5.37.5.3 Non-homogenous support of PDU Set Based Handling in NG-RAN

The SMF, by sending PDU Set QoS parameters (as described in clause 5.7.7.1) or a DL PDU Set Information Marking Support Indication (as described in clause 5.37.5.1) to the NG-RAN, requests the NG-RAN to activate PDU Set based Handling for a given QoS Flow and the NG-RAN provides the SMF with a PDU Set Based Handling Support Indication if the PDU Set based Handling is supported. Based on this indication, SMF may activate the PDU Set identification and marking in the PSA UPF as described in clause 5.37.5.2.

During mobility procedures that result in the change of NG-RAN, the target NG-RAN provides to the SMF a PDU Set Based Handling Support Indication if it supports PDU Set based Handling, as specified in TS 38.413 [34]. Based on the target NG-RAN indication, the SMF may, upon completion of the mobility procedure, initiate the PDU Session modification procedure to provide PDU Set QoS parameters or the DL PDU Set Information Marking Support Indication to NG-RAN and configure the PSA UPF to activate the PDU Set identification and marking. If the PDU Set Based Handling Support Indication is not received from the target NG-RAN and PDU Set identification and marking is active in the PSA UPF, the SMF may deactivate it.

In the case where the PSA UPF identifies and marks PDUs with PDU Set information in GTP-U header, it shall start doing so from a complete PDU Set.

NOTE: Based on the PDU Set QoS parameters provisioned in the PCC rule and the PDU Set Based Handling Support Indication from the target NG-RAN for the QoS Flow, the SMF can update the QoS profile and, if applicable, Alternative QoS Profiles as defined in clauses 5.7.1.2 and 5.7.1.2a, respectively, to include the PDU Set QoS parameters.