate a PDU session, the AMF 433 selects an appropriate SMF 435 and transmits a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request message to the SMF 435 ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of KWEON and CUOI because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] CUOI and KWEON fail to show sending, by the AMF, the query to the device; In an analogous art Talebi Ford show sending, by the AMF, the query to the device [ par 0211 , The AMF may check/determine whether a SMF associated with the group (e.g., the group communication session, and/or the like) is available. The AMF may send a query request to the UDM, UDR, NRF, GMF, and/or the like to discover/select the SMF associated with the group ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 5, CUOI and KWEON create the method of claim 1, CUOI fail to show further comprising: receiving, by the SMF, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request for a user equipment (UE) device; In an analogous art KWEON receiving, by the SMF, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request for a user equipment (UE) device [par 0081 , the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433. The AMF 433 and an SMF 435 process a PDU session establishment request ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] CUOI and KWEON fail to show identifying, by the SMF, an IP address previously assigned to the UE device by the SMF; assigning, by the SMF, the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session; and instructing, by the SMF, the UE device to store the IP address and the IP index and use the stored IP address or IP index when requesting a PDU session. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show identifying, by the SMF, an IP address previously assigned to the UE device by the SMF[ par 0178 , if the request type in 1215 is existing PDU session, the SMF 160 may maintain the same IP address/prefix that may be allocated to the UE 100 in the source network ] assigning, by the SMF, the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session [ par 0179 , if the request type in 1215 indicates existing PDU session referring to an existing PDU session moved between 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, the SMF 160 may maintain the SSC mode of the PDU session, e.g., the current PDU session Anchor and IP address ], and instructing, by the SMF, the UE device to store the IP address and the IP index and use the stored IP address or IP index when requesting a PDU session [ par 0177 , The SMF 160 may select 1245 one or more UPFs as needed. In case of PDU type IPv4 or IPv6, the SMF 160 may allocate an IP address/prefix for the PDU session. In case of PDU type IPv6, the SMF 160 may allocate an interface identifier to the UE 100 for the UE 100 to build its link-local address. For unstructured PDU type the SMF 160 may allocate an IPv6 prefix for the PDU session and N6 point-to-point tunneling (e.g., based on UDP/IPv6). In an example, for Ethernet PDU type PDU session, neither a MAC nor an IP address may be allocated by the SMF 160 to the UE 100 for this PDU session ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 6, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford disclose the method of claim 5, further comprising: sending, by the SMF, a registration request to the device[ CUOI, par 0170 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF ]; wherein the device includes a Network Repository Function (NRF) [ CUOI, par 0181, 0182 , NF searches Session Management Function (SMF) with specific functionality in a Network Repository Function (NRF). FIG. 8D, another NF may send Nnrf NFDiscovery Request service to the NRF to find SMF with specific capability ]., CUOI fail to show wherein the registration request includes information identifying the IP index or a range of IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to UE devices when establishing PDU sessions. In an analogous art KWEON show wherein the registration request includes information identifying the IP index or a range of IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to UE devices when establishing PDU sessions [ par 0142 , an SMF 711 transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF 712 in order to update SM policy association information about a generated PDU session. A parameter included in the message in operation 702 may include at least one of a SM policy association ID, an IPv4 address and/or an IP6 network prefix, user location information, a UE time zone, a serving network, a RAT type, a session AMBR or subscribed default QoS information, a DN authorization profile index, a MAC address, the port number of a manageable Ethernet port, a UE-DS-TT residence time and port management information container, a MA PDU request indication, and a MA PDU network-upgrade allowed indication ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, Talebi Ford, and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 7, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford demonstrate the method of claim 5, CUOI and KWEON fail to show further comprising: sending, by the SMF and to a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, a request for an authorization for a static IP address service for the UE device; receiving, by the SMF and from the UDM function, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device; and wherein the assigning the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session is based on the received authorization. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show further comprising: sending, by the SMF and to a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, a request for an authorization for a static IP address service for the UE device [par 0041, 0139, In an example, the SMF 160 may select PDU type of a PDU session. In an example, if the SMF 160 receives a request with PDU type set to IP, the SMF 160 may select PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 based on DNN configuration and/or operator policies. In an example, the SMF 160 may provide a cause value to the UE 100 to indicate whether the other IP version is supported on the DNN. Capability of the UPF 110 and the functionality required for the particular UE 100 session. In an example, an appropriate UPF 110 may be selected by matching the functionality and features required for a UE 100, DNN, PDU session type (i.e. IPv4, IPv6, ethernet type or unstructured type) and if applicable, the static IP address/prefix, SSC mode selected for the PDU session, UE 100 subscription profile in UDM] ; receiving, by the SMF and from the UDM function, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device [par 0170, the SMF 160 may register with the UDM 140, and may retrieve subscription data 1225 and subscribes to be notified when subscription data may be modified ] and wherein the assigning the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session is based on the received authorization [ par 0214 , The UDM may check if the requested consumer is authorized to get the specific subscription data requested. In an example, the query request may comprise the group information, group id, type of request indicating that the SMF id for the group is required, an identifier of the AMF, subscription data type(s), key for one or more subscription data type(s), data sub key(s), and/or the like. In an example, the UDM may send a query response message comprising the requested subscription data, e.g., SMF id for the group, SMF address for the group, S-NSSAI associated with the group, DNN associated with the group, and/or the like. The AMF may employ the received information from the UDM to select the SMF. The AMF may receive the SMF id for the group from the UDM ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 8, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford provide the method of claim 7, CUOI and KWEON fail to show further comprising: storing, by the UDM function, an indication that the UE device is authorized for the static IP address service; receiving, by the UDM function and from the SMF, the request for the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device; and providing, by the UDM function and to the SMF, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device based on the stored indication and the received request. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show further comprising: storing, by the UDM function, an indication that the UE device is authorized for the static IP address service [ par 0116 , The UDM 140 may store the AMF 155 identity associated to the access type and may not remove the AMF 155 identity associated to the other access type. The UDM 140 may store information provided at registration in UDR, by Nudr_UDM_Update ]; receiving, by the UDM function and from the SMF, the request for the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device [ par 0041, 0139 , In an example, the SMF 160 may select PDU type of a PDU session. In an example, if the SMF 160 receives a request with PDU type set to IP, the SMF 160 may select PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 based on DNN configuration and/or operator policies. In an example, the SMF 160 may provide a cause value to the UE 100 to indicate whether the other IP version is supported on the DNN. Capability of the UPF 110 and the functionality required for the particular UE 100 session. In an example, an appropriate UPF 110 may be selected by matching the functionality and features required for a UE 100, DNN, PDU session type (i.e. IPv4, IPv6, ethernet type or unstructured type) and if applicable, the static IP address/prefix, SSC mode selected for the PDU session, UE 100 subscription profile in UDM ]; and providing, by the UDM function and to the SMF, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device based on the stored indication and the received request [ par 0170 , the SMF 160 may register with the UDM 140, and may retrieve subscription data 1225 and subscribes to be notified when subscription data may be modified ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 12, CUOI and KWEON reveal the system of claim 9, CUOI and KWEON fail to show further comprising: a second device configured to implement an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) corresponding to the NF, wherein the AMF is configured to: receive, from a user equipment (UE) device, a request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the UE device, wherein the request includes the IP address or the IP index; send the query to the device; receive the information identifying the SMF; and send a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, in response to receiving the information identifying the SMF. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show further comprising: a second device configured to implement an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) corresponding to the NF [ par 0038 , according to an embodiment, an access and mobility management function (AMF) may be a network function of managing the mobility of a terminal ], wherein the AMF is configured to: receive, from a user equipment (UE) device, a request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the UE device[ par 0081 , in operation 401, the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433. The AMF 433 and an SMF 435 process a PDU session establishment request ], wherein the request includes the IP address or the IP index; receive the information identifying the SMF [ par 0079-0081 , a UE registers a UE IP address (IPv4 or IPv6), a UE MAC address, and a UPF that is in charge of a PDU session in a UDM when performing a PDU session establishment procedure, In operation 401, the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433], and send a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, in response to receiving the information identifying the SMF[par 0082; In operation 403, to generate a PDU session, the AMF 433 selects an appropriate SMF 435 and transmits a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request message to the SMF 435 ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of KWEON and CUOI because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] CUOI and KWEON fail to show sending the query to the device; In an analogous art Talebi Ford show sending, by the AMF, the query to the device [par 0211, The AMF may check/determine whether a SMF associated with the group (e.g., the group communication session, and/or the like) is available. The AMF may send a query request to the UDM, UDR, NRF, GMF, and/or the like to discover/select the SMF associated with the group]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 13, CUOI and KWEON creates the system of claim 9, CUOI fail to show further comprising: a second device configured to implement the SMF, wherein the SMF is configured to: receive a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request for a user equipment (UE) device; In an analogous art KWEON show further comprising: a second device configured to implement the SMF, wherein the SMF is configured to: receive a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request for a user equipment (UE) device [par 0081 , the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433. The AMF 433 and an SMF 435 process a PDU session establishment request ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] CUOI and KEON fail to show identify an IP address previously assigned to the UE device by the SMF; assign the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session; and instruct the UE device to store the IP address and the IP index and use the stored IP address or IP index when requesting a PDU session. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show identify an IP address previously assigned to the UE device by the SMF[ par 0178 , if the request type in 1215 is existing PDU session, the SMF 160 may maintain the same IP address/prefix that may be allocated to the UE 100 in the source network ]; assign the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session[ par 0179 , if the request type in 1215 indicates existing PDU session referring to an existing PDU session moved between 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, the SMF 160 may maintain the SSC mode of the PDU session, e.g., the current PDU session Anchor and IP address ]; and instruct the UE device to store the IP address and the IP index and use the stored IP address or IP index when requesting a PDU session [ par 0177 , The SMF 160 may select 1245 one or more UPFs as needed. In case of PDU type IPv4 or IPv6, the SMF 160 may allocate an IP address/prefix for the PDU session. In case of PDU type IPv6, the SMF 160 may allocate an interface identifier to the UE 100 for the UE 100 to build its link-local address. For unstructured PDU type the SMF 160 may allocate an IPv6 prefix for the PDU session and N6 point-to-point tunneling (e.g., based on UDP/IPv6). In an example, for Ethernet PDU type PDU session, neither a MAC nor an IP address may be allocated by the SMF 160 to the UE 100 for this PDU session ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 14, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford convey the system of claim 13, wherein the SMF is further configured to: send a registration request to the device[ par 0170 , t he SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF ], wherein the device includes a Network Repository Function (NRF) [ CUOI, par 0170 , the SMF may transmit an Nnrf_NFManagement Register Request or Nnrf_NEManagement_Update Request message to the NRF (801a). This message may include NFProfile information, and the NFProfile may include smfInfo information indicating the function of the SMF ], CUOI fail to show wherein the registration request includes information identifying the IP index or a range of IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to UE devices when establishing PDU sessions. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show wherein the registration request includes information identifying the IP index or a range of IP addresses used by the SMF for assigning to UE devices when establishing PDU sessions [ par 0142 , an SMF 711 transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF 712 in order to update SM policy association information about a generated PDU session. A parameter included in the message in operation 702 may include at least one of a SM policy association ID, an IPv4 address and/or an IP6 network prefix, user location information, a UE time zone, a serving network, a RAT type, a session AMBR or subscribed default QoS information, a DN authorization profile index, a MAC address, the port number of a manageable Ethernet port, a UE-DS-TT residence time and port management information container, a MA PDU request indication, and a MA PDU network-upgrade allowed indication ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, Talebi Ford, and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] 15, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford reveal the system of claim 13, CUOI and KWEON fail to show wherein the SMF is further configured to: send, to a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, a request for an authorization for a static IP address service for the UE device; receive, from the UDM function, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device; and wherein the SMF is configured to assign the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session is based on the received authorization. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show wherein the SMF is further configured to: send, to a Unified Data Management (UDM) function a request for an authorization for a static IP address service for the UE device [par 0041, 0139 , In an example, the SMF 160 may select PDU type of a PDU session. In an example, if the SMF 160 receives a request with PDU type set to IP, the SMF 160 may select PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 based on DNN configuration and/or operator policies. In an example, the SMF 160 may provide a cause value to the UE 100 to indicate whether the other IP version is supported on the DNN. Capability of the UPF 110 and the functionality required for the particular UE 100 session. In an example, an appropriate UPF 110 may be selected by matching the functionality and features required for a UE 100, DNN, PDU session type (i.e. IPv4, IPv6, ethernet type or unstructured type) and if applicable, the static IP address/prefix, SSC mode selected for the PDU session, UE 100 subscription profile in UDM ]; receive, from the UDM function, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device [par 0170, the SMF 160 may register with the UDM 140, and may retrieve subscription data 1225 and subscribes to be notified when subscription data may be modified ]; and wherein the SMF is configured to assign the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session is based on the received authorization[ par 0214 , The UDM may check if the requested consumer is authorized to get the specific subscription data requested. In an example, the query request may comprise the group information, group id, type of request indicating that the SMF id for the group is required, an identifier of the AMF, subscription data type(s), key for one or more subscription data type(s), data sub key(s), and/or the like. In an example, the UDM may send a query response message comprising the requested subscription data, e.g., SMF id for the group, SMF address for the group, S-NSSAI associated with the group, DNN associated with the group, and/or the like. The AMF may employ the received information from the UDM to select the SMF. The AMF may receive the SMF id for the group from the UDM ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 16, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford demonstrate the system of claim 15, CUOI and KWEON fail to show further comprising: a third device configured to implement the UDM, wherein the UDM is configured to: store an indication that the UE device is authorized for the static IP address service; receive, from the SMF, the request for the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device; and provide, to the SMF, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device based on the stored indication and the received request. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show further comprising: a third device configured to implement the UDM, wherein the UDM is configured to: store an indication that the UE device is authorized for the static IP address service[par 0116, The UDM 140 may store the AMF 155 identity associated to the access type and may not remove the AMF 155 identity associated to the other access type. The UDM 140 may store information provided at registration in UDR, by Nudr_UDM_Update ]; receive, from the SMF, the request for the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device[ par 0041, 0139 , In an example, the SMF 160 may select PDU type of a PDU session. In an example, if the SMF 160 receives a request with PDU type set to IP, the SMF 160 may select PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 based on DNN configuration and/or operator policies. In an example, the SMF 160 may provide a cause value to the UE 100 to indicate whether the other IP version is supported on the DNN. Capability of the UPF 110 and the functionality required for the particular UE 100 session. In an example, an appropriate UPF 110 may be selected by matching the functionality and features required for a UE 100, DNN, PDU session type (i.e. IPv4, IPv6, ethernet type or unstructured type) and if applicable, the static IP address/prefix, SSC mode selected for the PDU session, UE 100 subscription profile in UDM ]; and provide, to the SMF, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device based on the stored indication and the received request[ par 0170 , the SMF 160 may register with the UDM 140, and may retrieve subscription data 1225 and subscribes to be notified when subscription data may be modified ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 18, CUOI and KWEON disclose the non-transitory computer-readable memory device of claim 17, CUOI fail to show wherein the NF corresponds to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the non-transitory computer-readable memory device further comprising: one or more instructions to receive, by the AMF and from a user equipment (UE) device, a request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the UE device, wherein the request includes the IP address or the IP index; one or more instructions to send, by the AMF, the query to the device; one or more instructions to receive, by the AMF, the information identifying the SMF; and one or more instructions to send, by the AMF, a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, in response to receiving the information identifying the SMF. In an analogous art KWEON show wherein the NF corresponds to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the non-transitory computer-readable memory device further comprising: one or more instructions to receive, by the AMF and from a user equipment (UE) device, a request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the UE device[ par 0081 , in operation 401, the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433. The AMF 433 and an SMF 435 process a PDU session establishment request ], wherein the request includes the IP address or the IP index; one or more instructions to send, by the AMF[ par 0079-0081 , a UE registers a UE IP address (IPv4 or IPv6), a UE MAC address, and a UPF that is in charge of a PDU session in a UDM when performing a PDU session establishment procedure, In operation 401, the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433 ], one or more instructions to receive, by the AMF, the information identifying the SMF; and one or more instructions to send, by the AMF, a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, in response to receiving the information identifying the SMF [par 0082; In operation 403, to generate a PDU session, the AMF 433 selects an appropriate SMF 435 and transmits a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request message to the SMF 435 ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of KWEON and CUOI because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] CUOI and KWEON fail to show sending, by the AMF, the query to the device; In an analogous art Talebi Ford show sending, by the AMF, the query to the device [ par 0211 , The AMF may check/determine whether a SMF associated with the group (e.g., the group communication session, and/or the like) is available. The AMF may send a query request to the UDM, UDR, NRF, GMF, and/or the like to discover/select the SMF associated with the group ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 19, CUOI and KWEON display the non-transitory computer-readable memory device of claim 17, CUOI fail to show further comprising: one or more instructions to receive, by the SMF, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request for a user equipment (UE) device; In an analogous art KWEON show further comprising: one or more instructions to receive, by the SMF, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request for a user equipment (UE) device [par 0081 , the UE 431 transmits a PDU session establishment request message to an AMF 433. The AMF 433 and an SMF 435 process a PDU session establishment request ]. Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI and KWEON because this provides a method of subscribing to a UPF event exposure service in order to use the UPF event exposure service inside/outside a network. [KWEON par 0033] CUOI and KWEON fail to show one or more instructions to identify, by the SMF, an IP address previously assigned to the UE device by the SMF; one or more instructions to assign, by the SMF, the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session; and one or more instructions to instruct, by the SMF, the UE device to store the IP address and the IP index and use the stored IP address or IP index when requesting a PDU session. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show one or more instructions to identify, by the SMF, an IP address previously assigned to the UE device by the SMF[ par 0178 , if the request type in 1215 is existing PDU session, the SMF 160 may maintain the same IP address/prefix that may be allocated to the UE 100 in the source network ]; one or more instructions to assign, by the SMF, the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session[ par 0179 , if the request type in 1215 indicates existing PDU session referring to an existing PDU session moved between 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, the SMF 160 may maintain the SSC mode of the PDU session, e.g., the current PDU session Anchor and IP address ], and one or more instructions to instruct, by the SMF, the UE device to store the IP address and the IP index and use the stored IP address or IP index when requesting a PDU session[ par 0177 , The SMF 160 may select 1245 one or more UPFs as needed. In case of PDU type IPv4 or IPv6, the SMF 160 may allocate an IP address/prefix for the PDU session. In case of PDU type IPv6, the SMF 160 may allocate an interface identifier to the UE 100 for the UE 100 to build its link-local address. For unstructured PDU type the SMF 160 may allocate an IPv6 prefix for the PDU session and N6 point-to-point tunneling (e.g., based on UDP/IPv6). In an example, for Ethernet PDU type PDU session, neither a MAC nor an IP address may be allocated by the SMF 160 to the UE 100 for this PDU session ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] 20, CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford provide the non-transitory computer-readable memory device of claim 19, CUOI and KWEON fail to show further comprising: one or more instructions to send, by the SMF and to a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, a request for an authorization for a static IP address service for the UE device; one or more instructions to receive, by the SMF and from the UDM function, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device; and wherein the assigning the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session is based on the received authorization. In an analogous art Talebi Ford show further comprising: one or more instructions to send, by the SMF and to a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, a request for an authorization for a static IP address service for the UE device[ par 0041, 0139 , In an example, the SMF 160 may select PDU type of a PDU session. In an example, if the SMF 160 receives a request with PDU type set to IP, the SMF 160 may select PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 based on DNN configuration and/or operator policies. In an example, the SMF 160 may provide a cause value to the UE 100 to indicate whether the other IP version is supported on the DNN. Capability of the UPF 110 and the functionality required for the particular UE 100 session. In an example, an appropriate UPF 110 may be selected by matching the functionality and features required for a UE 100, DNN, PDU session type (i.e. IPv4, IPv6, ethernet type or unstructured type) and if applicable, the static IP address/prefix, SSC mode selected for the PDU session, UE 100 subscription profile in UDM ]; one or more instructions to receive, by the SMF and from the UDM function, the authorization for the static IP address service for the UE device [ par 0170 , the SMF 160 may register with the UDM 140, and may retrieve subscription data 1225 and subscribes to be notified when subscription data may be modified ; and wherein the assigning the identified IP address to the UE device for the PDU session is based on the received authorization [ par 0214 , The UDM may check if the requested consumer is authorized to get the specific subscription data requested. In an example, the query request may comprise the group information, group id, type of request indicating that the SMF id for the group is required, an identifier of the AMF, subscription data type(s), key for one or more subscription data type(s), data sub key(s), and/or the like. In an example, the UDM may send a query response message comprising the requested subscription data, e.g., SMF id for the group, SMF address for the group, S-NSSAI associated with the group, DNN associated with the group, and/or the like. The AMF may employ the received information from the UDM to select the SMF. The AMF may receive the SMF id for the group from the UDM ] Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of CUOI, KWEON, and Talebi Ford because connection management may be employed to establish and release the signaling connection between the UE and the AMF.[Talebi Ford par 0054] Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JASON A HARLEY whose telephone number is (571)270-5435. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30-300 6:30-8:30. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Marcus Smith can be reached at (571) 270-1096. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent- center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /JASON A HARLEY/Examiner, Art Unit 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 2 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 3 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 4 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 5 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 6 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 7 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 8 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 9 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 10 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 11 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 12 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 13 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 14 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 15 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 16 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 17 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 18 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 19 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 20 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 21 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 22 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 23 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 24 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 25 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 26 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 27 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 28 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 29 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 30 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 31 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 32 Art Unit: 2468 Application/Control Number: 18/658,256 Page 33 Art Unit: 2468
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