Methods and systems for managing non-access stratum (nas) signalling in a wireless communication system

An apparatus for establishing non-access stratum (NAS) signalling in a wireless communication system, the apparatus comprising:

• memory storing instructions;
• and
• at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, coupled to the memory ,
• wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor individually and/or collectively, cause the apparatus to:
• receive a request for connection establishment from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request comprises an indication for using NAS-over-internet protocol (IP);
• assign an IP address to the UE based on the request;
• and
• establish an IP connection, over a wireless communication channel, between the UE and a network-side interworking network function.

One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an apparatus individually or collectively, cause the apparatus to perform operations, the operations comprising:

• receiving a request for connection establishment from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request comprises an indication for using non-access stratum (NAS)-over-internet protocol (IP);
• assigning an IP address to the UE based on the request;
• and
• establishing an IP connection between the UE and a network-side interworking network function, over a wireless communication channel.