Radio access network node, core network node and method therefor in a wireless communication network - Patents.com

Abstract

A method is provided that is performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system. The first RAN node (301) transmits a first indication towards the second RAN node. The first indication indicates whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure. The first RAN node receives (302) a response from the second RAN node that includes a second indication. The second indication indicates whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node during the procedure.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present embodiments relate to a radio access node, a core network node and a method therefor, in some aspects to processing of supported information elements (IEs) for procedures involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STAs) and / or user equipment (UEs), include: Wide Area Network), WiFi network Local area networks such as or 、 Cellular network including Radio Access Network (RAN) part and Core Network (CN) part Q The RAN communicates through a geographic area that is divided into service areas or cell areas, which may also be referred to as beams or beam groups. area Each service area or cell area is, for example, a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), etc. Wireless access nodes, etc. A radio access node is served by a radio network node, which in some networks is also denoted as, for example, a Node B, an eNodeB (eNB) or a gNB in ​​fifth generation (5G) communications. A service area or cell area is a geographical area in which radio coverage is provided by a radio network node. The radio network node communicates with wireless devices within range of the radio network node over an air interface operating at radio frequencies.

[0003] 3GPP is a standards organization that specifies standards for cellular system evolutions such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and future evolutions. The specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also known as the Fourth Generation (4G) network, were finalized within the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). As the network evolution continues, new releases of 3GPP are specifying the 5G network, also known as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0004] The 5G NR spectrum is split into two distinct frequency ranges: Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). FR1 includes sub-6 GHz frequency bands. Some of these bands are bands that have been used by previous standards, but they have been expanded to cover potential new spectrum from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, while FR2 includes frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Bands in this mmWave range will have a shorter communication range than the FR1 bands, but will have a wider available bandwidth.

[0005] Multi-antenna technology can greatly increase the data rate and reliability of wireless communication systems. For a wireless connection between a single user, such as a UE, and a base station, performance is particularly improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas, resulting in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication channel. This may be referred to as single-user (SU)-MIMO. In scenarios where MIMO technology is used for wireless connections between multiple users and base stations, MIMO allows users to communicate with the base station simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources by spatially separating the users, further increasing cell capacity. This may be referred to as multi-user (MU)-MIMO. It should be noted that MU-MIMO is advantageous when each UE has only one antenna. Such systems and / or related technologies are typically referred to as MIMO.

[0006] Since Release 99, 3GPP has introduced mechanisms in application protocols that specify open network interfaces, such as NG Application Protocol (NGAP), S1AP, and XnAP, that allow senders to control the behavior of receivers when understanding is essential for control.

[0007] Each elementary procedure (EP) and each information element (IE) contained in an elementary procedure message is assigned a "criticality," and three criticalities are defined: "reject," "ignore," and "ignore and notify." However, only "reject" and "ignore" are used in 3G, 4G, and 5G.

[0008] If a logical node receives an information element (IE) with criticality "reject" and the logical node does not support the functionality associated with that information, the logical node terminates the procedure with failure and informs the sending node that it does not support the protocol element / EP by signaling an error message, regardless of whether the node does not support the functionality of the entire procedure or only the information element (IE) with criticality "reject".

[0009] The sending node can infer, from either the procedure code or the IE identifier received in the error message, which protocol elements the other node does not support and adapt future communications by not triggering any more procedures or by not including the IEs that the other node does not support.

[0010] Procedures or IEs associated with criticality "ignore" allow the receiving node to continue processing the message content and performing its respective functions without informing the sending node that the IE is not supported. In this case, the receiving node discards the unsupported IEs with criticality "ignore", i.e. the function associated with such IE is not performed by the receiving node.

[0011] The above mechanism allows nodes deployed according to a "higher" version of an application protocol to work together with nodes deployed according to a "lower" version of the same application protocol. This means backward compatibility The purpose of this is to ensure that future implementations of different levels can interoperate between peer nodes. The same mechanism also ensures forward compatibility: if a new version of an AP supports new IEs and such IEs are marked with ignore criticality, a receiving node supporting an older version of the AP can discard the unsupported IEs and continue to function according to its supported functionality. However, if a node supporting an older version of an AP receives an IE with "reject" criticality from a newer version of the AP, the node must terminate the procedure and send back an error message, as described above.

[0012] In principle, the concept of "version" even disappears, and you can choose a deployment from a set of features regardless of "3GPP release". Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Problems initially identified by the inventors as part of the development of embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0014] While OAM (Operation, Administration and Maintenance) configuration and homogeneous deployment, i.e. all nodes supporting the same functionality, can solve most of the problems, existing "criticality mechanisms" only work on a single interface instance where one node is "located" on both ends of the interface. Criticality mechanisms are mechanisms that handle criticality information set on individual IEs and / or IE groups, as specified in, for example, 3GPP TS38.413 v17.0.0.

[0015] When handover or dual connectivity is performed on the X2 / Xn interface, the "criticality mechanism" ensures that important procedures or IEs, where a function cannot function without a peer node behind it supporting that function, are assigned a criticality set to "reject", so that a node can gradually learn the support level of the peer node. works like The X2 interface is a point-to-point logical interface between two eNodeBs. The Xn interface is an interface between two NG-RAN nodes.

[0016] However, for mobility involving multiple interface instances, i.e. handover that has to be performed via the CN, multiple interface instances of the RAN-CN interface are involved: one on the source side and one on the target side, between CN nodes, e.g. when the source and target RAN nodes are NG-RAN nodes connected to different Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs), or for inter-system mobility where the source RAN node is an Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) node connected to an EPC and the target RAN node is an NG-RAN node, an AMF. In other words, functions such as handover and associated signaling procedures are 3 In cases where more than two network nodes are involved, the criticality mechanism does not work. One example is an NG-based handover involving more than two network nodes.

[0017] With regard to application protocols defined in RAN3, up to four nodes in total may be involved: source and target RAN nodes and source and target CN nodes, which may potentially have different support levels. It should be pointed out that each RAN node may be split into different nodes. For example, a gNB in ​​a split RAN architecture may consist of a gNB-Central Unit (CU) User Plane (UP), a gNB-CU Control Plane (CP), and a gNB-Distributed Unit (DU). In procedures such as handover, each of these split RAN nodes is responsible for functions that, if not supported, may lead to the failure of the handover procedure. An example of such an architecture is shown in Figure 1, which illustrates mobility involving, for example, core network nodes.

[0018] The problem is therefore how to enable different nodes involved in supporting functionality and signaling related to a function to be aware that the functionality and signaling is fully supported by all involved nodes if the functionality and signaling is not supported by at least one of the second RAN node, the first CN node serving the first RAN node, and the second CN node serving the second RAN node. , No. Initiated by the first RAN node served by the first CN node R, Involves a second RAN node served by a second CN node To carry out (or perform) a procedure and / or functionThis may result in failure and / or indeterminate results, for example, whether it is appropriate / possible for the first RAN node to attempt the same procedure and / or function in the future towards the second RAN node. The first RAN node is left with no knowledge of the support of the procedure and / or function in either the second RAN node and / or the first CN node and / or the second CN node. There is no mechanism supported by the first RAN node to avoid re-executing the same procedure and / or function multiple times in the future, leading to more failures and / or undefined behavior. If functionality and signaling is not supported, the impact will be on the path between the first RAN node and the second RAN node, and also waste of signaling, including CN signaling between the first CN node serving the first RAN node and the second CN node serving the second RAN node.

[0019] In the specific example of handover via CN, the source RAN cannot understand whether all the functions related to the CN-based handover (HO) procedure are supported in the target RAN or target AMF.

[0020] Similarly, the source RAN node has no knowledge of the target CN node's or target RAN node's support for the functionality of using specific IEs signaled to modify a session context already established between the source and target.

[0021] An object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to improve the efficiency of wireless communication networks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] According to one aspect, this object is achieved by a method performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) in connection with a procedure involving multiple network nodes to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system.

[0023] The first RAN node transmits a first indication towards the second RAN node, the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure.

[0024] The first RAN node receives a response from the second RAN node that includes a second indication, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node during the procedure.

[0025] According to one aspect, the object is achieved by a method executed by a second Radio Access Network (RAN) node for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first RAN node to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system.

[0026] The second RAN node receives a first indication from the first RAN node, the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure.

[0027] The second RAN node transmits a response toward the first RAN node including a second indication, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node during the procedure.

[0028] According to one aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a first Core Network (CN) node for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system, the first CN node providing a service to the first RAN node.

[0029] The first CN node receives a first indication sent from the first RAN node towards the second RAN node, the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure.

[0030] The first CN node filters the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first CN node.

[0031] The first CN node transmits a first filtered indication towards the second RAN node, the first filtered indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node and the first CN node during the procedure.

[0032] According to one aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a second Core Network (CN) node for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) in connection with a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system, the second CN node providing a service to the second RAN node.

[0033] The second CN node receives a first indication filtered by the first CN node sent from the first RAN node towards the second RAN node via the first CN node serving the first RAN node, the first indication filtered indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node and the first CN node during the procedure.

[0034] The second CN node further filters the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node.

[0035] The second CN node transmits a first indication towards the second RAN node that is further filtered by the second CN node, and the first indication that is further filtered by the second CN node indicates whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node, the first CN node and the second CN node during the procedure.

[0036] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node, configured to process supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving a plurality of network nodes to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system, the first RAN node being further adapted to transmit a first indication towards the second RAN node indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure, and to receive from the second RAN node an indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node during the procedure. show and receiving a response including a second indication adapted to the first and second indications.

[0037] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a second Radio Access Network (RAN) node, configured to process supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first RAN node to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system, the second RAN node being further configured to receive from the first RAN node a first indication adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure, and to transmit a response towards the first RAN node comprising a second indication adapted to indicate whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node during the procedure.

[0038] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a first Core Network (CN) node, configured to process supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system, the first CN node serving the first RAN node, the first CN node further configured to receive a first indication sent from the first RAN node towards the second RAN node, the first indication adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node during the procedure, filter the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first CN node, and send the filtered first indication to the second RAN node, the filtered first indication adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node and the first CN node during the procedure.

[0039] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a second Core Network (CN) node, configured to process supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node to a second RAN node of a wireless communication system, the second CN node serving the second RAN node, the second CN node further adapted to receive a first filtered first indication by the first CN node transmitted from the first RAN node towards the second RAN node via the first CN node serving the first RAN node, the first filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node and the first CN node during the procedure, and to filter the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication to indicate whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node. mosquitoand transmitting by the second CN node a further filtered first indication to the second RAN node, the first CN node and the second CN node indicating whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node, the first CN node and the second CN node during the procedure.

[0040] The advantages of this embodiment include, for example: 3 The objective of the present invention is to enable, for any procedure and function involving one or more logical network nodes and / or network functions, to obtain knowledge of the protocol support in all involved logical network nodes and network functions, such as RAN nodes, e.g. functions of RAN nodes deployed in a split architecture, such as gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, gNB-DU, and CN nodes.

[0041] A further advantage of this embodiment is that it avoids, for example, the introduction of per-feature "support" indicators on the network interface, which would otherwise lead to explicitly revealing the status of supported functionality in the nodes involved in the procedure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication system. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method performed by a first RAN node. [Figure 4] 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method performed by a second RAN node. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a first CN node. [Figure 6] 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a second CN node. [Figure 7]1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method. [Figure 9a] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a first RAN node. [Figure 9b] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a first RAN node. [Figure 10a] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a second RAN node. [Figure 10b] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a second RAN node. [Figure 11a] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a first CN node. [Figure 11b] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a first CN node. [Figure 12a] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a second CN node. [Figure 12b] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a second CN node. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a communications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network. [Figure 14] 1 is a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating with user devices over a partially wireless connection via a base station. [Figure 15] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and user equipment. [Figure 16] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and user equipment. [Figure 17] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and user equipment. [Figure 18] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and user equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The present embodiment provides a mechanism in the form of a method and a node for exchanging, during a given procedure, e.g., during a HO resource allocation procedure, an indication of the node's capability to support IEs and optionally functions associated with each supported IE, also referred to as information of supported IE-Ids, during a given procedure. This mechanism according to the present embodiment can be generalized for inter-system mobility including via NGAP and S1AP as well as F1AP. The mechanism according to the present embodiment does not necessarily depend on the criticality assigned to a particular IE, but the peer-RAN node needs to take into account the serving CN node's support which generally depends on the assigned criticality.

[0044] The indication may also be referred to as data. An IE is, for example, an IE-ID.

[0045] 2 shows a schematic of a wireless communication network 100 in which embodiments may be implemented. The wireless communication network 100 includes one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communication network 100 may use 5G NR, but may also use a number of other different technologies, such as WiFi, LTE, LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications / Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (GSM / EDGE), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), to mention a few possible implementations.

[0046] RAN nodes, such as the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112, operate in the wireless communication network 100. The first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may each be an access point (AP), e.g., providing multiple cells and using these cells for communication with a UE, e.g., the UE 120. The first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may each be a transmission point and a reception point, e.g., a radio access network node, e.g., a base station, e.g., a Node B, evolved Node B (eNB, eNodeB, eNodeB), NR Node B (gNB), a base transceiver station, a wireless remote unit, an access point base station, a base station router, a transmission configuration of a wireless base station, a standalone access point, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point, an access point station (APSTA), an access controller, a UE acting as an access point or a peer in device-to-device (D2D) communication, or any other network unit, etc. The first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may each communicate with each other via, for example, one or more CN nodes in the wireless communication network 100.

[0047] It should be noted that the first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may, for example, be split into different nodes. For example, a RAN node 111, 112 such as a gNB in ​​a split RAN architecture may comprise a gNB-CU-UP, a gNB-CU-CP, and a gNB-DU.

[0048] User equipment, such as UE 120, operates within wireless communication network 100. UE 120 may be, for example, an NR device, a mobile station, a wireless terminal, an NB-IoT device, an eMTC device, an NR RedCap device, a CAT-M device, a Wi-Fi device, an LTE device, and a non-access point (non-AP) STA, STA that communicates via a base station, such as a first RAN node 111 and / or a second RAN node 112. UE may be, for example, a smartphone, a laptop, a mobile phone, a sensor, a repeater, a mobile tablet, or a small base station that communicates within a cell. Terminal, It is a non-limiting term that refers to any UE, such as a wireless communication terminal, user equipment, D2D terminal or node.

[0049] CN nodes, such as the first CN node 131 and / or the second CN node 132, operate within the wireless communication network 100. The CN nodes may be, for example, AMF nodes, MME nodes, or SMF nodes. The first CN node 131 and / or the second CN node 132 may each forward messages and / or signals to and from either or both of the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112.

[0050] The method may be performed by any one or more of the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132. Alternatively, distributed nodes (DNs) and functions included in the cloud 140, for example as shown in Figure 2, may be used to perform or partly perform the method of the present embodiment.

[0051] This embodiment may relate to capability exchange of RAN nodes 111, 112, for example, CN-based handover.

[0052] A procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node 112 may be performed, for example, via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. In some embodiments, for example in connection with solution 2 and also referring to FIG. 8 described below, when the first indication is transmitted towards the second RAN node 112, it first passes through the first CN node 131 where it is filtered such that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication is then forwarded to the second CN node 132 where it passes through the second CN node where it is filtered such that the supported IEs include IEs supported by all of the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 before forwarding the filtered first indication to the second RAN node 112. In this way, the filtered first indication further informs the IEs supported by all nodes involved in the procedure and, optionally, the capabilities associated with each supported IE.

[0053] Filtering may, for example, mean removing IEs that are not supported by the respective filtering node from the first indication before forwarding it to the next node.

[0054] Next, the method embodiments will be described one by one from different views of various involved nodes, including the first RAN node 111 associated with FIG. 3, the second RAN node 112 associated with FIG. 4, the first CN node 131 associated with FIG. 5, and the second CN node 132 associated with FIG. 6.

[0055] 3 illustrates an example method performed by the first RAN node 111. The method is for processing supported IEs, e.g., supported IE Identifiers (IDs), in connection with a procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node 112 of the wireless communication system 100. The procedure may, for example, be related to an HO resource allocation procedure. The procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node 112 may also be referred to as involving or being performed via, for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112. The method may include any one or more of the actions listed below.

[0056] Action 301 The first RAN node 111 transmits a first indication toward the second RAN node 112. The first indication may be transmitted from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132.

[0057] The first indication indicates whether or not the first IE(s) that are part of the procedure are supported during the procedure by the first RAN node 111. This is an advantage because the first RAN node 111 can request that either the second RAN node 112 or any one of the CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 either supports or does not support the first IE(s).

[0058] In some embodiments, the first indication further indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure. CThis is an advantage since the first RAN node 111 can request that any one of the N nodes support or do not support one or more features associated with the first IE(s).

[0059] In some embodiments, the first indication sent to the second RAN node 112 is filtered and received by the second RAN node 112 based on one or more of the following: Whether one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node, and / or -Whether one or more functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node.

[0060] Action 302 The first RAN node 111 receives a response from the second RAN node, which is a response to the first indication sent towards the second RAN node 112. The response includes a second indication, which indicates whether the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure, and further whether they are supported by, for example, any one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure. This is an advantage because the first RAN node 111 has information about whether the second RAN node 112 and the CN nodes along the signalling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 support or do not support the one or more first IEs.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second indication further indicates whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure, and further indicates whether they are supported by, for example, any one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0062] In some embodiments, the one or more second IEs are selected from the one or more first IEs.

[0063] In some embodiments, the one or more second functions are selected from the one or more first functions.

[0064] In this way, the first RAN node 111 obtains information regarding whether the second RAN node 112 and CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 support or do not support one or more first IEs, and / or whether the second RAN node 112 and CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 support or do not support one or more first functions associated with the one or more first IEs.

[0065] 4 illustrates an example of a method performed by the second RAN node 112 for processing supported IEs for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112, e.g., via a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, in a wireless communication system 100. The method may include any one or more of the actions listed below.

[0066] Action 401 The second RAN node 112 receives a first indication from the first RAN node 111. The first indication indicates whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first indication received from the first RAN node 112 is filtered and received based on one or more of the following: - whether one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, a first CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node; and / or -Whether one or more functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, a first CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node.

[0069] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, when the first indication is transmitted towards the second RAN node 112, it first passes through the first CN node 131 where it is filtered such that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication is then forwarded to the second CN node 132 where it is filtered such that the supported IEs include IEs supported by all of the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 before further forwarding the filtered first indication to the second RAN node 112.

[0070] Action 402 The second RAN node 112 sends a response including a second indication towards the first RAN node 111 in response to the first indication received from the first RAN node 111. The second indication indicates whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further whether they are supported by any one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second indication further indicates whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further whether they are supported by, for example, any one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more second IEs are selected from the one or more first IEs.

[0073] In some embodiments, the one or more second functions are selected from the one or more first functions.

[0074] In this manner, the second RAN node 112 may determine which of the one or more first IEs and / or one or more first functions associated with the one or more first IEs. but , by the second RAN node 112, by the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, and by the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0075] 5 illustrates an example of a method performed by the first CN node 131 for processing supported IEs associated with a procedure involving multiple network nodes from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 in the wireless communication system 100, e.g., via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. The first CN node 131 serves the first RAN node 111.

[0076] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, when the first indication is transmitted towards the second RAN node 112, it first passes through the first CN node 131 and is filtered there such that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication is then forwarded to the second CN node 132 where it is further filtered and passed on, before forwarding the further filtered first indication to the second RAN node 112.

[0077] The method includes any one or more of the actions listed below.

[0078] Action 501 The first CN node 131 receives a first indication sent from the first RAN node 111 towards the second RAN node 112. The first indication indicates whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure.

[0080] Action 502 The first CN node 131 filters the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first CN node 131.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first CN node 131 filters one or more first features included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first features are supported by the first CN node 131.

[0082] Action 503 The first CN node 131 sends a first filtered indication towards the second RAN node 112. The first filtered indication indicates whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure.

[0083] In some embodiments, the filtered first indication indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure.

[0084] In this manner, when a response arrives at the first RAN node, the first CN node 131 can provide information to the first RAN node as to whether the first CN node supports or does not support one or more first IEs and / or one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs.

[0085] 6 illustrates an example of a method performed by the second CN node 132 for processing supported IEs in a wireless communication system 100, for example, associated with a procedure involving multiple network nodes from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112, for example, via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112. The second CN node 132 serves the second RAN node 112.

[0086] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, when the first indication is transmitted towards the second RAN node 112, it first passes through the first CN node 131 and is filtered there such that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication is then forwarded to the second CN node 132 where it is further filtered and passed on, before forwarding the further filtered first indication to the second RAN node 112.

[0087] The method includes any one or more of the actions listed below.

[0088] Action 601 The second CN node 132 receives a first filtered first indication by the first CN node 131 sent from the first RAN node 111 towards the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111. The first filtered first indication indicates whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first filtered first indication indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure.

[0090] Action 602 The second CN node 132 further filters the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node 132.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second CN node 132 further comprises one or more first function is supported by the second CN node 132, the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication are filtered based on whether the first IE or IEs are supported by the second CN node 132.

[0092] Action 603 The second CN node 132 sends a further filtered first indication towards the second RAN node 112. The further filtered first indication by the second CN node 132 indicates whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 during the procedure.

[0093] In some embodiments, the further filtered first indication sent towards the second RAN node 112 indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 during the procedure.

[0094] In this manner, when a response arrives at the first RAN node, the second CN node 132 can provide information to the first RAN node as to whether the second CN node 132 supports or does not support one or more first IEs and / or one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs.

[0095] Thus, the above-described method, as a whole, 3 It enables any procedure and function involving one or more logical network nodes and / or network functions to gain knowledge of protocol support in all involved logical network nodes and network functions, RAN nodes such as the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112, functions of RAN nodes deployed in a split architecture, e.g., gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, gNB-DU, and CN nodes such as the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132.

[0096] For example, a RAN node, such as the first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112, may: 3 It is possible to derive whether a particular procedure or function, including one or more logical nodes and / or network functions, can be used, or whether such a procedure or function is fully or partially available.

[0097] The above described method also avoids introducing per-feature "support" indicators on the network interfaces, which would otherwise lead to explicitly revealing the status of supported features at the network nodes or network functions involved in the procedure.

[0098] The method will now be further described and exemplified in the following embodiments, which can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0099] An example embodiment of the method described herein is based on signaling one or more, e.g., a list, of supported IEs that are part of a procedure involving multiple network nodes. Each node involved in the procedure may signal an indication, e.g., a list, of the IEs that apply to the procedure or are supported, before or during the procedure. Note that the expressions "one or more IEs" and "list of IEs" are used interchangeably herein. In some embodiments, the indication (also called information) regarding the support of each IE may also be complemented by specifying whether the functionality associated with the IE is supported or not supported. In some other embodiments, an indication of support or non-support for an IE means that the functionality for that IE is supported or not supported. In some other embodiments, an indication of support or non-support for an IE means that only that IE is supported, but not necessarily the functionality associated with that IE.

[0100] The method described above may be applied to multiple procedures involving multiple network nodes. However, regardless of the procedure, the method provides enriched signaling between nodes involved in the procedure with information that may be expressed in this exemplary format, such as, for example, the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132. The underlined text in the table below is relevant to the embodiments herein.

[0101] [Table 1]

[0102] Alternatively, there are alternatives of the following form (these alternatives are shown in the examples below, but are reported here because they apply to any use case):

[0103] [Table 2]

[0104] In some embodiments, one or more of the supported IEs described above, for example the list of supported IEs, may be supplemented in the following ways.

[0105] The "Supported Functionality" indication has been added to express, for example, whether an IE is supported, but the associated functionality is not supported. This is useful when a feature has not been developed or implemented in a particular node, but the Access Point (AP) message encoding has been updated to support the IE.

[0106] In some other embodiments, the IE support indication may be in the form of a bitmap, where a value of "1" indicates "IE is supported" and a value of "0" indicates "IE is not supported."

[0107] In some embodiments, an "all" IE support indication (e.g., all IEs in a release) Features In other variations, the IE support indication may be Features All IEs or specific Features In this case, a node can represent a structure consisting of a list, where each item in the list is Features And, Features That is, the information shown above can be modified as follows:

[0108] [Table 3]

[0109] In some embodiments, a response indication from a target node, e.g., the absence of an IE-Id list, may be interpreted by a source node, e.g., the first RAN node 111, that the node is a legacy node that does not support the corresponding feature or functionality.

[0110] Below are some examples of how this methodology can be applied to specific procedures.

[0111] Some first embodiments, referred to as Solution 1 In some general embodiments, for example, an indication of whether one or more IEs that are part of the procedure are supported, e.g., a list of supported IE-Id information, is included in a source-to-target transparent container sent from the first RAN node 111, which in this example is a source RAN node also referred to as source node, to the second RAN node 112, which in this example is a target RAN node also referred to as target node, during the HO procedure performed via a CN, e.g., the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. The target node replies with its list of supported IE-Ids in a target-to-source transparent container, which is e.g., an IE signaled from the target RAN to the source RAN.

[0112] In a specific embodiment, the list of supported IE-IDs defined in the application protocol used on the source side RAN-CN interface, e.g. S1AP (TS36.413) for EPS, NGAP (TS38.413 v17.0.0) for 5GS, is provided at the source RAN node to the target RAN node by a start message of the handover resource allocation procedure, e.g. included in a Transparent Container IE from the existing source NG-RAN to the target NG-RAN, a Transparent Container from the existing source NG-RAN to the target NG-RAN, etc. The target RAN node replies by sending a Source NG-RAN Transparent Container from the target NG-RAN consisting of a list of IE-IDs related to the supported capabilities.

[0113] 7 is an example scenario illustrating source to target transparent containers and target to source transparent containers. The first RAN node 111 is referred to as the source RAN 111, the second RAN node 112 is referred to as the target RAN 112, the first CN node 131 is referred to as the source CN 131, and the second CN node 132 is referred to as the target CN 132.

[0114] Whether or not a support indicator needs to be introduced Features Instead of discussing each one individually, the embodiments herein are generalized by defining the exchange of supported IE Ids for HO resource allocation procedures.

[0115] The embodiments herein can be deployed between NGAP and S1AP, as well as between systems.

[0116] The embodiments herein are, for example, only applicable to handover resource allocation procedures.

[0117] Embodiments herein may, for example, be directed to only a limited number of IEs and may not be intended to replace the entire set of IEs.

[0118] Although embodiments herein may not necessarily depend on the criticality assigned to a particular IE, a peer RAN node must take into account its serving CNs, such as, for example, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132.

[0119] In the embodiments herein, for example, remote criticality for an approach may be replaced or even defined.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first RAN node 111 (the source RAN node in this example) can include the IE-Id only if the serving CN node 131 also supports the IE-Id. Features ) can be obtained by a CN node explicitly indicating that it is supported by including the respective IE in the message.

[0121] The second RAN node 112 (the target node in this example) also receives the serving CN 132 node. Features If you learn that a company supports Features The respective knowledge of the target side can be obtained as described above at the source side. If the target node does not yet have knowledge of the CN side support it may provide this information explicitly, e.g. with "support unknown". If the target RAN node does not support the IE-Id it shall in any case respond with "not supported".

[0122] In case of inter-system handover, the source RAN node may provide in its list of supported IE-Ids the IE-Ids specified by the source RAN-CN interface, explicitly indicating the protocols supported at the source RAN-CN interface. Similarly, the target RAN node may provide in its list of supported IE-Ids the IE-Ids specified by the target RAN-CN interface, explicitly indicating the protocols supported at the target RAN-CN interface, if a functional correspondence between the IEs defined in the RAN-CN interfaces specified for the different systems is obvious or can be derived.

[0123] The list of IE-Ids does not need to be a comprehensive list of all supported IE-Ids, but in most cases is a selective list: the target RAN node may only respond to those IEs for which support information has been requested by the source RAN node.

[0124] Supporting information, i.e. a list of IE-Ids, may be provided within the handover failure container in case the target node is unable to successfully complete the handover resource allocation procedure.

[0125] If the source and target RAN configurations contain multiple nodes (e.g. in the case of dual or multi-connectivity), the scope of the exchanged information may span all involved RAN nodes, even if the control interface of the RAN-CN interface is only defined towards a single RAN node (currently the case for EPS and 5GS), which is represented by the IE-Id. Features In some embodiments, each new IE support indication replaces the previous one. In other embodiments, only the delta relative to the previous indication is sent in connection with an update of IE support.

[0126] In some embodiments, a node such as the first RAN node 111 or the second RAN node 112 indicates IE support only if polled. In some other embodiments, the first RAN node 111 can proactively indicate its IE support to, in this example, the second RAN node 112, and in response, the second RAN node 112 also indicates its IE support to the first RAN node 111.

[0127] Below are some non-limiting examples with their impact on the specification as underlined parts:

[0128] 3GPP TS38.413 clause 9.3.1.29 Transparent container from source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node: This IE is generated by a source NG-RAN node (e.g., the first RAN node 111) and sent to a target NG-RAN node (e.g., the second RAN node 112). In case of an inter-system handover to 5G, the IE is sent from the external handover source to the target NG-RAN node.

[0129] This IE is transparent to 5GC.

[0130] [Table 4] [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0131] 3GPP TS38.413 clause 9.3.1.30 Transparent container from target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node:

[0132] This IE, target NG-RAN nodes (e.g., 2 RAN node 112), sauce NG-RAN nodes (e.g.,1 In case of an inter-system handover to 5G, the IE is sent from the target NG-RAN node to the external relocation source.

[0133] This IE is transparent to 5GC.

[0134] [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0135] In one embodiment, the list of supported IE-Id information is optionally signaled in the RAN Status Transfer Transparency Container for intra-5GC NG handover.

[0136] In a subsidiary embodiment, the list of supported IEs above is supplemented in the following manner:

[0137] [Table 9]

[0138] The "Supported Functionality" indication has been added to express, for example, whether IE is supported, but the associated functionality is not supported. This is useful when a feature has not been developed or implemented in a node, but the AP message encoding has been updated to support IE.

[0139] In some other embodiments, the IE support indication may be in the form of a bitmap, where a value of "1" indicates "IE is supported" and a value of "0" indicates "IE is not supported."

[0140] In some embodiments, an "all" IE support indication (e.g., all IEs in a release) Features In another variation, the IE support indication is Features All IEs or specific Features In this case, for example, nodes such as the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 can signal a structure consisting of a list, where each item in the list is Features And such Features and an indication of the IEs supported for the given URI. That is, the information shown above can be modified as follows:

[0141] [Table 10]

[0142] Some second embodiments, referred to as Solution 2 In these embodiments, the list of IE-Ids supported by each involved node, e.g., source / target RAN / CN nodes, e.g., first RAN node 111, second RAN node 112, first CN node 131 and second CN node 132, is signaled in a dedicated signaling procedure, regardless of assigned criticality, i.e., to collect such information, e.g., RAN configuration transfer procedure(s) are used within one round trip between source and target RAN nodes, and this information must be available to all involved RAN / CN nodes. Indication of supported / unsupported IEs may be achieved similarly to solution 1, i.e., the various methods described above for indicating support of IEs and their capabilities may be reused in these embodiments.

[0143] In one subject embodiment, the IE support indication during the round trip traverses the involved RAN and CN nodes, e.g., the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132, as shown in Figure 8, with each node indicating, e.g., by setting a flag, or by listing or indicating accordingly the IE, e.g., the IE ID in the message, as illustrated. In this example, the first RAN node 111 is referred to as RAN node 1 111, the second RAN node 112 is referred to as RAN node 2 112, the first CN node 131 is referred to as CN node 1 131, and the second CN node 132 is referred to as CN node 2 132. For example, node X, e.g., the first RAN node 111, lists IE ID=5 (meaning it supports the IE) and forwards the IE support indication to the next node in the chain, e.g., node Y, e.g., the first CN node 131. If node Y does not support IE, then node Y removes (also called filters) IE ID=5 from its list.

[0144] In some other embodiments, the IE support indication may be in the form of a bitmap, with a value of "1" indicating "IE is supported" and a value of "0" indicating "IE is not supported." In the context of solution 2, as shown in FIG. 8, during the round trip of the IE indication across RAN and CN nodes, such as the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132, each node sets the bit in the bitmap corresponding to IE support to "0" or "1" depending on whether it supports the IE. In the example of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the existing UL / DL RAN configuration transfer is performed in a particular Features It is used to carry IEs related to

[0145] Below are some non-limiting examples with their impact on the specification as underlined parts:

[0146] 3GPP TS38.413, clause 9.2.7.1 Uplink RAN ​​configuration transfer This message is sent by an NG-RAN node (e.g., the first RAN node 111) to transfer RAN configuration information. Direction: NG-RAN node → AMF (e.g., first CN node 131)

[0147] [Table 11] [Table 12]

[0148] 3GPP TS38.413, clause 9.2.7.2 Downlink RAN ​​configuration transfer This message is sent by the AMF (e.g., the first CN node 131) to transfer RAN configuration information. Direction: AMF → NG-RAN node (e.g., first RAN node 111)

[0149] [Table 13] [Table 14]

[0150] In some embodiments, an "all" IE support indication (e.g., all IEs in a release) Features In another variation, the IE support indication is Features All IEs or specific Features Refers to a specific IE.

[0151] Some variations of the first embodiment, referred to as Solution 1-a For certain functions, e.g. functions related to self-organizing networks (SON), two (or more) RAN nodes may be involved, with a first RAN node 111, in this example a first (source) RAN node that is part of a first wireless communication system and / or a first RAT, and a second RAN node 112, in this example a second (target) RAN node that is associated with a second wireless communication system (and / or a second RAT). A function is fully (or partially) utilized when both the source and target RAN nodes, and potentially the CN nodes in between (e.g. the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132, etc.), fully (or partially) support the function in question. As part of the function operation, the source RAN node may transparently communicate, in this example, a list of optionally supported IEs from the first RAN node to the second RAN node. The first indication is to the target RAN. The second RAN node replies as a second indication, in this example, with a list of IE-Ids related to the features it supports. In one example, the functionality may be related to energy saving, and the first RAN node 111 is an eNB (connected to EPC) and the second RAN node 112 is a gNB (connected to 5GC). The first RAN node 111 may request and / or propose to the second RAN node 112 to switch off one or more cells or switch off one or more SSB beams. For example, a first indication indicating a list of optional IEs corresponding to a request and / or proposal to turn off a particular cell and / or SSB beam is included in a transparent container. When the list of supported IE-Ids is signaled from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 and back, the method used to process the list of supported IE-Ids may be the same as described for solution 1 or solution 2. For example, as described for solution 1, the transparent container sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 (or vice versa) may be an extension of the Inter-system SON Configuration Transfer Type IE or an extension of the EN-DC SON Configuration Transfer SON Configuration Transfer IE.

[0152] In another scenario, in relation to a particular function, e.g., Self-Organizing Network (SON), two RAN nodes are involved, both of which belong to the same wireless communication system or the same RAT, and the function uses an indirect signaling connection between the RAN nodes. Both the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the source RAN node) and the second RAN node 112 (in this example, the target RAN node), and potentially In between CN nodes (e.g., first CN node 131 and second CN node 132, etc.) fully support (or partially support) the feature in question and As part of the functional operation, the source RAN node sends a first indication (in this example, a list of optionally supported IEs) to the target RAN, which is transparently conveyed from the first RAN node to the second RAN node. 2R The AN node returns a second indication, in this example a list of IE-Ids associated with the features it supports. In one example, the functionality may be related to energy saving, where the first RAN node 111, in this example the first (source) NG-RAN node, requests or proposes to the second RAN node 112, in this example the second (target) NG-RAN node, to switch on or off one or more cells or SSB beams of the second NG-RAN node, and the Xn link between the RAN nodes is not defined, is not available, or is temporarily unavailable. Indications such as a list of optional IEs corresponding to the request / proposal to switch on or off a particular cell(s) or to switch on or off a particular SSB beam(s) may be included in a transparent container. The method used to process the list of supported IE-Ids when it is signaled from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 and back may be the same as described for solution 1 or solution 2. For example, as described in solution 1, the transparent container transmitted from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 may be an extension of the source-to-target transparent container IE or the SON configuration transfer IE, and the transparent container transmitted from the second RAN node 112 to the first RAN node 111 may be an extension of the target-to-source transparent container IE.

[0153] In another example, the functionality may relate to cell resource coordination between nodes, where the first RAN node 111 is a gNB and the second RAN node 112 is an ng-eNB (or vice versa), and the Xn link between the RAN nodes is not defined, is not available, or is temporarily unavailable. In one embodiment, the IE support indication is indicated for "all" IEs (e.g., all IEs for all features in the release). In another embodiment, the IE support indication refers to all IEs for a particular feature or a specific IE for a particular feature.

[0154] Some third embodiments, referred to as Solution 3 - methods that apply to the multiple receiver case The methods of the embodiments herein can be applied to the following scenarios: - A first RAN node 111, in this example a first (source) network node (or network function), sends the same type of request (or requests of different types) to two (or more) second RAN nodes 112, in this example two or more target RAN nodes (or network functions), and the request(s) may traverse other network nodes in between, e.g. CN nodes such as the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. The request(s) may consist of an IE-Id associated with support of a particular function, the IE-Id being signaled in one of the formats described in the other embodiments. GetA request is sent to the first network node (or function) (e.g., a list of IE-Ids, either the same list, separate lists, or partially overlapping lists are sent to all targets). The target network node (or function) replies to the first network node. The first network node infers full or partial support of the feature based on the reply. A failure or lack of reply (e.g., due to timer expiration) from the second network node (or second network function) to the first network node (or first network function) may be used by the first network node (or first network function) as an explicit or implicit indication that the feature is not supported at the second network node (or second network function). The request consists of an IE-Id associated with support for the particular feature, where the IE-Id may be signaled in one of the formats described in the other embodiments. The second network node sends a second request (which may include part of the first request, e.g., potentially "filtering" and forwarding the received IE-Id based on the second network node's support for that feature) to the third network node based on the received request and the received IE-Id. The third network node sends a final response (which may include parts of the first and second requests, e.g., the received IE-Id, potentially "filtered" based on the second and third network node's support for the feature) to the first network node as a second indication based on the received request and the received IE-Id. The first network node infers full or partial support for the feature based on the response. A failure to respond or a lack of a response (e.g., due to a timer expiring) may be used as an explicit or implicit indication of lack of support for the feature.

[0155] Embodiments relating to NG-based mobility of gNB-DU As mentioned above, the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 may be split RAN nodes. In the previous embodiment, the focus was on the indication of IE support of a non-split RAN node (i.e., gNB) or CU by using signaling for NG-based mobility of the UE. However, in Rel-18, NG-based mobility of DUs such as IAB-DU and any mobile DUs is likely to be supported, and the indication of IE support between the mobile DU and the target CU becomes important.

[0156] In one embodiment, DU mobility (vinegar Split RAN Node Assume ) and in the context of NG-based handover case, the IE support indication refers to the IE support of the DU. In another embodiment, the IE support indication pertains to both the source CU and the mobile DU.

[0157] In a subsidiary embodiment related to a mobile IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node, the IE support of the DU is indicated as part of the handover signaling of the IAB-MT (Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile Terminated) that is co-resident with the DU. In another variation, a dedicated, extended existing or newly defined signal is used apart from the handover signal for the IAB-MT.

[0158] In one subordinate embodiment, IE support related to the IAB-DU is indicated separately (e.g., using separate dedicated messages) to the IAB-DU of the first RAN node 111, in this example the mobile IAB node, and to the IAB-DUs of the mobile IAB node's descendants. In another sub-variant, IE support is indicated jointly (e.g., using group signaling) to the IAB-DU of the mobile IAB node and to the IAB-DUs of its descendants IAB-DUs.

[0159] In one subsidiary embodiment of the above embodiment, the IE support indication of the first RAN node 111, in this example the mobile DU, uses a source-to-target container. In another variant, the IE support indication of the first RAN node 111, in this example the mobile DU, is sent explicitly over an interface, e.g. NG, S1, inter-AMF interface, etc.

[0160] The embodiments presented in this section may use the encoding proposed in the previous section (ie, IE ID) or may use a different encoding.

[0161] The embodiments presented in this section may apply to mobile IAB-DUs or to mobile DUs (i.e., non-IAB DUs).

[0162] According to some embodiments herein, a particular IE-Id-based NGAP IE may be assigned based on the capabilities supported by the target NG-RAN associated with the NGAP IE. Features A new approach is introduced to obtain information about the support level for In the following example, the target NG-RAN is represented by the second RAN node 112 and the source NG-RAN node is represented by the first RAN node 111.

[0163] These embodiments provide information provided in the CN transparent handover container to provide a specific handover based on the capabilities supported on the target NG-RAN side, associated with the NGAP IEs based on the respective IE-IDs. Features This introduces the possibility of obtaining information such as a first indication and a second indication regarding the support level of the

[0164] In some embodiments, a new NGAP IE Support Information Request List IE is introduced in a transparent container IE from the source NG-RAN node to the target NG-RAN node, where, for example, a second indication ("Supported" or "Not Supported")According to either the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node Transparent Container IE or the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node Transparent Failure Transparent Container IE contains a list of NGAP protocol IE-Ids for which the target NG-RAN node must provide support information. Additionally, information is provided as to whether the reported IEs were actually received by the target NG-RAN node in the HANDOVER REQUEST message.

[0165] If the HANDOVER REQUEST message contains an NGAP IE Support Information Request List IE in the source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node Transparent Container IE, the target NG-RAN node shall, if supported and if the target NG-RAN node accepts the handover request, return the NGAP IE Support Information Request List IE for each NGAP protocol IE-Id contained in the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node Transparent Container IE in the HANDOVER REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, e.g. according to the second indication, from the indication that the HANDOVER REQUEST message was received. tough On the interface instance, - Set the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE to "Supported" if the target NG-RAN node has information that the functionality related to the indicated IE is supported. - If the target NG-RAN node has information that the functionality related to the indicated IE is not supported, set the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE to "Not Supported". If the target NG-RAN node receives the respective NGAP Protocol IE-Id in the HANDOVER REQUEST message, it sets the NGAP Protocol IE Presence Information IE to "Present", otherwise it sets it to "Non-Present". " Set to.

[0166] If the HANDOVER REQUEST message contains an NGAP IE Support Information Request List IE in the Transparent Container IE from the source NG-RAN node to the target NG-RAN node, the target NG-RAN node shall accept the NGAP IE Support Information Request List IE if supported and if the target NG-RAN node is ready to accept the handover. Ba If the request is not accepted, for each NGAP protocol IE-Id contained in the Transparency Failure Container IE from the target NG-RAN node to the source NG-RAN node in the HANDOVER REQUEST FAILURE message, e.g., according to the second indication, on the interface instance that received the HANDOVER REQUEST message: - Set the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE to "Supported" if the target NG-RAN node has information that the functionality related to the indicated IE is supported. - If the target NG-RAN node has information that the capability related to the indicated IE is not ported, set the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE to "Not Supported". - If the target NG-RAN node receives the respective NGAP Protocol IE-Id in the HANDOVER REQUEST message, it sets the NGAP Protocol IE Presence Information IE to “present”, otherwise it sets it to “not present”.

[0167] 9a and 9b show example configurations of the first RAN node 111.

[0168] The first RAN node 111 includes input / output interfaces configured to communicate with other networking entities in the wireless communication network 100, such as the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132. tough Input / Output Interface tough The interface may include, for example, a wired and / or wireless receiver (not shown) and, for example, a wired and / or wireless transmitter (not shown).

[0169] The first RAN node 111 may be configured with any one or more of an obtaining unit, a receiving unit for performing the method actions described herein.

[0170] The present embodiments may be implemented by a processor or processors, such as at least one processor of the processing circuitry of the first RAN node 111 shown in Fig. 9a, and computer program code for carrying out the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. Said program code may also be provided as a computer program product, for example in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for carrying out the present embodiments when loaded into the first RAN node 111. One form of such a carrier is a CD ROM. However, other data carriers such as memory sticks are also possible. The computer program code may also be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the first RAN node 111.

[0171] The first RAN node 111 may further comprise a memory including one or more memory units. The memory may include instructions executable by a processor in the first RAN node 111. The memory may include instructions, for example, instructions for performing the methods herein when executed in the first RAN node 111. instruction, It is configured to store data, configurations, and applications.

[0172] In some embodiments, the computer program includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor of the first RAN node 111 to perform the actions described above.

[0173] In some embodiments, each carrier carries a respective computer program and the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer readable storage medium.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the functional modules in the first RAN node 111 below may refer to one or more processors configured with a combination of analog and digital circuitry and / or software and / or firmware that, for example, may be stored in the first RAN node 111 and that, when executed by said at least one processor, causes each of the at least one processor to perform an action according to any of the actions described above. One or more of these processors, as well as other digital hardware, may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or multiple processors and various digital hardware may be distributed across various individual components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system on a chip (SoC).

[0175] 10a and 10b show example configurations of the second RAN node 112. FIG.

[0176] The second RAN node 112 includes input / output interfaces configured to communicate with other networking entities in the wireless communication network 100, such as the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132. tough Input / Output Interface tough The interface may include, for example, a wired and / or wireless receiver (not shown) and, for example, a wired and / or wireless transmitter (not shown).

[0177] The second RAN node 112 may be configured with any one or more of an acquiring unit, a receiving unit for performing the method actions described herein.

[0178] The present embodiment may be implemented by a processor or processors, such as at least one processor of the processing circuitry of the second RAN node 112 shown in Fig. 10a, and computer program code for carrying out the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code may also be provided as a computer program product, for example in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for carrying out the present embodiment when loaded into the second RAN node 112. One form of such a carrier is a CD ROM. However, other data carriers such as memory sticks are also possible. The computer program code may also be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the second RAN node 112.

[0179] The second RAN node 112 may further comprise a memory including one or more memory units. The memory may include instructions executable by a processor within the second RAN node 112. The memory may include instructions, for example, instructions for performing the methods herein when executed at the second RAN node 112. instruction, It is configured to store data, configurations, and applications.

[0180] In some embodiments, the computer program includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor of the second RAN node 112 to perform the actions described above.

[0181] In some embodiments, each carrier carries a respective computer program and the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer readable storage medium.

[0182] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the functional modules in the second RAN node 112 below may refer to one or more processors configured with a combination of analog and digital circuitry and / or software and / or firmware that, for example, may be stored in the second RAN node 112 and that, when executed by said at least one processor, causes each of the at least one processor to perform an action according to any of the actions described above. One or more of these processors, as well as other digital hardware, may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or multiple processors and various digital hardware may be distributed across various individual components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system on a chip (SoC).

[0183] 11a and 11b show an example of the configuration of the first CN node 131. FIG.

[0184] The first CN node 131 includes input / output interfaces configured to communicate with other networking entities in the wireless communication network 100, such as the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, and the second CN node 132. tough Input / Output Interface tough The interface may include, for example, a wired and / or wireless receiver (not shown) and, for example, a wired and / or wireless transmitter (not shown).

[0185] The first CN node 131 may be configured with any one or more of an acquiring unit, a receiving unit, and a filtering unit for performing the method actions described herein.

[0186] The present embodiment may be implemented by a processor or processors, such as at least one processor of the processing circuitry of the first CN node 131 shown in Fig. 11a, and computer program code for carrying out the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. Said program code may also be provided as a computer program product, for example in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for carrying the present embodiment when loaded into the first CN node 131. One form of such a carrier is a CD ROM. However, other data carriers such as memory sticks are also possible. The computer program code may also be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the first CN node 131.

[0187] The first CN node 131 may further comprise a memory including one or more memory units. The memory may include instructions executable by a processor in the first CN node 131. The memory may include instructions, for example, instructions for performing the methods herein when executed on the first CN node 131. instruction, It is configured to store data, configurations, and applications.

[0188] In some embodiments, the computer program includes instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor of the first CN node 131 to perform the actions described above.

[0189] In some embodiments, each carrier carries a respective computer program and the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer readable storage medium.

[0190] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the functional modules in the first CN node 131 below may refer to one or more processors configured with a combination of analog and digital circuitry and / or software and / or firmware that, for example, may be stored in the first CN node 131 and that, when executed by said at least one processor, causes each of the at least one processor to perform an action according to any of the actions described above. One or more of these processors, as well as other digital hardware, may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or multiple processors and various digital hardware may be distributed across various individual components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system on a chip (SoC).

[0191] 12a and 12b show an example configuration of the second CN node 132. FIG.

[0192] The second CN node 132 includes input / output interfaces configured to communicate with other networking entities in the wireless communication network 100, such as the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, and the first CN node 131. tough Input / Output Interface tough The interface may include, for example, a wired and / or wireless receiver (not shown) and, for example, a wired and / or wireless transmitter (not shown).

[0193] The second CN node 131 may be configured with any one or more of an acquiring unit, a receiving unit, and a filtering unit for performing the method actions described herein.

[0194] The present embodiment may be implemented by a processor or processors, such as at least one processor of the processing circuitry of the second CN node 132, as shown in Fig. 12a, and computer program code for carrying out the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code may also be provided as a computer program product, for example in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for carrying the present embodiment when loaded into the second CN node 132. One form of such a carrier is a CD ROM. However, other data carriers such as memory sticks are also possible. The computer program code may also be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the second CN node 132.

[0195] The second CN node 132 may further comprise a memory including one or more memory units. The memory may include instructions executable by a processor in the second CN node 132. The memory may include, for example, instructions for performing the methods herein when executed on the second CN node 132. instruction, It is configured to store data, configurations, and applications.

[0196] In some embodiments, the computer program includes instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor of the second CN node 132 to perform the actions described above.

[0197] In some embodiments, each carrier carries a respective computer program and the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer readable storage medium.

[0198] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the functional modules in the second CN node 132 below may refer to one or more processors configured with a combination of analog and digital circuitry and / or software and / or firmware that, for example, may be stored in the second CN node 132 and that, when executed by said at least one processor, causes each of the at least one processor to perform actions according to any of the actions described above. One or more of these processors, as well as other digital hardware, may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or multiple processors and various digital hardware may be distributed across various individual components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system on a chip (SoC).

[0199] When the word "comprising" or "including" is used, it is to be construed as meaning open-ended, i.e. "including at least one".

[0200] The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents can be used.

[0201] Embodiment Below, several exemplary embodiments 1-32 are briefly described, see for example Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a and 12b.

[0202] Embodiment 1. A method performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 for processing supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, to a second RAN node 112 of a wireless communication system 100, the method comprising: transmitting 301 a first indication towards the second RAN node 112, the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; receiving 302 a response from the second RAN node 112 including a second indication, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further whether they are supported by, for example, one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure; Contains one or more of the following:

[0203] Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1, comprising: The first indication further indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; The second indication may further indicate that one or more second capabilities associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure. R and further indicates whether it is supported by, for example, one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0204] Embodiment 3. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, comprising: one or more second IEs are selected from one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; One or more of the following:

[0205] Embodiment 4. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, comprising: The first indication transmitted 301 to the second RAN node 112 is: one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node; and / or one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node; and received by the second RAN node 112 filtered based on one or more of:

[0206] Embodiment 5. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0207] Embodiment 6. A carrier comprising the computer program of embodiment 5, the carrier being one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

[0208] Embodiment 7. A method performed by a second RAN node 112 for processing supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 to a second RAN node 112 of a wireless communication system 100, comprising: receiving 401 a first indication from a first RAN node 111, the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; sending 402 a response including a second indication to the first RAN node 111, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further whether they are supported by, for example, one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure; Contains one or more of the following:

[0209] Embodiment 8. The method of embodiment 7, comprising: The first indication further indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; The second indication further indicates whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure, and further whether they are supported by, for example, one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0210] Embodiment 9. The method according to embodiment 7 or 8, one or more second IEs are selected from one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; One or more of the following:

[0211] Embodiment 10. The method according to any one of embodiments 7 to 9, comprising: The first indication received 401 from the first RAN node 111 may indicate whether the one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, e.g., the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node, and / or whether the one or more first IEs are associated with each of the one or more first IEs by one or more intermediate nodes, e.g., the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node. One or more The first feature is supported during the procedure, and is filtered and received based on one or more of:

[0212] Embodiment 11. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions according to any one of embodiments 7 to 10.

[0213] Embodiment 12. A carrier comprising the computer program of embodiment 11, the carrier being one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

[0214] Embodiment 13. A method performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 131 for processing supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, from a first RAN node 111 to a second RAN node 112 of a wireless communication system 100, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, the method comprising: receiving 501 a first indication sent from a first RAN node 111 towards a second RAN node 112, the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of a procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during said procedure; filtering 502 one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first CN node 131; transmitting 503 a filtered first indication towards the second RAN node 112, the filtered first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure; Contains one or more of the following:

[0215] Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13, comprising: The first indication further indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure, and the method further comprises: The filtering 502 may further include filtering the one or more first features included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first features are supported by the first CN node 131. and , transmitting 503 a filtered first indication towards the second RAN node 112 indicating whether or not one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure; and, One or more of Includes.

[0216] Embodiment 15. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions described in embodiment 13 or 14.

[0217] Embodiment 16. A carrier comprising the computer program of embodiment 15, the carrier being one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

[0218] Embodiment 17. A method performed by a second CN node 132 for processing supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 to a second RAN node 112 of a wireless communication system 100, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, the method comprising: receiving a first filtered first indication at the first CN node 131 transmitted from the first RAN node 111 towards the second RAN node 112 via a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, the first filtered first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure; further filtering 602 the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node 132; 2nd CN Node 1 3 transmitting 603 a first indication, further filtered by .2, towards the second RAN node 112 indicating whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 during the procedure; Contains one or more of the following:

[0219] Embodiment 18. The method according to embodiment 17, comprising: The first filtered first indication may further include one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs being updated during the procedure by the first RAN node 1. 1 CN node 131 and the first CN node 131, and the method further comprises: Further filtering 602 the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first features are supported by the second CN node 132. To , transmitting 603 a further filtered first indication towards the second RAN node 112 indicating whether or not the one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 during the procedure; One or more of Includes.

[0220] Embodiment 19. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions described in embodiment 17 or 18.

[0221] Embodiment 20. A carrier comprising the computer program of embodiment 19, the carrier being one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

[0222] Embodiment 21. A first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 configured to process supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, to a second RAN node 112 of a wireless communication system 100, the first RAN node 111 further comprising: For example, by means of a transmitting unit included in the first RAN node 111, a first indication is transmitted towards the second RAN node 112, the first indication being indicative of one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure being transmitted to the first RAN node during the procedure. D1 1 1 to and For example, by means of a receiving unit included in the first RAN node 111, a response is received from the second RAN node 112, the response including a second indication. believe wherein the second indication indicates whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further supported by, for example, one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure; The device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

[0223] Embodiment 22. The first RAN node 111 according to embodiment 21, the first indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of a procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; The second indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further whether they are ported, for example, by one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0224] Embodiment 23. The first RAN node 111 according to embodiment 21 or 22, one or more second IEs are selected from one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; One or more of the following:

[0225] Embodiment 24. The first RAN node 111 according to any one of embodiments 21 to 23, For example, the first indication transmitted by means of a transmitting unit included in the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 may indicate whether the one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node, and / or whether a first function associated with each of the one or more first IEs is supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node, R and received by the second RAN node 112 filtered based on one or more of:

[0226] Embodiment 25. A second RAN node 112 configured to process supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 of a wireless communication system 100 to a second RAN node 112, the second RAN node 112 further comprising: receiving a first indication from the first RAN node 111, for example by means of a receiving unit included in the second RAN node, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether or not one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; sending, for example by means of a transmitting unit included in the second RAN node 112, a response comprising a second indication towards the first RAN node 111, the second indication being adapted to indicate whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and further whether they are supported, for example, by one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 112 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure; The device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

[0227]

[0081] Embodiment 26. The second RAN node 112 of embodiment 25, the first indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; The second indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure, and further whether they are supported by, for example, one or more of the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 during the procedure.

[0228]

[0046] Embodiment 27. The second RAN node 112 of embodiment 25 or 26, one or more second IEs are selected from one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; One or more of the following:

[0229]

[0046] Embodiment 28. The second RAN node 112 of any one of embodiments 25 to 27, For example, the first indication received from the first RAN node 111 by means of a receiving unit included in the second RAN node 112 is filtered and received based on one or more of whether the one or more first IEs are supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node, and / or whether a first function associated with each of the one or more first IEs is supported during the procedure by one or more intermediate nodes, such as, for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node.

[0230] Embodiment 29. A first CN node 131 configured to process supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 to a second RAN node 112 in a wireless communication system 100, the first CN node serving the first RAN node 111, the first CN node further comprising: receiving, for example by means of a receiving unit included in the first CN node 131, a first indication transmitted from the first RAN node 111 towards the second RAN node 112, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether or not one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure; For example, filtering, by a filtering unit included in the first CN node 131, one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first CN node 131; transmitting, by a transmitting unit, for example, included in the first CN node 131, a filtered first indication towards the second RAN node 112, the filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether or not one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure; The device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

[0231] Embodiment 30 The first CN node 131 according to embodiment 29, The first indication further indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node 111 during the procedure, and the first CN node 131 further indicates whether configured to filter, for example by means of a filtering unit included in the first CN node 131, by filtering one or more first features included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first features are supported by the first CN node 131; configured, for example, by means of a transmitting unit included in the first CN node 131, to transmit a filtered first indication towards the second RAN node 112, the filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether or not one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure; The device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

[0232] Embodiment 31. A second CN node 132 configured to process supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes, e.g., a first Core Network (CN) node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node 111 to a second RAN node 112 in a wireless communication system 100, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, the second CN node 132 further comprising: receiving, for example by means of a receiving unit included in the second CN node 132, a first filtered first indication at the first CN node 131 transmitted from the first RAN node 111 towards the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, the first filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether or not one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure; Further filtering, for example by a filtering unit included in the first CN node 132, one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node 132; transmitting, for example by means of a transmitting unit included in the second CN node 132, a first indication towards the second RAN node 112, further filtered by the second CN node 112, the first indication indicating whether or not the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 during the procedure; The device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

[0233] Embodiment 32. The second CN node 132 according to embodiment 31, The first filtered first indication further indicates whether one or more first features associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node 131 and the first CN node 131 during the procedure, and the second CN node (132) further comprises: For example, filtering, by a filtering unit included in the first CN node 132, one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether one or more first features are supported by the second CN node 132; transmitting, for example by means of a transmitting unit included in the second CN node 132, a first indication towards the second RAN node 112 adapted to indicate whether or not one or more first features associated with the one or more first IEs, respectively, are supported by the first RAN node 131, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 during the procedure; The device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

[0234] Further expansion and variations 13 according to one embodiment, the communication system includes a communication network 3210 such as a wireless communication network 100, such as a 3GPP type cellular network, including an access network 3211, such as an IoT network, WLAN, radio access network, and a core network 3214. The access network 3211 includes a first RAN node 111 or a second RAN node 112, an access node, an AP, STA 、The base station 3212 includes a plurality of base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, 3212c can be connected to the core network 3214 via a wired or wireless connection 3215. A first user equipment (UE), such as a UE 120, such as a non-AP STA 3291 located in the coverage area 3213c, is configured to wirelessly connect to the corresponding base station 3212c or be paged by the corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE 3292, such as a UE 120, such as a non-AP STA located in the coverage area 3213a, can be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 3212a. Although multiple UEs 3291, 3292 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is in the coverage area or is connected to a corresponding base station 3212.

[0235] The communication network 3210 is itself connected to a host computer 3230, which may be embodied by hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource of a server farm. The host computer 3230 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The connection 3221, 3222 between the communication network 3210 and the host computer 3230 may extend directly from the core network 3214 to the host computer 3230, or may go through an optional intermediate network 3220. The intermediate network 3220 may be one or a combination of two or more of a public, private, or hosted network, and the intermediate network 3220 (if present) may be a backbone network or the Internet, and in particular the intermediate network 3220 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0236] The communication system of FIG. 13 as a whole enables a connection between one of the connected UEs 3291, 3292 and the host computer 3230. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 3250. The host computer 3230 and the connected UEs 3291, 3292 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 3250 using the access network 3211, the core network 3214, any intermediate networks 3220, and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 3250 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 3250 passes are unaware of the routing of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 3212 is not, or does not need to be, informed of the past routing of incoming downlink communications with data originating from the host computer 3230 being forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 3291. Similarly, the base station 3212 does not need to be aware of the future routing of outgoing uplink communications from the UE 3291 towards the host computer 3230.

[0237] An exemplary implementation of the UE, base station, and host computer described in the preceding paragraphs according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. In the communication system 3300, the host computer 3310 manages the interfaces of the different communication devices of the communication system 3300. tough A communication interface configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with a toughThe host computer 3310 further comprises hardware 3315 including a network interface 3316. The host computer 3310 further comprises processing circuitry 3318, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry 3318 may comprise one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer 3310 further comprises software 3311, which is stored on or accessible by the host computer 3310 and executable by the processing circuitry 3318. The software 3311 includes a host application 3312. The host application 3312 is configured to communicate with a remote device, such as the UE 3330, which connects to the UE 3330 via an OTT connection 3350 terminated at the host computer 3310. Toyu The remote user may be operable to provide services to the remote user. The In providing the service, the host application 3312 receives user data transmitted over the OTT connection 3350. Zadeh The data may be provided.

[0238] The communication system 3300 further includes a base station 3320 provided in the communication system and equipped with hardware 3325 enabling communication with the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330. The hardware 3325 may be used to interface the different communication devices of the communication system 3300. tough A communications interface for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with the tough The base station 3320 may include a wireless interface 3326 for at least setting up and maintaining a wireless connection 3370 with a UE 3330 located in a coverage area (not shown) served by the base station 3320. tough and a communication interface 3327. toughThe interface 3326 may be configured to facilitate a connection 3360 to the host computer 3310. The connection 3360 may be direct or may pass through a core network of the communications system (not shown in FIG. 14 ) and / or one or more intermediate networks external to the communications system. In an embodiment, the hardware 3325 of the base station 3320 further comprises processing circuitry 3328, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 3320 may further comprise software 3321 stored therein or software 332 accessible via an external connection. 1 It also has.

[0239] The communication system 3300 further includes the already mentioned UE 3330. Its hardware 3335 includes a wireless interface 3335 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 3370 with a base station serving the coverage area in which the UE 3330 is currently located. toughThe UE 3330 may include a client interface 3337. The hardware 3335 of the UE 3330 may further include a processing circuit 3338, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 3330 may further include software 3331, which may be stored on or accessible by the UE 3330 and executable by the processing circuit 3338. The software 3331 includes a host application 3332. The client application 3332 may be operable to provide services to a human or non-human user via the UE 3330 with the support of the host computer 3310. In the host computer 3310, the running host application 3312 may communicate with the running client application 3332 via the UE 3330 and an OTT connection 3350 that terminates at the host computer 3310. In providing services to a user, the client application 3332 may receive request data from the host application 3312 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 3350 communicates the request data and the user Zadeh The client application 3332 may transfer both the The Interact and provide Zadeh Data can be generated.

[0240] It should be noted that the host computer 3310, base station 3320, and UE 3330 shown in Fig. 14 may be the same as the host computer 3230, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, and 3212c, and one of the UEs 3291 and 3292, respectively, in Fig. 13. That is, the internal operation of these entities may be as shown in Fig. 14, and independently, the surrounding network topology may be as shown in Fig. 13.

[0241] 14, the OTT connection 3350 is depicted abstractly to show communication between the host computer 3310 and the wireless device 3330 via the base station 3320, without explicit reference to intermediate devices and the exact routing of messages through those devices. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, which may be configured to be hidden from the UE 3330 or the service provider operating the host computer 3310, or both. While the OTT connection 3350 is active, the network infrastructure may further decide to dynamically change the routing based, for example, on network load balancing considerations or reconfiguration.

[0242] The wireless connection 3370 between the UE 3330 and the base station 3320 follows the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more various embodiments improve the performance of the OTT service provided to the UE 3330 using the OTT connection 3350 of which the wireless connection 3370 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve applicable RAN effects, i.e. data rate, latency, power consumption, thereby providing corresponding benefits to the OTT service, such as reduced user latency, relaxed file size limitations, better responsiveness, extended battery life, etc.

[0243] Measurement procedures may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, delays, and other factors that are improved by one or more embodiments. Additionally, there may be optional network functionality to reconfigure the OTT connection 3350 between the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330 in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedures and / or network functionality to reconfigure the OTT connection 3350 may be implemented in the software 3311 of the host computer 3310 or the software 3331 of the UE 3330, or both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) is located in or associated with the communication device through which the OTT connection 3350 passes, and the sensor may participate in the measurement procedures by providing values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or by providing values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 3311, 3331 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 3350 may include message formats, retransmission settings, priority routing, etc., and the reconfiguration does not impact the base station 3320 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 3320. Such procedures and functionality may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may include proprietary UE signaling to facilitate host computer 3310 measurements of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. Measurements may be implemented such that software 3311, 3311 uses the OTT connection 3350 to send messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, while monitoring propagation times, errors, etc.

[0244] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, such as the first RAN node 111 or the second RAN node 112, and a UE, such as the UE 120, which may be as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. To simplify the disclosure, only the reference to FIG. 15 is included in this section. In a first action 3410 of the method, the host computer ZadehIn an optional sub-action 3411 of the first action 3410, the host computer provides user data by executing the host application. In a second action 3420, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. In an optional third action 3430, the base station transmits the user data carried in the host computer initiated transmission to the UE according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional fourth action 3440, the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0245] 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, such as an AP STA, and a UE, such as a non-AP STA, which may be as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. To simplify the disclosure, only a reference drawing to FIG. 16 is included in this section. In a first action 3510 of the method, the host computer Zadeh In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3520, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may go through a base station in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third action 3530, the UE transmits the user data carried in the transmission to the base station. Zadeh Receive the data.

[0246] 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, such as an AP STA, and a UE, such as a non-AP STA, which may be as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. To simplify the disclosure, only a reference to FIG. 17 is included in this section. In an optional first action 3610 of the method, the UE receives a To Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second action 3620, the UE receives input data provided by the Zadeh In an optional subaction 3621 of the second action 3620, the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In a further optional subaction 3611 of the first action 3610, the UE executes the client application to provide the user data in response to received input data provided by the host computer. During the provision of the user data, the executed client application may further take into account user input received from a user. Regardless of the particular manner in which the user data was provided, the UE in an optional third subaction 3630 initiates transmission of the user data to the host computer. In a fourth action 3640 of the method, the host computer Ta is , and receives user data transmitted from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0247] 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, such as an AP STA, and a UE, such as a non-AP STA, which may be as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. To simplify the disclosure, only a reference to FIG. 18 is included in this section. In an optional first action 3710 of the method, the base station transmits a user signal from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. Zadeh In an optional second action 3720, the base station receives the received user data. Zadeh The host computer of the To Ta In a third action 3730, the host computer starts transmitting the user ID carried in the transmission initiated by the base station. Zadeh Receive the data.

[0248] Definitions of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used herein Abbreviation:Description AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function MME: Mobility Management Entity RAT: Radio Access Technology EPS: Advanced Packet System 5GS: 5g system HO: Handover CN: Core Network NW:Network NAS:Non-Access Stratum IAB: Integrated Access and Backhaul

Claims

1. 1. A method performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node (111) for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes to a second RAN node (112) of a wireless communication system (100), comprising: sending (301) a first indication towards the second RAN node (112), the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; receiving (302) a response from the second RAN node (112) including a second indication, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure; The method includes:

2. 2. The method of claim 1 , the first indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; The method, wherein the second indication further indicates whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, the one or more second IEs are selected from the one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; The method is one or more of the following:

4. 4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: The first indication transmitted (301) to the second RAN node (112) comprises: whether the one or more first information elements are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; whether the one or more first functions respectively associated with the one or more first information elements are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; and received by the second RAN node (112) filtered based on one or more of:

5. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The method, wherein the procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node (112) is performed via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

6. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A carrier containing the computer program according to claim 6, The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

8. 1. A method performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node (111) of a wireless communication system (100) for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from said first RAN node (111) to said second RAN node (112), comprising: The method comprises: receiving (401) a first indication from the first RAN node (111), the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; sending (402) a response towards the first RAN node (111) including a second indication, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure; The method includes one or more of the following:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, the first indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; The method, wherein the second indication further indicates whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure.

10. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, the one or more second IEs are selected from the one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; The method is one or more of the following:

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The first indication received (401) from the first RAN node (111) comprises: whether the one or more first information elements are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; whether the one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; The received signal is filtered based on one or more of the following:

12. 12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The method, wherein the procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node (112) is performed via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

13. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A carrier comprising the computer program of claim 13, The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

15. 1. A method performed by a first Core Network (CN) node (131) for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (CN) node (111) to a second RAN node (112) of a wireless communication system (100), comprising: The first CN node (131) provides a service to the first RAN node (111); The method comprises: receiving (501) a first indication sent from the first RAN node (111) towards the second RAN node (112), the first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; filtering (502) the one or more first information elements included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first information elements are supported by the first CN node (131); sending (503) the filtered first indication towards the second RAN node (112), the filtered first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; The method includes:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, the first indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; The method further comprises: said filtering (502) further filtering said one or more first features included in said first indication based on whether said one or more first features are supported by said first CN node (131); transmitting (503) the filtered first indication towards the second RAN node (112), indicating whether or not the one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; The method includes one or more of the following:

17. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of claim 15 or 16.

18. A carrier comprising the computer program of claim 17, The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

19. 1. A method performed by a second Core Network (CN) node (132) for processing supported Information Elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node (111) to a second RAN node (112) of a wireless communication system (100), comprising: The second CN node (132) serves the second RAN node (112); The method comprises: receiving (601) a first filtered first indication at the first CN node (131) transmitted from the first RAN node (111) towards the second RAN node (112) via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111), the first filtered first indication indicating whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; further filtering (602) the one or more first information elements included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first information elements are supported by the second CN node (132); and transmitting (603) the first indication, further filtered by the second CN node (112), towards the second RAN node (112), indicating whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node (111), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) during the procedure.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, The first filtered indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node (131) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; The method further comprises: further filtering (602) the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first features are supported by the second CN node (132); sending (603) the further filtered first indication towards the second RAN node (112), indicating whether the one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node (112), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) during the procedure; The method includes:

21. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of claim 19 or 20.

22. 22. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 21, the carrier being one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer readable storage medium.

23. A first Radio Access Network (RAN) node (111) configured to process supported information elements (IEs) for a procedure involving multiple network nodes to a second RAN node (112) of a wireless communication system (100), comprising: The first RAN node (111) further comprises: sending a first indication towards the second RAN node (112), the first indication adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; receiving a response from the second RAN node (112) including a second indication, the second indication adapted to indicate whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure; and A first RAN node configured to:

24. A first RAN node (111) according to claim 23, comprising: the first indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; The first RAN node, wherein the second indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure.

25. A first RAN node (111) according to claim 23 or 24, comprising: the one or more second IEs are selected from the one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; The first RAN node is one or more of:

26. A first RAN node (111) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, comprising: The first indication transmitted (301) to the second RAN node (112) comprises: whether the one or more first information elements are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; whether the one or more first functions respectively associated with the one or more first information elements are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; and received by the second RAN node (112) filtered based on one or more of the following:

27. A first RAN node (111) according to any one of claims 23 to 26, comprising: A first RAN node, wherein the procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node (112) is adapted to be executed via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

28. a second Radio Access Network (RAN) node (112) configured to process information elements (IEs) supported for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first RAN node (111) of a wireless communication system (100) to a second RAN node (112), the second RAN node comprising: The second RAN node (112) further comprises: receiving a first indication from the first RAN node (111), the first indication adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; sending a response including a second indication towards the first RAN node (111), the second indication being adapted to indicate whether one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure; A second RAN node configured to:

29. 29. A second RAN node (112) according to claim 28, comprising: the first indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; The second indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more second functions associated with each of the one or more second IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node (112) during the procedure.

30. 30. A second RAN node (112) according to claim 28 or 29, comprising: the one or more second IEs are selected from the one or more first IEs; and the one or more second functions being selected from the one or more first functions; a second RAN node, which is one or more of:

31. A second RAN node (112) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, comprising: The first indication received (401) from the first RAN node (111) comprises: whether the one or more first information elements are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; whether the one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by one or more intermediate nodes during the procedure; The second RAN node receives the filtered signal based on one or more of the above.

32. A second RAN node (111) according to any one of claims 28 to 31, comprising: A second RAN node, wherein the procedure involving multiple network nodes to the second RAN node (112) is adapted to be executed via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

33. A first Core Network (CN) node (131) configured to process information elements (IEs) supported for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node (111) to a second RAN node (112) of a wireless communication system (100), comprising: The first CN node (131) provides a service to the first RAN node (111); The first CN node (131) further comprises: receiving a first indication sent from the first RAN node (111) towards the second RAN node (112), the first indication adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; filtering the one or more first information elements included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first information elements are supported by the first CN node (131); transmitting the filtered first indication towards the second RAN node (112), the filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; a first CN node configured to:

34. A first CN node (131) according to claim 33, comprising: the first indication is further adapted to indicate whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by the first RAN node (111) during the procedure; For example, the first CN node (131) is configured to filter by means of a filtering unit included in the first CN node (131) the one or more first features included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first features are supported by the first CN node (131), The first CN node (131) is configured, for example, by a transmitting unit included in the first CN node (131) to transmit a filtered first indication toward the second RAN node (112), the filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether or not the one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure.

35. a second core network (CN) node (132) configured to process information elements (IEs) supported for a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network (CN) node (111) to a second RAN node (112) of a wireless communication system (100), comprising: The second CN node (132) serves the second RAN node (112); The second CN node (132) further comprises: receiving a first filtered first indication at the first CN node (131) transmitted from the first RAN node (111) towards the second RAN node (112) via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111), the first filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether one or more first IEs that are part of the procedure are supported by both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; further filtering one or more first information elements included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first information elements are supported by the second CN node (132); sending the first indication towards the second RAN node (112), further filtered by the second CN node (112), indicating whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node (111), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) during the procedure; a second CN node configured to:

36. 36. A second CN node (132) according to claim 35, comprising: The first filtered indication further indicates whether one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by both the first RAN node (131) and the first CN node (131) during the procedure; The second CN node (132) further comprises: further filtering one or more first information elements included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first information elements are supported by the second CN node (132); transmitting a further filtered first indication towards the second RAN node (112), adapted to indicate whether the one or more first functions associated with each of the one or more first IEs are supported by the first RAN node (112), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) during the procedure; a second CN node configured to:

Images