Indicating RAN notification area update (RNAU) in RRC_INACTIVE state

A method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a wireless communication system, the method comprising:

• receiving, from a radio access network (RAN) node of the wireless communication system, a request to perform a tracking area update (TAU) for a wireless device;
• performing the TAU for the wireless device in accordance with the request;
• sending to the wireless device a non-access stratum (NAS) message indicating that the TAU for the wireless device is accepted or has been completed by the AMF;
• and
• subsequently sending to the RAN node an indication that the TAU for the wireless device has been completed by the AMF.

A radio access network (RAN) node configured to operate in a wireless communication system, the RAN node comprising:

• communication interface circuitry configured to communication with wireless devices via a cell and with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the wireless communication system;
• and
• processing circuitry operably coupled to the communication interface circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• receive, from a wireless device via a cell, a request to resume a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state with the wireless communication network, wherein the request includes a cause indicator that indicates mobility signaling as a cause for resuming the RRC connected state;
• based on the cause indicator, request an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the wireless communication system to perform a tracking area update (TAU) for the wireless device;
• receiving from the AMF an indication that the TAU for the wireless device is complete;
• and
• in response to the received indication, initiating an access-stratum (AS) procedure for the wireless device.

An access and mobility management function (AMF) configured to operate in a wireless communication system, the AMF comprising:

• communication interface circuitry configured to communication with a radio access network (RAN) node of the wireless communication system and with wireless devices via the RAN node;
• and
• processing circuitry operably coupled to the communication interface circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• receive, from the RAN node, a request to perform a tracking area update (TAU) for a wireless device;
• perform the TAU for the wireless device in accordance with the request;
• send to the wireless device a non-access stratum (NAS) message indicating that the TAU for the wireless device is accepted or has been completed by the AMF;
• and
• subsequently send to the RAN node an indication that the TAU for the wireless device has been completed by the AMF.