Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing end-to-end priority service in long term evolution (LTE) or subsequent generation networks

A system for supporting end-to-end priority service in long term evolution (LTE) or subsequent generation networks, the system comprising:

• a network node configured to operate in an LTE or subsequent generation network, the network node including:
• at least one processor;
• a memory accessible by the at least one processor;
• an end-to-end priority service support module stored in the memory and executable by the at least one processor for:
• receiving a message associated with a communications session or transaction in a network, the message including an end-to-end priority user indicator identifying a user associated with the session or transaction as a priority user, wherein the end-to-end priority user indicator comprises a parameter that is distinct from an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network (MSISDN) number, inserted in a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message by a user equipment (UE) device, and recognized by at least an evolved node B (eNode B) and a mobility management entity (MME) as identifying a priority user;
• treating the session with a priority corresponding to the end-to-end priority user indicator;
• and
• including the end-to-end priority user indicator in subsequent messages transmitted by the network node that are associated with the same session or transaction as the received message.

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions that when executed by at least one processor of a computer cause the computer to perform steps comprising:

• at a network node configured to operate in an LTE or subsequent generation network:
• receiving a message associated with a communications session or transaction in a network, the message including an end-to-end priority user indicator identifying a user associated with the session or transaction as a priority user, wherein the end-to-end priority user indicator comprises a parameter that is distinct from an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network (MSISDN) number, inserted in a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message by a user equipment (UE) device, and recognized by at least an evolved node B (eNode B) and a mobility management entity (MME) as identifying a priority user;
• treating the session or transaction with a priority corresponding to the end-to-end priority user indicator;
• and
• including the end-to-end priority user indicator in subsequent messages transmitted by the network node that are associated with the same session or transaction as the received message.