URLLC Optimization Scheduling Strategy for Multi-Node Connections with Data Duplication

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and an apparatus for at least performing the following operations: determining, by a first network node of a communication network, a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operations in the communication network; and differentiating, based on the determination, the scheduling policy by the first network node for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation. Further, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a method and an apparatus for at least performing the following operations: receiving, at a second network node, information from a network node, the information including a differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operations in the communication network; determining, based on the differentiated scheduling policy, a value including at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling duplicate data packets at the second network node for transmission to the user equipment; and scheduling, at least based on the determined value, the duplicate packets for transmission to the user equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The teachings of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention generally relate to an optimized scheduling strategy for multi-connection operations, and more particularly, to an optimized scheduling strategy for multi-connection operations of a user equipment configured for ultra-reliable low-latency communication with multi-connections. Background Art

[0002] This section aims to provide the background or context of the present invention as recited in the claims. The descriptions herein may include concepts that can be sought, but these concepts are not necessarily concepts that have been previously conceived or sought. Thus, unless otherwise indicated herein, the content described in this section is not prior art to the descriptions and claims in this application and will not be considered prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations that can be found in the specification and / or drawings are defined as follows:

[0004] 5QI: 5G QoS Indicator

[0005] ACK: Acknowledgment

[0006] BLER: Block Error Rate

[0007] BWP: Bandwidth Part

[0008] CC: Component Carrier

[0009] CN: Core Network

[0010] CoMP: Coordinated Multi-Point

[0011] CQI: Channel Quality Indicator

[0012] DC: Dual Connectivity

[0013] eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0014] EN-DC: E-Utran-NR DC

[0015] ZH-MC: E-Utran-NR MC

[0016] HARQ: Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest

[0017] IMR: Interference Measurement Resource

[0018] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0019] MAC: Medium Access Control

[0020] MBB: Mobile Broadband

[0021] MC: Multi-Connection

[0022] MCG: Master Cell Group

[0023] MgNB: Master gNodeB

[0024] NR: New Radio

[0025] PDCP: Packet Data Convergence Protocol

[0026] PDU: Protocol Data Unit

[0027] PgNB: Master gNodeB

[0028] QoS: Quality of Service

[0029] RLC: Radio Link Control

[0030] SCG: Secondary Cell Group

[0031] SgNB: Secondary gNodeB

[0032] SINR: Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio

[0033] SN: Sequence Number

[0034] TTI: Transmission Time Interval

[0035] URLLC: Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication

[0036] UTRAN: Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0037] X2: X2 interface between two eNBs

[0038] Xn: Xn interface between two gNBs

[0039] QoS: Quality of Service

[0040] The fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication technology, which is used in a wide range of spectrums, is designed to expand and support various usage scenarios and applications relative to current mobile network communication technologies. 5G NR communication technology provides enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) for accessing multimedia content, services, and data. In addition, like other communication technologies, such access in 5G takes ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as an example. URLLC has strict requirements, for example, in terms of the latency and reliability of communication among multiple connected devices. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, there is a need to further improve such functions in communication technologies such as LTE, 5G, and their developments.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are dedicated to improving such communication. Summary of the Invention

[0042] In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, including: determining, by a first network node (e.g., gNB 170 or gNB 180 in network 100 as shown in Figure 4 ), a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, where the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; and differentiating, based on the determination, the scheduling policy by the first network node for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation.

[0043] A further exemplary embodiment is a method comprising the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the enhanced type of service includes a service of the ultra-reliable low-latency communication type, wherein information is sent from a first network node to a second network node, the information including a differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets received at the second network node and associated with multi-connection operation; wherein the determination is based on information received by the first network node from the communication network; wherein the received information is an indication value including a latency budget of X ms and a packet loss tolerance P associated with the enhanced type of service of the user equipment, and wherein the information includes an indication of whether the second network node should be used as one of the primary link or the secondary link for the duplicate packets associated with the differentiated scheduling; wherein, based on these values, a target block error rate for data packet communication is determined; and the determined block error rate is used by the first network node for data packet communication; wherein the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network; wherein the differentiated scheduling policy includes at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling at the second network node; wherein the priority level target of the differentiated scheduling policy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the duplicate packets at the second network node being in competition with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node; wherein, based on the first network node being the secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node; wherein the block error rate target of the differentiated scheduling policy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node; wherein the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation and the second network node includes a secondary base station for multi-connection operation; and wherein an indication is received at the first network node from the second network node that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets based on at least some values of the differentiated scheduling policy.

[0044] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus (e.g., a network side apparatus), comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; and based on the determination, differentiate the scheduling policy by a first network node for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation.

[0045] A further exemplary embodiment is a device comprising the device of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the enhanced type of service comprises a ultra-reliable low-latency communication type service, wherein the at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send duplicate data packets of data packet communication from a first network node to a second network node, and information comprising a differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets received at the second network node associated with multi-connection operation; wherein the determination is based on information received by the first network node from the communication network; wherein the received information is an indication value comprising a latency budget X ms and a packet loss tolerance P associated with the enhanced type of service of the user equipment, and wherein the information comprises an indication that the second network node should be used as one of a primary link or a secondary link for the duplicate packets associated with the differentiated scheduling; wherein, based on these values, a target block error rate for data packet communication is determined; and the determined block error rate is used by the first network node for data packet communication; wherein the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network; wherein the differentiated scheduling policy comprises at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling at the second network node; wherein the priority level target of the differentiated scheduling policy comprises one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the duplicate packets at the second network node being in competition with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node; wherein, based on the first network node being the secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node; wherein the block error rate target of the differentiated scheduling policy comprises one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein the information comprises an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node; wherein the first network node comprises a primary base station for multi-connection operation and the second network node comprises an auxiliary base station for multi-connection operation; and wherein an indication is received at the first network node from the second network node that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets based on at least some values of the differentiated scheduling policy.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, a device comprises: for a first network node (e.g., as of a communication network (Figure 4 Components in gNB 170 or gNB 180 in network 100 as shown, which determine a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, where the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; and components for differentiating the scheduling policy by a first network node for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation based on the determination.

[0047] A further exemplary embodiment is a device comprising the device of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the enhanced type of service includes a service of the ultra-reliable low-latency communication type, and comprises components for sending duplicate data packets for data packet communication from a first network node to a second network node, and information including a differentiated scheduling strategy for scheduling the duplicate data packets received at the second network node and associated with multi-connection operation; wherein the determination is based on information received by the first network node from the communication network; wherein the received information is an indication value including a latency budget of X ms and a packet loss tolerance of P associated with the enhanced type of service of the user equipment, and wherein the information includes an indication of whether the second network node should be used as one of the primary link or the secondary link for the duplicate packets associated with the differentiated scheduling; wherein, based on these values, a target block error rate for data packet communication is determined; and the determined block error rate is used by the first network node for data packet communication; wherein the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network; wherein the differentiated scheduling strategy includes at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling at the second network node; wherein the priority level target of the differentiated scheduling strategy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with the data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the duplicate packets at the second network node being in competition with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling strategy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node; wherein, based on the first network node being the secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling strategy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node; wherein the block error rate target of the differentiated scheduling strategy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node; wherein the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation and the second network node includes a secondary base station for multi-connection operation; and wherein it comprises components for receiving, at the first network node from the second network node, an indication that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets based on at least some values of the differentiated scheduling strategy.

[0048] In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, including: receiving, by a second network node, information from a first network node, the information including a differential scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; determining, based on the differential scheduling policy, a value including at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling duplicate data packets at the second network node for transmission to the user equipment; and scheduling, at least based on the determined value, duplicate packets for transmission to the user equipment.

[0049] A further embodiment is a method including the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network; wherein the priority level target of the differential scheduling policy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein the block error rate target of the differential scheduling policy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packets; wherein, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the duplicate packets at the second network node being in competition with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differential scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node; wherein, based on the first network node being the secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differential scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node; wherein the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node; wherein the second network node includes an auxiliary base station for multi-connection operation and the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation; and wherein the second network node sends an indication to the first network node that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets based on at least some values of the differential scheduling policy.

[0050] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, an apparatus (e.g., a network-side apparatus, such as Figure 4The gNB 180 shown in [description], includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: obtain information from a first network node by a second network node, the information including a differentiated scheduling strategy for scheduling repeated data packets for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; determine, based on the differentiated scheduling strategy, a value including at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling repeated data packets at the second network node for transmission to the user equipment; and schedule, at least based on the determined value, repeated packets for transmission to the user equipment.

[0051] A further exemplary embodiment is an apparatus including the apparatus of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data repetition for multi-connection operation in the communication network; wherein the priority level target of the differentiated scheduling strategy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for repeated packets; wherein the block error rate target of the differentiated scheduling strategy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for repeated packets; wherein, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the repeated packets at the second network node being in contention with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the contending repeated packets in the differentiated scheduling strategy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node; wherein, based on the first network node being the secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any contending repeated packets in the differentiated scheduling strategy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node; wherein the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node; wherein the second network node includes an auxiliary base station for multi-connection operation and the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation; and wherein the second network node sends an indication to the first network node that the second network node will schedule at least some of the repeated packets based on at least some values of the differentiated scheduling strategy.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes: means for receiving information at a second network node from a first network node, where the information includes a differential scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets for data packet communication with a user equipment, where the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; means for determining, based on the differential scheduling policy, a value including at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling duplicate data packets at the second network node for transmission to the user equipment; and means for scheduling duplicate packets for transmission to the user equipment based at least on the determined value.

[0053] A further exemplary embodiment is an apparatus including the apparatus of the preceding paragraph, where the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network; where the priority level target of the differential scheduling policy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packet; where the block error rate target of the differential scheduling policy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packet; where, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the duplicate packets at the second network node are competing with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differential scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node; where, based on the first network node being the secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differential scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node; where the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node; where the second network node includes an auxiliary base station for multi-connection operation and the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation; and where the second network node sends an indication to the first network node that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets based on at least some values of the differential scheduling policy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The above and other aspects of embodiments of the present invention become more apparent in the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 A dual connection for data duplication is shown;

[0056] Figure 2 A diagram showing various devices performing operations showing the priorities obtained at a MAC scheduler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0057] Figure 3a and 3b respectively illustrate methods that can be performed by a device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 4 illustrate a high - level block diagram of various devices that can be used to perform various aspects of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0059] In the present invention, an optimized scheduling strategy for multi - connection is proposed for a user equipment configured for ultra - reliable low - latency communication with dual - connection.

[0060] Dual - connection (DC), standardized by 3GPP in LTE Release 12 / 13, extends the LTE - Advanced carrier aggregation (CA) function to allow a user equipment (UE) to receive / send data from / to two different eNBs simultaneously. So far, DC has been proposed as a solution to improve throughput performance using data splitting at the PDCP layer.

[0061] In the 5G New Radio (NR) standardization activities, DC and multi - connection (MC) are standardized as potential solutions for ultra - reliable low - latency communication (URLLC) applications, aiming to improve data robustness and reliability through data duplication across different nodes. It has been agreed to support PDCP packet duplication for NR to improve reliability in 3GPP NR Release 15. The present invention aims to improve the operation of DC / MC downlink for URLLC.

[0062] More specifically, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an optimized gNB scheduling framework that helps to utilize the cost - benefit ratio of using MC with PDCP data duplication. The cost of using this feature is that radio resources are consumed at both the primary gNB and the secondary gNB (denoted as PgNB or MgNB and SgNB respectively), while the benefit is that redundancy of transmitting the same data is increased via two independent links (i.e., a lower integrated error probability is obtained). To reduce the cost, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides at least a new scheduling strategy that limits the radio resource usage in the SgNB to a situation where no queuing delay is caused to other URLLC users.

[0063] In URLLC operation, the delay budget does not allow transport - layer retransmissions. Multi - interface diversity can still be achieved by repeating the applied data packets and sending these data packets through sockets attached to different radio - technology communication interfaces. The delay can be determined by the first - arrived data packet, and interface diversity with packet duplication (PD) can be used to improve the reliability of URLLC operation and reduce latency.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to creating a differentiated scheduling policy for configuring multi-connected URLLC UEs using PDCP packet duplication from an anchor node and a duplication node at the PDCP sublayer. The main services and functions of the PDCP sublayer for the user plane include sequence numbering, header compression and decompression, user data transmission, reordering and duplicate detection (if required for in-order delivery to the layer above PDCP), PDCP PDU routing (in the case of split bearers), PDCP SDU retransmission, encryption and decryption, PDCP SDU discard, reconstruction, data recovery, and PDCP PDU duplication. In NR operation, complete PDCP PDUs can be delivered to PDCP from RLC out of order. After PDU reassembly, RLC delivers the PDCP PDU to PDCP. PDCP reordering such as for DC / MC functionality can be enabled if required for in-order delivery to the layer above PDCP (i.e., even in non-DC cases), e.g., because packets may not be in order. Note that in the absence of DC / MC, PDCP does not require reordering as long as RLC provides in-order delivery.

[0065] In Figure 1 is schematically shown a multi-connected operation with data duplication in the downlink direction such as for NR applications. For simplicity, the case of DC operation between two gNBs will be discussed below. The traffic from the core network terminates here and the MgNB 110 that controls PDCP duplication is referred to as the PDCP anchor node, and any other gNB (e.g., Figure 1 the SgNB 120 in

[0066] that provides duplicate PDCP packets for a given UE) is referred to as the PDCP duplication node or the secondary node. When packet 115 arrives at the PDCP anchor gNB 110, it can be duplicated at the PDCP layer, and if so, the duplicate packet 125 is forwarded via the Xn network interface to one or more PDCP duplication gNB nodes. Then, the same data packet (i.e., the PDCP PDU with a given sequence number SN) is independently sent to the same node. The UE 130 communicates packets with the gNB 110 and the SgNB 120 via multiple links (the anchor gNB and the duplication gNB). The RLC / MAC / PHY in the MgNB 110 and the SgNB 120 operate independently, and thus the RRM functions (such as scheduling, link adaptation, and hybrid ARQ operation) are also performed separately within these base station nodes (e.g., the MgNB 110 and / or the SgNB 120).

[0067] Multi-connection (e.g., dual-connection) with PDCP data duplication provides additional redundancy, thus reducing the error probability, because errors in two transmission paths (e.g., from MgNB and SgNB to UE) are usually uncorrelated. The former represents the benefit of using DC with PDCP data duplication in the URLLC scenario. However, unfortunately, such a benefit comes at a cost. The cost is the use of radio resources at two gNBs for the same PDU of a user. In a multi-cell / multi-user system cellular system (e.g., 5G NR), depending on the load conditions of the network, the additional use of radio resources can have various impacts. In the case of low to medium provided load, the cost of using additional radio resources for DC URLLC users is tolerable because there are always unused radio resources. However, as the provided load increases, using additional radio resources for DC URLLC users can lead to undesirable effects, most notably that this can result in additional scheduling queuing delays at the gNB, which is harmful for URLLC type applications due to the associated strict latency budget. Consider the case of scheduling N URLLC users from two gNBs with DC. As N increases, not all N users will be schedulable in the same TTI. If not all UEs are using data duplication, the radio resource consumption per UE will decrease, and thus, more users can be scheduled simultaneously, resulting in a reduced likelihood of queuing delays. In fact, due to the sporadic nature of URLLC traffic and the variation of the radio conditions of the UE (e.g., the experienced SINR), the number of schedulable URLLC users (i.e., those with pending payloads to be sent) is a random process that fluctuates rapidly from TTI to TTI.

[0068] Taking the above into account, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention at least solve the problem of avoiding unnecessary queuing delays for URLLC users at the gNB, and in particular, prevent URLLC users configured with DC from being caused to have queuing delays. According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an enhanced scheduling framework is utilized to solve such a problem, where differentiated scheduling policies are specified for network nodes such as MgNB and SgNB respectively.

[0069] Briefly, aspects of the present invention include using a differentiated scheduling strategy for URLLC UEs configured with DC (using PDCP packet duplication) with MgNB and SgNB. The idea is to use an aggressive MAC layer scheduling strategy from the MgNB to the UE while using a more relaxed scheduling strategy from the SgNB to the UE. Thereby, the repeated PDCP packets routed via the SgNB are less likely to cause queuing delays to other high-priority data flows that also need to be scheduled from the SgNB. Thus, scheduling the UE from the MgNB will mainly be to meet the 5QI (i.e., according to its priority, latency, packet loss rate). The MgNB will indicate to the SgNB the packet forwarding processing that the SgNB should apply to the repeated data forwarded by the MgNB and scheduled via the SgNB. The packet processing will be indicated by signaling the modified QoS parameters, such as parameters in terms of dedicated MAC layer scheduling settings, which have a lower priority but potentially also a higher target packet loss rate.

[0070] As a non-limiting example, this can be translated into the following scenario: The MAC scheduler in the MgNB schedules a URLLC UE with the highest priority and a packet loss rate of 1%, while the scheduler in the SgNB processes the repeated data with medium priority and a packet loss rate of 10%. Thereby, the link from the SgNB to the UE is considered a "safe link" / "backup link" that can be used if possible without causing queuing delays to other high-priority URLLC traffic mainly routed via the SgNB. This essentially means that the cost-effectiveness of DC with PDCP data duplication can be utilized more efficiently.

[0071] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0072] Consider a case where UE#1 (e.g., Figure 4 UE 120 in Figure 2 ) is configured with multi-connection (e.g., DC) using PDCP data duplication between gNB A and gNB B (e.g.,

[0073] SgNB 120 in Figure 4 ). In this case, for UE#1, gNB A is the MgNB, such as Figure 4 gNB 170 in Figure 4gNB 180 in it. There are other UEs connected to these gNBs in the system. In our example, UE#1 has a URLLC type service in the downlink, with a latency budget of X ms when the ultra-reliable target is P. The values of X and P (as examples) can be X = 1 ms or X = 5 ms, where P = 99.999% or P = 99.9%. The values of P and X are signaled from the CN to the MgNB as part of the 5QI.

[0074] At the MgNB, the 5QI information is converted to guide the lower layer MAC scheduler. The MAC scheduler in the MgNB is instructed to schedule the data of UE#1 with a high priority (since it is URLLC) and a relatively low first transmission BLER target. If, for example, X = 1 ms and P = 99.999%, the MAC in the MgNB may aim to achieve a 1% first transmission BLER target because it can provide one HARQ retransmission within the X = 1 ms latency target.

[0075] The MgNB duplicates the packets of UE#1 and forwards them to the SgNB. Further, in order to schedule this duplicated packet at the SgNB for UE#1, when scheduling UE#1, the MgNB also signals the priority level and the BLER target that the SgNB MAC layer should achieve. The MgNB will signal a relatively lower scheduling priority for the SgNB (compared to its priority). The MgNB may signal the priority level, for example, the priority level information of the 5QI. There may also be a higher BLER (e.g., 10% BLER target compared to 1% for the MgNB link). By using a higher BLER target for the transmission from the SgNB, fewer radio resources will be required to send the URLLC payload. The former combined with the lower scheduling priority means that the duplicated data of UE#1 routed via gNB B (e.g., SgNB) has a much lower priority to cause queuing delay to other URLLC users that can be served by gNB B. In addition, the MgNB can also provide the SgNB with an indication of the maximum bandwidth part (BWP) of the spare link to be allocated to UE#1 on the SgNB for energy saving.

[0076] In another exemplary embodiment, if there are no other critical URLLC users that need to be served by gNB B, the duplicated URLLC payload will be urgently scheduled for UE#1 because its priority is higher than other potential best-effort eMBB traffic that can be provided by gNB B. Thus, the proposed invention automatically takes advantage of the benefits of DC with PDCP data duplication when feasible, while minimizing the unnecessary queuing delay caused by PDCP data duplication to other URLLC users in the network.

[0077] Figure 2shows the proposed method according to an exemplary embodiment, which shows the priorities obtained at the MAC scheduler. As Figure 2 shown, there are gNB1 310 and gNB2 320, and these gNBs can be respectively configured as the primary gNB 170 and the secondary gNB 180 as Figure 2 shown. As Figure 2 shown, there is an Xn interface connection between gNB1 and gNB2.

[0078] This Xn interface can be an extension of the X2 interface to support a network interface for radio communication technologies (e.g., NR-NR DC). That is, according to the embodiment, this Xn interface can support the interaction between two gNB1 and gNB2 in NR (while other DC / MC architecture parts of the 3GPP multi-RAT DC / MC series (e.g., E-UTRA-NR dual connection or multi-connection (EN-DC / EN-MC)) can use the X2 interface). Similarly, as Figure 2 shown, UE#1 310 is connected to gNB1 and gNB2, and UE#1 310 performs a dual connection with gNB1 310 and gNB2 320. As Figure 2 shown, gNB1 provides a primary radio branch 335 for emergency (e.g., URLLC) scheduling, and this emergency scheduling includes a 1% BLER target for scheduling URLLC transmissions for UE#1 310 on this branch. gNB2 320 provides a standby radio branch 345 for the dual connection. This standby radio branch 345 is applying a 10% BLER target for scheduling URLLC transmissions for UE#1 310 on this branch. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, there may be other UEs, such as MBB UE#5 330 and MBB UE#4 with a single connection on gNB1 310, and MBE UE#2 and MBB UE#3 with a single connection on gNB2 320. According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication to these UEs can be considered non-critical communication via URLLC signaling. Note that according to an exemplary embodiment, these UEs can also be configured to operate with other dual-connected UEs and receive URLLC transmissions from both gNB1 310 and gNB2 320. In addition, note that when only one node is a gNB and other operable base station nodes are eNBs, and one or more of the base stations can support NR (such as for MCG or SCG bearer splitting in the case of EN-DC), the operations according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be performed.

[0079] It should be noted that although the proposed method has been explained for the case where the MgNB provides the primary radio branch and the SgNB provides the secondary radio branch, the exemplary embodiments allow for the roles of the MgNB and the SgNB to be swapped. The MgNB may signal to the SgNB for a first transmission to handle duplicate packets of UE#1 with high priority and a low BLER target. In this scenario, the SgNB will send an acknowledgement to the MgNB to confirm that it can handle the packets based on the 5QI parameter and high priority of the UE.

[0080] Figure 3a illustrates operations that may be performed by a network device (such as but not limited to a network node gNB 170 as shown in Figure 4 or an eNB such as an MgNB). As shown in step 350 of Figure 3a , a first network node of a communication network determines a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network. Then, as shown in step 360 of Figure 3a , based on the determination, the first network node differentiates the scheduling policy for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation.

[0081] According to the exemplary embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the enhanced type of service includes a ultra-reliable low-latency communication type service.

[0082] According to the exemplary embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the first network node sends duplicate data packets for data packet communication to the second network node, and information including the differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets received at the second network node associated with the multi-connection operation.

[0083] According to the exemplary embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the determination is based on information received by the first network node from the communication network.

[0084] According to the exemplary embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the received information is an indication value including a latency budget of X ms and a packet loss tolerance P associated with the enhanced type of service of the user equipment, and wherein the information includes an indication of whether the second network node should be used as one of the primary link or the secondary link for the duplicate packets associated with the differentiated scheduling.

[0085] According to the exemplary embodiments described in the above paragraphs, based on these values, a block error rate target for data packet communication is determined; and the determined block error rate is used by the first network node for data packet communication.

[0086] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network.

[0087] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the differentiated scheduling policy includes at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling at the second network node.

[0088] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the priority level target of the differentiated scheduling policy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with the data packet communication with the first network node for the repeated packet.

[0089] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication and the repeated packet at the second network node being in competition with the packet communicating with the data packet, the priority level of the competing repeated packet in the differentiated scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packet communicating with the data packet of the primary node.

[0090] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, based on the first network node being the standby node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing repeated packet in the differentiated scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packet communicating with the data packet of the standby node.

[0091] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the block error rate target of the differentiated scheduling policy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with the first network node for the repeated packet.

[0092] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node.

[0093] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation, and the second network node includes an auxiliary base station for multi-connection operation.

[0094] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the first network node receives from the second network node an indication that the second network node will schedule at least some of the repeated packets based on at least some values of the differentiated scheduling policy.

[0095] According to the exemplary embodiment, there is a non-transitory computer-readable medium ( Figure 4 storing the computer program code 153) Figure 4in the memory 155), the program code is executed by at least one processor ( Figure 4 the processor 152 and / or the Comm module 150-1 and / or the Comm module 150-2 in it) to perform the operations described at least in the above paragraphs.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above, there is a device including: for a first network node of a communication network (such as Figure 2 the network 100 in it) to determine (such as Figure 4 the gNB 170 in it), components for a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment (such as Figure 2 the processor 152, the Comm module 150-1 and / or the Comm module 150-2, and the computer program code 153 in it), where the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; and components for differentiating the scheduling policy (such as Figure 4 the processor 152, the Comm module 150-1 and / or the Comm module 150-2, and the computer program code 153 in it) by the first network node ( Figure 4 the gNB170 in it) for a second network node ( Figure 4 the gNB 180 in it) associated with the multi-connection operation. Figure 2 the processor 152, the Comm module 150-1 and / or the Comm module 150-2, and the computer program code 153 in it).

[0097] In an exemplary aspect of the present invention according to the above paragraphs, where at least the components for determination include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as Figure 4 the memory 155 in it) encoded with a computer program ( Figure 4 the computer program code 153 in it) executable by at least one processor (such as Figure 4 the processor 152, the Comm module 150-1 and / or the Comm module 150-2 in it).

[0098] Figure 3b shows operations that can be performed by a network device (such as but not limited to the network node gNB 170 or eNB as shown in Figure 4 ). As shown in step 370 of Figure 3b , the second network node receives information from the first network node, the information including a differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate data packets for data packet communication with the user equipment, where the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network. As shown in Figure 3bAs shown in step 380, based on the differential scheduling strategy, a value including at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target is determined for scheduling duplicate data packets at a second network node for transmission to the user equipment. Then, as Figure 4 as shown in step 390 of b, at least based on the determined value, the duplicate data packets are scheduled for transmission to the user equipment.

[0099] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the enhanced type of service includes a ultra-reliable low-latency communication type service.

[0100] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data duplication for multi-connection operation in the communication network.

[0101] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the priority level target of the differential scheduling strategy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with the data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packet.

[0102] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the block error rate target of the differential scheduling strategy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with the data packet communication with the first network node for the duplicate packet.

[0103] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, based on the first network node being the primary node for data packet communication, and the duplicate packets at the second network node are competing with the packets communicating with the data packet, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differential scheduling strategy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets communicating with the data packet of the primary node.

[0104] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, based on the first network node being the standby node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differential scheduling strategy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets communicating with the data packet of the standby node.

[0105] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node.

[0106] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the second network node includes an auxiliary base station for multi-connection operation, and the first network node includes a primary base station for multi-connection operation.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment as described in the above paragraphs, an indication is sent by the second network node to the first network node that the second network node is to schedule at least some of the repetitive packets based on at least some values ​​of the differentiated scheduling policy.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment, there is a stored program code ( Figure 4 A non-transitory computer readable medium ( Figure 4 The program code is executed by at least one processor ( Figure 4 The processor 182 and / or the Comm module 180-1 and / or the Comm module 199) in the system execute to perform operations as described at least in the above paragraphs.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above, there is an apparatus comprising: a second network node (such as Figure 2 gNB 180 in the example Figure 4 gNB 170 in receives (such as Figure 4 RRH205 in; processor 182; Comm module 180-1 and / or Comm module 199; and computer program code 193) information component, wherein the information includes a differentiated scheduling strategy for scheduling repeated data packets for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use (such as) for multiple connection operations in the communication network. Figure 4 Processor 182 in; Comm module 180-1 and / or Comm module 199; and computer program code 193) enhanced type of service; for determining (such as Figure 4 Processor 182 in; Comm module 180-1 and / or Comm module 199; and computer program code 193) includes a value of at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for use in a second network node (such as Figure 4 a component for scheduling repetitive data packets for transmission to the user equipment at a gNB 180 in the gNB; and a component for scheduling repetitive packets for transmission to the user equipment based at least on the determined value.

[0110] In an exemplary aspect of the invention according to the above paragraphs, at least the means for receiving, determining, and scheduling include a program encoded with a program executable by at least one processor (e.g., Figure 4 The computer program ( Figure 4 A non-transitory computer readable medium ( Figure 4 Memory 195 in.

[0111] In addition, to describe an apparatus that can be configured to execute an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described herein, reference is made to Figure 4 , which shows a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices suitable for practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A block diagram of one possible non-limiting exemplary system in which an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be practiced is shown. In Figure 4 , a user equipment (UE) 110 communicates wirelessly with a wireless network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network and is typically a mobile device. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected by one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnect mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers, or other optical communication devices, etc. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more transceivers 130 have a multi-connection configuration and communicate via the wireless network 100 or any other network. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 may include a communication Comm module 140-1, which may be configured to execute an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described herein. The Comm module 140-1 (according to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, the acronym D / R refers to PDCP detection and reporting) may include one or both of part 140-1 and / or the Comm module 140-2, and these modules may be implemented in various ways. The Comm module 140-1 may be implemented in hardware, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. The Comm module 140-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the Comm module 140-1 may be implemented as the Comm module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, together with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more operations described herein. The UE 110 communicates with the gNB 170 and the gNB 180 via a wireless link 111. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface associated with this wireless link 111 can be used for, for example, Xn and / or X2 communication described herein.

[0112] gNB 170 (NR / 5G NodeB or possible evolved NB) is a base station such as an auxiliary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution), which communicates with devices such as Figure 4 gNB 180 and UE 110 in. gNB 170 enables wireless devices (e.g., UE 110) to access the wireless network 100. gNB 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected by one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. gNB 170 includes a Comm module 150-1, which is configured to execute the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described herein. The Comm module 150-1 may include one or both of part 150-1 and / or Comm module 150-2, and these modules may be implemented in various ways. The Comm module 150-1 may be implemented in hardware, for example, as part of one or more processors 152. The Comm module 150-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the repeating D / R module 150-1 may be implemented as Comm 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 may be configured to cause gNB 170 to perform one or more operations described herein together with one or more processors 152. The one or more network interfaces 161 and 191 and the one or more transceivers 160 have a multi-connection configuration and communicate via the wireless network 100 or any other network. Such communication may be performed between gNB 170, gNB 180, and UE 110 via links 176 and 111. Additionally, two or more gNB 170s may communicate with another gNB or eNB using, for example, link 176. Link 176 may be a wired and / or wireless link and may implement, for example, the X2 interface. Furthermore, link 176 may pass through other network devices such as, but not limited to, NCE / MME / SGW devices such as Figure 4 NCE / MME / SGW 190 in.

[0113] gNB 180 (NR / 5G Node B or possible evolved NB) is a base station such as a master node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution) that communicates with devices such as gNB 170 and / or UE 110 and / or wireless network 100. gNB 180 includes one or more processors 182, one or more memories 195, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 191, and one or more transceivers 190 interconnected by one or more buses 187. Each of the one or more transceivers 190 includes a receiver Rx 192 and a transmitter Tx 183. The one or more transceivers 190 are connected to one or more antennas 185. The one or more transceivers 190 have a multi-connection configuration and communicate via wireless network 100 or any other network. The one or more memories 195 include computer program code 193. gNB 180 also includes a Comm module 199 that is configured to execute the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described herein. The Comm module 199 can be implemented in hardware as a duplicate D / R module 180-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 182. The duplicate D / R module 180-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the Comm module 180-1 can be implemented as the Comm module 199, which is implemented as computer program code 193 and executed by one or more processors 182. For example, the one or more memories 155 and computer program code 153 are configured to cause gNB 180 to perform one or more operations described herein together with one or more processors 182. The one or more network interfaces 181 communicate on the network via, for example, link 176. Two or more gNBs 170 or gNB 180 can communicate with another gNB and / or eNB or any other device using, for example, link 176. Link 176 can be a wired and / or wireless link and can implement, for example, the X2 interface. Additionally, as described above, link 176 can pass through other network devices, such as but not limited to NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as Figure 4 the NCE / MME / SGW 190 in

[0114] One or more buses 157 and 187 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnection mechanism such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers 160 and / or 190 can be implemented as remote radio heads (RRHs) 203 and / or 205, while other elements of gNB 170 are physically located at a different location from the RRHs, and one or more buses 157 can be partially implemented as fiber optic cables to connect the other elements of gNB 170 to the RRHs. Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, (RRH) 203 and / or 205 can be used for Xn and / or X2 communication, such as for the communication described herein.

[0115] Note that the description herein indicates that a "cell" performs functions, but it should be clear that the gNB forming the cell will perform these functions. A cell forms part of a gNB. That is, each gNB can have multiple cells.

[0116] Wireless network 100 can include a network control unit (NCE) 190, which can include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions and provide connection to other networks (e.g., a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet)). gNB 170 is coupled to NCE 190 via link 131. gNB 180 is coupled to NCE 190 via link 200. Additionally, gNB 180 is coupled to gNB 170 via link 176. Links 131, 176, and / or 200 can be implemented for, e.g., the S1 interface, Xn, and / or X2 communication.

[0117] NCE 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 197 interconnected by one or more buses and coupled to link 185. One or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. One or more memories 171 and computer program code 173 are configured to, together with one or more processors 175, cause NCE 190 to perform one or more operations required to support the operations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] The wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is typically combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization can be classified into external virtualization (combining multiple networks or parts of a network into a virtual unit) or internal virtualization (providing network-like functions to software containers on a single system). Note that hardware (e.g., processors 152, 182, or 175 and memories 155, 195, and 171) is still used at a certain level to implement the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization, and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0119] The computer-readable memories 125, 155, 171, and 195 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, flash memories, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memories, and removable memories. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, 171, and 195 can be components for performing storage functions. The processors 125, 155, 171, and 195 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include, as non-limiting examples, a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and one or more in a processor-based multi-core processor architecture. The processors 120, 152, 175, and 182 can be components for performing functions such as controlling the UE 110, gNB 170, gNB 180, and other functions described herein.

[0120] Generally, various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular phones (such as smart phones), tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices (e.g., digital cameras with wireless communication capabilities), game devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, Internet devices that allow wireless Internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals integrating combinations of such functions.

[0121] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented using hardware or a specific circuit, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented using hardware, while other aspects may be implemented using firmware or software executed by a controller, a microprocessor, or other computing device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the various aspects of the present invention may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it will be readily understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented as non-limiting examples using hardware, software, firmware, a specific circuit or logic, general hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0122] Embodiments of the present invention may be practiced using various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of an integrated circuit is generally a highly automated process. Sophisticated and powerful software tools can be used to transform a logic-level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0123] The term "exemplary" as used herein is intended to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described in this detailed description are exemplary embodiments for enabling those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention defined by the claims.

[0124] The foregoing description has provided a comprehensive and detailed description of the best methods and apparatuses currently contemplated by the inventors for practicing the present invention by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0125] It should be noted that the terms "connected", "coupled", or any variant thereof mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between the two elements "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections and by using electromagnetic energy (e.g., electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (visible and invisible) region as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples).

[0126] In addition, some features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be advantageously used without correspondingly using other features. Thus, the foregoing description should be considered merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not as limiting thereof.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing a scheduling policy, comprising: determining, by a first network node of a communication network, a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; and differentiating, based on the determination, the scheduling policy by the first network node for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation, wherein the second network node schedules duplicate data packets of data packets scheduled by the first network node, the scheduling policy includes scheduling the user equipment to meet the quality of service required for the enhanced type of service, and the differentiated scheduling policy includes a modification of the quality of service required for the enhanced type of service.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The enhanced type of service includes a ultra-reliable low-latency communication type service.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising: sending, by the first network node, information to the second network node, the information including the differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate packets associated with the multi-connection operation received at the second network node.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The determination is based on information received by the first network node from the communication network.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The received information indicates a delay budget X ms and a value of packet loss tolerance P associated with the enhanced type of service of the user equipment, and wherein the information includes an indication of whether the second network node should be used as one of a primary link or a backup link for duplicate packets associated with the differentiated scheduling.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The differentiated scheduling policy includes at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for the scheduling at the second network node.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: receiving, by the first network node, from the second network node an indication that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets associated with the multi-connection operation based on at least some values of the differentiated scheduling policy.

9. A first network node of a communication network, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first network node to at least: determine a scheduling policy for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network; and differentiate, based on the determination, the scheduling policy for a second network node associated with the multi-connection operation, wherein the second network node schedules duplicate data packets of data packets scheduled by the first network node, the scheduling policy includes scheduling the user equipment to meet the quality of service required for the enhanced type of service, and the differentiated scheduling policy includes a modification of the quality of service required for the enhanced type of service.

10. The first network node according to claim 9, wherein, The enhanced type of service includes ultra-reliable low-latency communication type service.

11. The first network node according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one memory storing the computer program code is configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first network node to: Send information to the second network node, the information including a differentiated scheduling policy for scheduling duplicate packets received at the second network node and associated with the multi-connection operation.

12. The first network node according to claim 9, wherein, The determination is based on information received by the first network node from the communication network.

13. The first network node according to claim 12, wherein, The received information indicates values of a latency budget X ms and a packet loss tolerance P associated with the enhanced type of service of the user equipment, and wherein the information includes an indication of whether the second network node should be used as one of a primary link or a secondary link for duplicate packets associated with differentiated scheduling.

14. The first network node according to claim 9, wherein, The differentiated scheduling policy includes at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for the scheduling at the second network node.

15. The first network node according to claim 14, wherein, The priority level target of the differentiated scheduling policy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than a priority level target associated with communication of data packets of the first network node for duplicate packets associated with the multi-connection operation, and wherein the block error rate target of the differentiated scheduling policy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than a block error rate target associated with the first network node for the duplicate packets.

16. The first network node according to claim 15, wherein, Based on the first network node being a primary node for data packet communication and duplicate packets at the second network node being in packet competition with the data packet communication, the priority level of the competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication of the primary node, and wherein, based on the first network node being a secondary node for data packet communication, the priority level of any competing duplicate packets in the differentiated scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication of the secondary node.

17. The first network node according to claim 11, wherein, The information includes an indication of a maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node.

18. The first network node according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The first network node includes a primary base station for the multi-connection operation, and the second network node includes a secondary base station for the multi-connection operation.

19. The first network node according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein, The at least one memory storing the computer program code is configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first network node to: Receive from the second network node an indication that the second network node will schedule at least some of the duplicate packets associated with the multi-connection operation based on at least some values of a differentiated scheduling policy.

20. A second network node of a communication network, comprising: At least one processor; And At least one memory storing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second network node to at least: Receive information from a first network node, the information including a differential scheduling policy for scheduling repeated packets for data packet communication with a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to use an enhanced type of service for multi-connection operation in the communication network, and wherein a second network node schedules repeated data packets of the data packets scheduled by the first network node, the scheduling policy including scheduling the user equipment to meet the quality of service required by the enhanced type of service, and the differential scheduling policy including a modification of the quality of service required by the enhanced type of service; Based on the differential scheduling policy, determine a value including at least one of a priority level target and a block error rate target for scheduling the repeated packets at the second network node for transmission to the user equipment; and Schedule the repeated packets for transmission to the user equipment based at least on the determined value.

21. The second network node according to claim 20, wherein, The enhanced type of service includes a ultra-reliable low-latency communication type service.

22. The second network node according to claim 20, wherein, The user equipment is configured to use packet data convergence protocol data repetition for the multi-connection operation in the communication network.

23. The second network node according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The priority level target of the differential scheduling policy includes one of a priority level lower or higher than the priority level target associated with the data packet communication with the first network node for the repeated packets, and wherein the block error rate target of the differential scheduling policy includes one of a block error rate target higher or lower than the block error rate target associated with the data packet communication with the first network node for the repeated packets.

24. The second network node according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, Based on the first network node being the primary node for the data packet communication and the repeated packets at the second network node being in contention with the packets of the data packet communication, the priority level of the contending repeated packets in the differential scheduling policy is lower than the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the primary node, and wherein based on the first network node being the secondary node for the data packet communication, the priority level of any contending repeated packets in the differential scheduling policy is the same as the priority level associated with the packets of the data packet communication with the secondary node.

25. The second network node according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The information includes an indication of the maximum bandwidth to be allocated to the user equipment at the second network node.

26. The second network node according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The at least one memory storing the computer program code is configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second network node to: Send an indication to the first network node that the second network node will schedule at least some of the repeated packets based on at least some values of the differential scheduling policy.

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