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5G • 5G-Advanced (Rel-18)

Multi-Access PDU (MAPDU) Phase 2

Seamless 5G and Wi-Fi 7 Multi-Path Session Aggregation

Bonds cellular 5G and home Wi-Fi 7 connections simultaneously into a single session, seamlessly switching packets between paths without dropping streams.

Technical Explanation

When a user walks from their living room out onto the street, active video calls or gaming sessions often stutter or drop as Wi-Fi disconnects. Rel-18 MAPDU Phase 2 employs Multi-Path QUIC (MP-QUIC) and ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting), bonding 5G cellular and Wi-Fi 7 into an aggregated, unbreakable data pipe.

Key Functions

  • Bonds 5G cellular and Wi-Fi 7 radio links simultaneously into a single unified session
  • Switches active packet flows dynamically between cellular and Wi-Fi based on link quality
  • Aggregates bandwidth across both networks to boost peak download and upload speeds
  • Eliminates video call and cloud gaming drops when users step outside home Wi-Fi range
Specifications
3GPP TS 23.501, TS 23.502 (Rel-18)
Interfaces
N3 (UPF)Y2 (N3IWF)Uu
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