Method for simplified atsss operations using null encryption over non-3gpp access

A network device, comprising:

• a memory;
• a transceiver;
• and
• a processor, wherein the transceiver and the processor are configured to:
• receive, from a user equipment (UE), a multi-access (MA) protocol data unit (PDU) Session Establishment Request,
• determine, based on the MA PDU Session Establishment Request, that a MA PDU Session uses multipath (MP) QUIC based steering, switching, and splitting, and
• transmit, to a non-third generation partnership project (non-3GPP) interworking function (N3IWF), a N2 PDU Session Request indicative of establishing one or more user plane resources for the MA PDU Session using one or more internet protocol (IP) security (IP Sec) tunnels with null encryption.

A method performed by a network device, the method comprising:

• receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a N2 protocol data unit (PDU) Session Request for establishing a multi-access (MA) PDU Session associated with a user equipment (UE);
• determining, based on the N2 PDU Session Request, that the MA PDU Session is associated with only multipath (MP) QUIC based steering, switching, and splitting;
• establishing one or more user plane resources for the MA PDU Session using one or more internet protocol (IP) security (IP Sec) tunnels with null encryption;
• and
• transmitting, to the AMF, a N2 PDU Session Response indicative of establishing the MA PDU Session.