Network node apparatus and methods for achieving end-to-end reliability and improving fault tolerance in wireless systems

A first network node, including a first policy control function (PCF), the first network node comprising:

• a transceiver;
• and
• a processor operatively coupled to the transceiver;
• wherein:
• the transceiver is configured to receive an indication from a session management function (SMF) that a protocol data unit (PDU) session is an alternative PDU session, and an indication of whether the PDU session is in a drop state;
• the transceiver and the processor are configured to send a message with an indication to a second PCF to indicate that the first network node is serving a PDU session that is the alternative PDU session, wherein the message with the indication to the second PCF also identifies the PDU session;
• the transceiver is configured to receive a message from the second PCF with an indication that a second PDU session has experienced at least one of a fault or degraded performance;
• and
• the transceiver and the processor are configured to send a message to the SMF to change the PDU session to a no-drop state.