Signaling optimization

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus comprising components for performing the following: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in a format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in a format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communications, and more particularly to apparatus, methods, and computer programs for signaling optimization in a communications system. Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more devices (such as user terminals, machine-type terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing a communication channel for carrying information between the communication devices. A communication system can be provided, for example, by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. Communication can include, for example, data communication for carrying data for voice, electronic mail (email), text messaging, multimedia, and / or content data communication. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems (such as the Internet).

[0003] In a wireless system, at least some of the communication occurs over a radio interface. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local area networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Local area wireless network technology that allows devices to connect to a data network is known as WiFi (or Wi-Fi). WiFi and WLAN are often used synonymously. Wireless systems can be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems. A base station provides at least one cell.

[0004] A user can access a communication system through an appropriate communication device or terminal capable of communicating with a base station. Therefore, a node such as a base station is often referred to as an access point. A user's communication device is often referred to as a user equipment (UE). The communication device is provided with appropriate signal reception and transmission means to enable communication, for example, with the base station and / or directly with other user equipment. The communication device can communicate on an appropriate channel, for example, a channel on which a listening station (e.g., a cell's base station) transmits.

[0005] A communication system and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that specifies what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how this should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters applied to the connection are also typically defined. Non-limiting examples of standardized radio access technologies include GSM (Global System for Mobile), EDGE (Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution) Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), and New Radio (NR). An example communication system architecture is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. LTE is standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE adopts the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access and its further development, which is sometimes referred to as Advanced LTE (LTE-A).

[0006] Since the introduction of fourth-generation (4G) services, there has been growing interest in the next-generation, or fifth-generation (5G) standard. 5G may also be referred to as New Radio (NR) networks.

[0007] As the radio capabilities of E-UTRA and NR UEs increase, this disclosure has identified the need for an efficient method to signal UE capability information over the radio interface. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing the following: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

[0009] According to some examples, the core network node includes a mobility management entity, or access and mobility management function.

[0010] According to some examples, the apparatus comprises a source radio access node of a user equipment, the apparatus operating according to a first radio access technology.

[0011] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0012] According to some examples, the component is further configured to perform receiving a radio capability identifier of the user equipment from the core network node, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information.

[0013] According to some examples, the component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

[0015] According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing the following: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first radio access network node, the first radio capability information being in a format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information being in a format of a second radio access technology; providing the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a user equipment radio capability management function, and in response, receiving a radio capability identifier of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; and sending the radio capability identifier of the user equipment to the first radio access network node.

[0016] According to some examples, the first radio access network node comprises a source radio access network node for the user equipment.

[0017] According to some examples, the apparatus includes a mobility management entity, or an access and mobility management function.

[0018] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0019] According to some examples, the component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first radio access network node, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology; providing the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a user equipment radio capability management function, and in response, receiving a radio capability identifier of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; and sending the radio capability identifier of the user equipment to the first radio access network node.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect, a device is provided, comprising a component for performing the following: initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment radio capability identifier; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving one or both of first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0022] According to some examples, the component is further configured to perform initiating a radio capability acquisition procedure by sending a request to a core network node.

[0023] According to some examples, the apparatus comprises a radio access node of the second radio access technology, or comprises a radio access node of the first radio access technology supporting dual connectivity with a radio access node of the first radio access technology.

[0024] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0025] According to some examples, the component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the device to at least perform: initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment radio capability identifier; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect, a device is provided, comprising components for performing the following: sending a request for radio capability information of a user equipment to a user equipment radio capability management function; receiving one or both of first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment wireless capability management function in response to the request, wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending one or both of the received first radio capability information and second radio capability information to a target radio access node of the user equipment.

[0028] According to some examples, the apparatus includes a mobility management entity, or an access and mobility management function.

[0029] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0030] According to some examples, the component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0031] According to an eighth aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: sending a request for radio capability information of a user equipment to a user equipment radio capability management function; in response to the request, receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending one or both of the received first radio capability information and second radio capability information to a target radio access node of the user equipment.

[0032] According to a ninth aspect, a device is provided, comprising components for performing the following: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first core network node, wherein the first radio capability information is formatted according to a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is formatted according to a second radio access technology; causing an association to be made at the device between a radio capability identifier of the user equipment and the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; storing the association at the device; and in response to receiving a request including the radio capability identifier from the second core network node, sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to the second core network node.

[0033] According to some examples, the component is further configured to send a radio capability identifier associated with the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information of the user equipment to the first core network node.

[0034] According to some examples, the component is further configured to perform selectively sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to the second core network node.

[0035] According to some examples, the apparatus includes a user equipment radio capability management function.

[0036] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0037] According to some examples, the first core network node includes one of a mobility management entity and an access and mobility management function, and the second core network node includes the other of the mobility management entity and the access and mobility management function.

[0038] According to some examples, the component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0039] According to the tenth aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first core network node, wherein the first radio capability information is formatted according to a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information is formatted according to a second radio access technology; causing an association to be performed at the device between a radio capability identifier of the user equipment and the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; storing the association at the device; and in response to receiving a request including a radio capability identifier from a second core network node, sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to another second device.

[0040] According to an eleventh aspect, a device is provided, comprising components for transmitting first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the device to a radio access node; and wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0041] According to some examples, the transmission is in response to a request received from the radio access node.

[0042] According to some examples, the apparatus includes user equipment.

[0043] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0044] According to some examples, the component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0045] According to a twelfth aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: sending first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the device to a radio access node; and wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0046] According to the thirteenth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

[0047] According to some examples, the core network node includes a mobility management entity, or access and mobility management function.

[0048] According to some examples, the method is performed by an apparatus comprising a source radio access node of a user equipment, the apparatus operating according to a first radio access technology.

[0049] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0050] According to some examples, the method includes receiving a radio capability identifier of a user equipment from a core network node, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information.

[0051] According to a fourteenth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first radio access network node, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology; providing the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a user equipment radio capability management function, and in response, receiving a radio capability identifier of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; and sending the radio capability identifier of the user equipment to the first radio access network node.

[0052] According to some examples, the first radio access network node comprises a source radio access network node for the user equipment.

[0053] According to some examples, the method is performed by an apparatus comprising a mobility management entity or an access and mobility management function.

[0054] According to some examples, the first radio capability information is encoded in one of a long term evolution format and a new radio format, and the second radio capability information is encoded in another of the long term evolution format and the new radio format.

[0055] According to the fifteenth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: at a device, initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment radio capability identifier; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving one or both of first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0056] According to some examples, the method includes initiating a radio capability acquisition procedure by sending a request to a core network node.

[0057] According to some examples, the apparatus comprises a radio access node of a first radio access technology.

[0058] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0059] According to the sixteenth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: sending a request for radio capability information of a user equipment to a radio capability management function of a user equipment; receiving one or both of first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the user equipment from the radio capability management function in response to the request, wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending one or both of the received first radio capability information and second radio capability information to a target radio access node of the user equipment.

[0060] According to some examples, the method is performed by an apparatus comprising a mobility management entity or an access and mobility management function.

[0061] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0062] According to a seventeenth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving, at a device, first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first core network node, wherein the first radio capability information is formatted according to a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is formatted according to a second radio access technology; causing an association to be made at the device between a radio capability identifier of the user equipment and the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; storing the association at the device; and in response to receiving a request including the radio capability identifier from the second core network node, sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to another second device.

[0063] According to some examples, the method includes sending a radio capability identifier associated with the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information of the user equipment to the first core network node.

[0064] According to some examples, the method includes selectively sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to the second core network node.

[0065] According to some examples, the method is performed by an apparatus comprising a user equipment radio capability management function.

[0066] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0067] According to some examples, the first core network node and the second core network node include one of a mobility management entity and an access and mobility management function.

[0068] According to the eighteenth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: at a device, transmitting first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the device to a radio access node; wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0069] According to some examples, the transmission is in response to a request received from the radio access node.

[0070] According to some examples, the apparatus includes user equipment.

[0071] According to some examples, the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

[0072] According to the nineteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

[0073] According to the twentieth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

[0074] According to aspect twenty-first, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first radio access network node, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology; providing the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a user equipment radio capability management function, and in response, receiving a radio capability identifier of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; and sending the radio capability identifier of the user equipment to the first radio access network node.

[0075] According to aspect twenty-second, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first radio access network node, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology; providing the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a user equipment radio capability management function, and in response, receiving a radio capability identifier of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; and sending the radio capability identifier of the user equipment to the first radio access network node.

[0076] According to aspect twenty-third, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment registered with the apparatus; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving one or both of first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0077] According to aspect twenty-four, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being used to at least perform the following: initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment registered with an apparatus; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving one or both of first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0078] According to the twenty-fifth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment registered with the apparatus; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving one or both of first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0079] According to aspect twenty-six, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following: initiating a user equipment radio capability information acquisition process for a user equipment registered with an apparatus; and in response to the radio capability acquisition process, receiving one or both of first radio capability information of the user equipment and second radio capability information of the user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology, and the second radio capability information being in the format of a second radio access technology.

[0080] According to aspect twenty-seven, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: sending a request for radio capability information of a user equipment to a user equipment radio capability management function; receiving, in response to the request, one or both of first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending one or both of the received first radio capability information and second radio capability information to a target radio access node of the user equipment.

[0081] According to aspect twenty-eight, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: sending a request for radio capability information of a user equipment to a user equipment radio capability management function; receiving, in response to the request, one or both of first radio capability information and second radio capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment radio capability management function, wherein the first radio capability information is in the format of a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending one or both of the received first radio capability information and second radio capability information to a target radio access node of the user equipment.

[0082] According to aspect twenty-ninth, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first core network node, wherein the first radio capability information is formatted according to a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is formatted according to a second radio access technology; causing an association to be made at the device between a radio capability identifier of the user equipment and the first radio capability and the second radio capability information; storing the association at the device; and in response to receiving a request including a radio capability identifier from a second core network node, sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to another second device.

[0083] According to the thirtieth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receiving first radio capability information and second radio capability information of a user equipment from a first core network node, wherein the first radio capability information is formatted according to a first radio access technology and the second radio capability information is formatted according to a second radio access technology; causing an association to be performed at the apparatus between a radio capability identifier of the user equipment and the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information; storing the association at the apparatus; and in response to receiving a request including a radio capability identifier from a second core network node, sending one or both of the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to another second apparatus.

[0084] According to aspect thirty-first, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node.

[0085] According to aspect thirty-second, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receiving first radio capability information from a user device, the first radio capability information being in the format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user device based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated in the format of a second radio access technology; and sending the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to a core network node. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which, by way of example only:

[0087] Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a wireless communication system in which the present invention may be implemented;

[0088] Figures 2A to 2C shows a RAC architecture according to some examples;

[0089] Figure 3 shows a signaling diagram according to an example;

[0090] Figure 4 shows a signaling diagram according to an example;

[0091] Figure 5shows a signaling diagram according to an example;

[0092] Figure 6 shows a signaling diagram according to an example;

[0093] Figure 7 shows the structure of information elements according to an example;

[0094] Figure 8 A flow chart according to an example is shown;

[0095] Figure 9 A flow chart according to an example is shown;

[0096] Figure 10 A flow chart according to an example is shown;

[0097] Figure 11 A flow chart according to an example is shown;

[0098] Figure 12 A communication device according to an example is shown;

[0099] Figure 13 A control device according to an example is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figure 1 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems are briefly explained to aid understanding of the technology underlying the described examples.

[0101] In a wireless communication system 100 (such as Figure 1 ), wireless communication devices (e.g. user equipment (UE) or MTC devices 102, 104, 105) are provided with wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmission and / or reception wireless infrastructure node or point. For example, such a node may be a base station or eNodeB (eNB), or in 5G systems a next generation NodeB (gNB), or other wireless infrastructure node. These nodes are generally referred to as base stations. Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller device in order to be able to operate them and to manage mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (e.g. network 113) and may be implemented as one central device or its functionality may be distributed over several devices. The controller device may be part of a base station and / or provided by a separate entity (such as a radio network controller). In Figure 1In FIG, control means 108 and 109 are shown as controlling respective macro-level base stations 106 and 107. In some systems, the control means may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations of systems based on technologies such as 5G or New Radio, wireless local area networks (WLAN), and / or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). A base station may provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area.

[0102] exist Figure 1 , base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wired communication network 113 via a gateway 112. Further gateway functionality may be provided to connect to another network.

[0103] Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may also be connected to network 113, for example, via a separate gateway function and / or via a macro-level base station controller. Base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be pico- or femto-level base stations, etc. In this example, stations 116 and 118 are connected via gateway 111, while station 120 is connected via controller device 108. In some embodiments, smaller base stations may not be provided.

[0104] In some examples, network 113 may be a core network (CN). The CN may include, for example, a CN node, schematically shown at 132. For example, CN node 132 may include an MME or an AMF.

[0105] As briefly mentioned above, as the range of UE radio capabilities increases (e.g., driven by additional frequency bands for E-UTRA and NR and their combination), it is beneficial for the UE to have an efficient way to signal UE radio access capability information over the radio interface and other network interfaces. Currently, the way a UE signals its radio capabilities is defined using RAC (UE Radio Capability Signaling Optimization).

[0106] Figure 2A An example RAC architecture 200 for EPS (Evolved Packet System) is shown in FIG. RAC 200 shows UE 204 connected to E-UTRAN 230 via an LTE-Uu interface. Mobility Management Entity (MME) 232 is connected to E-UTRAN 230 via an S1-MME interface. UE Radio Capability Management Function (UCMF) 234 is connected to MME 232 via an S17 interface.

[0107] RAC works by assigning an identifier to represent a set of UE radio capabilities. This identifier is called the UE Radio Capability ID or RAC-ID. The UE Radio Capability ID is an alternative to the radio capability container through one or more of the following signaling: radio interfaces; between the UE and the core network (CN); within radio access network (RAN) nodes (e.g., eNB, gNB, ng-eNB); from the RAN to the core network (CN) (e.g., MME, AMF (Access Management Function)); from the CN to the RAN; and between CN nodes supporting RAC.

[0108] UCMF 234 stores all UE radio capability ID mappings in a public land mobile network (PLMN). UCMF 234 is responsible for assigning each PLMN-assigned UE radio capability ID in this PLMN.

[0109] To be able to interpret the UE radio capability ID, a network entity or node (e.g., eNB, gNB, ng-eNB, MME, or AMF) may store a local copy of the mapping between the UE radio capability ID and its corresponding UE radio access capability information (also referred to as UE radio capability IE (Information Element)). In some examples, the UE radio access capability IE is exchanged during the UE capability transfer procedure (see section 5.6 of 3GPP TS 38.331). The local copy may be referred to as a "dictionary entry." When no mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the corresponding UE radio capability information is available in a network entity or node, the network entity or node should be able to obtain it and store it.

[0110] In some examples, during the UE's "attach" or "registration" process with the network, the UE provides the UE radio capability ID to the RAN / CN (if the UE has a UE radio capability ID). During the handover process, the UE radio capability ID is transferred from the source RAN node to the target RAN node.

[0111] Figure 2B An example of a RAC architecture 200' for a 5G Core (5G Core) is shown. In this example, a UE 204 is connected to an (R)AN 236. An AMF 238 is connected to the UE 204 via the N1 interface, and the AMF 238 is connected to the (R)AN 236 via the N2 interface. The AMF 238 is connected to the UCMF 234 via the N55 interface. The UCMF 234 is connected to the Network Exposure Function (NEF) 240 via the N56 interface, and the UCMF 234 is connected to the Application Function (AF) 242 via the N57 interface. The NEF 240 and AF 242 are connected to each other via the N58 interface.

[0112] Figure 2CAn example of a RAC architecture 200 for 5GC in a roaming scenario is shown. The home PLMN is shown at 250 and the visited PLMN is shown at 252. In the VPLMN 252, the UE is shown at 204 and the RAN is shown at 236. Both the UE 204 and the RAN 236 are connected to the AMF 238 in the VPLMN 252. The UCMF is shown at 234, the NEF is shown at 240, and the AF is shown at 246.

[0113] Discussions regarding different radio capabilities octet values ​​across radio access technologies (RATs) have been discussed by Samsung in 3GPP document S2-2000839 (see the discussion section in point 2 of S2-2000839). The observation made in S2-2000839 is that since the target RAN node is unaware of the encoding style of the UE radio capabilities when receiving them from the CN, it can cause failures in the process. In light of this, S2-2000839 recommends that whenever the UCMF creates an entry in the database, it should also include the RAT type (E-UTRA or NG-RAN) in which the UE radio capabilities are encoded. Therefore, when the RAC-ID is queried (from any node in the network), the combination of the UE radio capabilities and the RAT type (in which the UE radio capabilities are encoded) is available, not just the UE radio capabilities. It is the target RAN node's responsibility to convert the UE radio capabilities into a format it understands before using them.

[0114] This disclosure has identified some shortcomings of the proposal in S2-2000839. More specifically, the following issues have been identified:

[0115] Proposal S2-2000839 requires the target RAN node to decode the received Radio Capabilities IE based on the source RAN node. This runs counter to the principle that the source RAN node should adapt to the target RAN node during an inter-RAT HO. Currently, the source RAN node generates a source-to-target transparent container based on the target node's RAT type.

[0116] Proposal S2-2000839 requires the gNB to decode the UE Radio Capabilities IE in 3GPP TS 36.331 format. When a UE first attaches via an eNB, the UE Radio Capabilities in 3GPP TS 36.331 format are provided to the CN. This does not apply to gNBs that do not support handover between 4G and 5G. Therefore, such gNBs do not have the capability to decode the IE in TS 36.331 format.

[0117] Similarly, for eNBs, the eNB needs to decode the UE Radio Capabilities IE in 3GPP TS 38.331 format. When a UE first registers with a gNB, the UE Radio Capabilities in TS 38.331 format are provided to the CN. This does not apply to eNBs that do not support handover between 4G and 5G. Therefore, such eNBs do not have the ability to decode IEs in TS 38.331 format.

[0118] As will be discussed in more detail below, the present disclosure proposes a way to transfer and maintain UE radio capabilities while maintaining the "source adapts to target" principle. Figure 3 An overview of the proposed process is provided.

[0119] Figure 3 3 is a signaling diagram showing signaling between a UE 302, a first RAN node 306 or RAN node 1 306 (which may be a source RAN node in some examples), a second RAN node 307 or RAN node 2 307 (which may be a target RAN node in some examples), a UCMF 334, and core networks (CNs) 360 and 362. CN 360 is connected to the first RAN node 306, and CN 362 is connected to the second RAN node 307. The first RAN node 306 operates according to a first RAT, and the second RAN node 307 operates according to a second RAT. The first RAT is different from the second RAT. For example, the first RAT may be Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), and the second RAT may be NR radio access, or vice versa. Figure 3 An example is in the context of a handover, where the UE 302 is being handed over from a first RAN node 306 to a second RAN node 307 .

[0120] At S1, UE 302 provides UE radio capabilities information to first RAN node 306. In some examples, the term "UE radio access capabilities information" may be used over the air interface, while the term "UE radio capabilities information" may be used over other interfaces. In either case, it will be understood that it refers to information related to the radio capabilities of the user equipment. According to some examples, S1 may be part of an attach or registration procedure. The radio capabilities information sent at S1 may be considered first radio capabilities information. The first UE radio capabilities information is encoded according to a first RAT. For example, when the first RAT is E-UTRA, the first radio capabilities information is encoded according to E-UTRA air interface specification TS 36.331. Alternatively, UE 302 provides the first UE radio capabilities information encoded according to the first RAT and the second UE radio capabilities information encoded according to a second RAT. In some examples, upon request from first RAN node 306, UE 302 may also provide both the first UE radio capabilities information encoded according to the first RAT and the second UE radio capabilities information encoded according to the second RAT. For example, the first radio capability information is encoded according to the E-UTRA air interface specification TS 36.331, and the second radio capability information is encoded according to the NR air interface specification TS 38.331.

[0121] Based on the UE capability information received in S1, in S2, the first RAN node 306 generates second UE radio capability information (for UE 302). The second UE radio capability information is encoded according to the second RAT (i.e., so that it can be understood / decoded by the second RAN node 307). For example, when the second RAT is NR access, the second radio capability information is encoded according to the NR air interface specification TS38.331. Alternatively, when UE 302 provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information in S1, S2 is not performed.

[0122] At S3 , the first RAN node 306 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network 360 .

[0123] Then, at S4 , the core network 360 forwards the received first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information to the UCMF 334 .

[0124] At S5, the UCMF 334 associates the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information with a single UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID) for the UE 302. The association is stored at the UCMF 334.

[0125] At S6, UCMF 334 provides a single UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID) to core network 360. Core network 360 stores the RAC-ID in association with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information.

[0126] At S7, the core network 360 provides a single UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID) to the first RAN node 306. The first RAN node 306 stores the association of the RAC-ID with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information. The first RAN node 306 uses the stored RAC-ID for further operations with the UE, such as for a later handover. The core network 360 also provides the single UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID) to the UE 302 (not shown).

[0127] As schematically shown in S8 , UE 302 is handed over from RAN node 1 306 to RAN node 2 307 .

[0128] The handover can be an X2 / Xn-based handover or an S1 / N2-based handover. RAN node 1 306 provides the UE radio capability ID to RAN node 2 307 via handover signaling (eg, S1 / N2 handover preparation procedure and handover resource allocation).

[0129] At S9, RAN node 2 307 does not have a mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the corresponding UE radio capability information. RAN node 2 307 initiates a retrieval process to obtain this mapping from the core network. When the core network is an MME, this process is performed over the S1 interface. When the core network is an AMF, this process is performed over the N2 interface.

[0130] In another example, when the RAN node 2 307 has a mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the corresponding UE radio capability information, the following steps are not performed.

[0131] At S10, CN 362 requests UE radio capability information for the UE radio capability ID from UCMF 334. The request includes the UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID). This may be performed during core network node reallocation, where the new core network node does not have a mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the corresponding UE radio capability information. Core network reallocation may occur, for example, for any one or more of the following: when the UE moves out of the service area of ​​the current core network and into the service area of ​​a new core network; when the UE is handed over from a first RAN node to a second RAN node; or when the UE is in an IDLE state and connected to a second RAN node.

[0132] In another example, when the CN 362 has a mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the corresponding UE radio capability information, S10 and S11 are not performed.

[0133] In response, at S11, UCMF 334 provides UE radio capability information of the UE radio capability ID to CN 362. CN 362 stores the UE radio capability ID and associates the UE radio capability ID with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information.

[0134] In some examples, the manner in which the UCMF 334 provides the UE radio capability information to the CN 362 depends on one or more circumstances. In one example, the one or more circumstances include which entity in the CN has requested the UE radio capability information at S10. For example, if the UE radio capability information has been requested by an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in the CN 362, and the RAN (controlled by the AMF) includes at least one gNB and at least one ng-eNB (eNB operating in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity or NR-E-UTRA dual connectivity), the UCMF 334 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the CN 362 (e.g., to the AMF). In another example, if the request at S10 comes from an MME, and the RAN node includes one or more eNBs and at least one en-gNB (gNB operating in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity), the UCMF 334 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the MME in the CN 362. In another example, if the request at S10 comes from the AMF and the RAN only includes one or more gNBs, UCMF 334 provides only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the AMF in CN 362. For example, UCMF 334 provides only the UE radio capability information encoded in accordance with NR air interface specification TS 38.331. In another example, if the request at S10 comes from the MME and the RAN only includes one or more eNBs, UCMF 334 provides only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the MME in CN 362. For example, UCMF 334 provides only the UE radio capability information encoded in accordance with E-UTRA air interface specification TS 36.331. In another example, UCMF 334 may always provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the AMF or MME in CN 362. This may depend on the configuration and implementation of UCMF 334.

[0135] In some examples, UCMF 334 can be configured to perform alignment based on the RAT type of RAN node 2. When UCMF 334 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the AMF or MME in CN 362, UCMF 334 can adjust the order of the UE radio capability information to align with the RAT type of RAN node 2. For example, in UCMF 334, the stored first UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 38.331. In some examples, when the second RAN node 307 is a gNB, UCMF 334 copies the content of the stored second UE radio capability information to the first UE radio capability information in the message sent to the AMF in S11. UCMF 334 copies the content of the stored first UE radio capability information to the second UE radio capability information in the message sent to the AMF in S11.

[0136] In another example, in UCMF 334, the stored first UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 36.331. When the second RAN node 307 is an eNB or ng-eNB, UCMF 334 copies the content of the stored second UE radio capability information to the first UE radio capability information in the message sent to the MME in S11. UCMF 334 copies the content of the stored first UE radio capability information to the second UE radio capability information in the message sent to the MME in S11.

[0137] At S12, the CN 362 provides the UE radio capability information of the UE radio capability ID to the second RAN node 307. The second RAN node 307 stores the UE radio capability ID and associates the UE radio capability ID with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information.

[0138] In some examples, the manner in which CN 362 provides UE radio capability information to RAN node 307 depends on one or more circumstances. In one example, the one or more circumstances include which entity within the RAN has requested the UE radio capability information at S9. For example, CN 362 may provide only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to RAN node 2 307 based on the RAT type of RAN node 2. For example, if RAN node 2 is a gNB, CN 362 may only provide radio capability information encoded according to NR access air interface specification TS 38.331. In another example, CN 362 may provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to RAN node 2 307. For example, RAN node 2 307 may later initiate dual connectivity involving another RAN node of a different RAT type. RAN node 2 307 may act as a primary node and add another RAN node of a different RAT type as a secondary node. In another example, CN 362 may always provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to RAN node 2 307. This may depend on the configuration and implementation in the RAN node 2 307 .

[0139] In some examples, CN 362 can be configured to perform alignment based on the RAT type of RAN node 2, for example, when UCMF 334 does not perform this alignment. When CN 362 provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to RAN node 2 307, CN 362 can adjust the order of the UE radio capability information to align with the RAT type of RAN node 2 307. For example, in CN 362, the stored or received first UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 38.331. When RAN node 2 307 is a gNB, CN 362 copies the contents of the stored second UE radio capability information to the first UE radio capability information in the message sent to RAN node 2 307 in S12. CN 362 copies the contents of the stored first UE radio capability information to the second UE radio capability information in the message sent to RAN node 2 307 in S12.

[0140] In another example, in CN 362, the stored first UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 36.331. When RAN node 2 307 is an eNB or ng-eNB, CN 362 copies the content of the stored second UE radio capability information to the first UE radio capability information in the message sent to RAN node 2 307 in S12. CN 362 copies the content of the stored first UE radio capability information to the second UE radio capability information in the message sent to RAN node 2 307 in S12.

[0141] Figure 3 The method involves the inter-RAT handover (HO) case. Figure 4 An alternative example is described, which involves inter-RAT reselection (i.e. cell reselection). Figure 4 In the example of FIG, RAN node 1 406 may be, for example, an LTE eNB, and RAN node 2 407 may be, for example, an NR gNB (or vice versa). S1 to S7 and S9 to S12 are similar to Figure 3 are the same, so they are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0142] exist Figure 4 In FIG, at S8, as part of cell reselection, UE 402 registers with second RAN node 407. As part of the registration or attach procedure, UE 402 provides the UE radio capability ID to core network CN 2 462, and CN 2 462 provides the UE radio capability ID to RAN node 2 407.

[0143] Now about Figure 5 An example is described in more detail. It should be noted that this example maintains the current "source adapts to target" principle. Figure 5 The entities shown are UE 502, eNB 506, gNB 507, MME 532, AMF 538 and UCMF 534. Figure 5 The example is in the context of handover from eNB 506 / MME 532 (source) to gNB 507 / AMF 538 (target).

[0144] At S1, UE 502 provides UE radio capability information to eNB 506. The UE radio capability information provided at S1 is provided in TS 36.331 format. For illustration purposes, the UE radio capability information provided at S1 can be considered as first UE radio capability information. Alternatively, UE 502 provides first UE radio capability information encoded in accordance with TS 36.331 and second UE radio capability information encoded in accordance with TS 38.331 (or vice versa). UE 502 can also provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information upon request from eNB 506. For example, a TS 36.331 RRC container carries the second UE radio capability information encoded in TS 38.331 format.

[0145] In S2, eNB 506 generates second UE radio capability information based on the received first UE radio capability information. When eNB 506 receives only the first capability information encoded according to TS 36.331 in S1, the second UE radio capability information is encoded in TS 38.331 format. Alternatively, when UE 502 provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information in S1, S2 is not performed.

[0146] At S3, the eNB 506 provides the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to the MME 532. In the example, the eNB 506 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the MME 532 via the S1AP UE Capability Information Indication procedure. In the example, the S1AP UE Capability Information Indication (CAPABILITY INFO INDICATION) message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information (e.g., the second UE radio capability IE).

[0147] At S4, the MME provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the UCMF 534. In some examples, the MME provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the UCMF 534 via the S17 reference point (e.g., the Create Dictionary Entry procedure). In the example, the Create Dictionary Entry request message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information element. In the example, the UCMF 534 knows that the peer node is the MME (in this case, the MME 532). In some examples, this is because the UCMF 534 stores the peer node information by implementation (e.g., the MME instead of the AMF). Therefore, the UCMF 534 knows that the first UE radio capability information is encoded in the TS 36.331 format and the second UE radio capability information is encoded in the TS 38.331 format.

[0148] As shown in S5, UCMF 534 then stores the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information, storing and associating them with a single RAC-ID. In one example, UCMF 534 stores the first UE radio capability information as information in TS 36.331 format and the second UE radio capability information as information in TS 38.331 format.

[0149] At S6, UCMF 534 replies to MME 532 with the RAC-ID (i.e., the RAC-ID stored in association with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information). As shown in the figure, the RAC-ID can also be transferred from MME 532 to eNB 506, and from MME 532 to UE 502 via eNB 506. MME 532 and eNB 506 store the UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID) and associate the UE radio capability ID with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information.

[0150] At S7, when UE 502 is handed over to gNB 507, eNB 506 (i.e., the source RAN node) provides the UE radio capability ID to the target gNB 507 in the handover signaling, for example, by including the RAC-ID in the source-to-target transparent container. Figure 5 In Figure 5, for simplicity, the RAC-ID is sent from eNB 506 to gNB 507 at S7. This is schematically illustrated by the dashed arrow. It should be understood that in a practical example, the RAC-ID is transmitted from eNB 506 to MME 532 to AMF 538 to gNB 507. In other words, the source-to-target transparent container can be considered to be transmitted from eNB 506 to gNB 507 via MME 532 and AMF 538.

[0151] At S8, after the gNB 507 receives the RAC-ID, and when the gNB 507 has not cached the radio capability information for the received RAC-ID, the gNB 507 initiates the UE radio capability acquisition procedure and provides the RAC-ID.

[0152] In S9, the AMF 538 initiates a process of acquiring or requesting UE radio capability information from the UCMF 534. For example, the AMF 538 initiates a Nucmf_UECapabilityManagement Resolve service operation for the RAC ID received in S8.

[0153] In the example, S9 includes sending a UE radio capabilities request to UCMF 534. Knowing that the request has been initiated from the AMF, UCMF 534 replies to AMF 538 with the first UE radio capabilities information and the second UE radio capabilities information. This is shown in S10. Note that when UCMF 534 does not know whether the NG-RAN node is a gNB or ng-eNB, UCMF 534 can provide both the first UE radio capabilities information and the second UE radio capabilities information. In the example, UCMF 534 copies the stored second UE radio capabilities information to the ueRadioCapability (TS38.331 format) attribute of DicEntryData. In the example, UCMF 534 also copies the stored first UE radio capabilities information to the 2nddueRadioCapability (TS36.331 format) attribute of DicEntryData. In one example, UCMF 534 may provide only one of the first UE radio capabilities information and the second UE radio capabilities information to AMF 538, for example, when UCMF 534 knows the type of RAN node connected to AMF 538. In another example, the UCMF 534 may always provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the AMF 538. This may depend on the configuration and implementation in the UCMF 534.

[0154] In this example, AMF 538 knows that the peer RAN node is a gNB. Therefore, in this example, AMF 538 may forward only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to gNB 507. For example, the UE radio capability information forwarded to gNB 507 is in TS38.331 format. This is shown in S11. In another example, when the peer RAN node is an ng-eNB, AMF 538 forwards only the UE radio capability information (in TS36.331 format) to the ng-eNB. In one example, for example, when AMF 538 knows the type of RAN node connected to AMF 538, AMF 538 may provide only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to RAN node 507. In another example, AMF 538 may always forward both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to RAN node 507. This may depend on the configuration and implementation in AMF 538.

[0155] Now about Figure 6 Another example is described in more detail. Figure 6The entities shown are UE 602, eNB 606, gNB 607, MME 632, AMF 638 and UCMF 634. Figure 6 The example is in the context of a handover from gNB 607 / AMF 638 (source) to eNB 606 / MME 632 (target).

[0156] At S1, UE 602 transmits first UE radio capability information to gNB 607. The first UE radio capability information provided at S2 is provided in TS 38.331 format. Alternatively, UE 602 provides both the first UE radio capability information encoded in accordance with TS 38.331 and the second UE radio capability information encoded in accordance with TS 36.331 (or vice versa). Upon request from gNB 607, UE 602 may also provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information. For example, a TS 38.331 RRC container may be provided that carries the second UE radio capability information encoded in TS 36.331 format.

[0157] In S2, gNB 607 generates second UE radio capability information based on the received first UE radio capability information. If gNB 607 received only the first capability information encoded according to TS 38.331 in S1, the second UE radio capability information is encoded in TS 36.331 format. Alternatively, if UE 602 provided both the first and second UE radio capability information in S1, S2 is not performed.

[0158] At S3, the gNB 607 provides the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information to the AMF 638. In the example, the gNB 607 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the AMF 638 via the NGAP UE Radio Capability Information Indication procedure. In the example, the NGAP UE Radio Capability Information Indication (RADIO CAPABILITY INFO INDICATION) message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information (e.g., the second UE radio capability IE).

[0159] At S4, the AMF 638 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the UCMF 634. In some examples, the AMF 638 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the UCMF 634 via the N55 reference point (e.g., the Nucmf_UECapabilityManagement_Assign service operation). In the example, the Nucmf_UECapabilityManagement_Assign service operation is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information element. In the example, the UCMF 634 knows that the peer node is the AMF (in this case, the AMF 638). In some examples, this is because the UCMF 634 stores the peer node information through an implementation (e.g., the AMF instead of the MME). Therefore, the UCMF 634 knows that the first UE radio capability information is encoded in the TS 38.331 format and the second UE radio capability information is encoded in the TS 36.331 format. Alternatively, the same format may be defined to be used in both the S17 reference point (between the MME and the UCMF) and the N55 reference point (between the AMF and the UCMF). For example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded in the TS 38.331 format and the second UE radio capability information is encoded in the TS 36.331 format, or vice versa.

[0160] As shown in S5, UCMF 634 then stores the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information, storing and associating them with a single RAC-ID. In one example, UCMF 634 stores the first UE radio capability information in TS 38.331 format and the second UE radio capability information in TS 36.331 format.

[0161] At S6, UCMF 634 replies to AMF 638 with the RAC-ID (i.e., the RAC-ID stored in association with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information). As shown in the figure, the RAC-ID can also be transferred from AMF 638 to gNB 607, and from AMF 638 to UE 602 via gNB 607. AMF 638 and gNB 607 store the UE radio capability ID (RAC-ID) and associate the UE radio capability ID with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information.

[0162] At S7, when UE 602 is handed over to eNB 606, gNB 607 (i.e., the source RAN node) provides the UE radio capability ID to the target gNB 606 in the handover signaling, for example, by including the RAC-ID in the source-to-target transparent container. Figure 6 In Figure 6, for simplicity, the RAC-ID is sent from gNB 607 to eNB 606 at S7. This is schematically illustrated by the dashed arrow. It should be understood that in a practical example, the RAC-ID is transmitted from gNB 607 to AMF 638 to MME 632 to eNB 606. In other words, the source-to-target transparent container can be considered to be transmitted from gNB 607 to eNB 606 via AMF 638 and MME 632.

[0163] At S8 , after the eNB 606 receives the RAC-ID, and when the eNB 606 has not cached the radio capability information of the UE 602 , the eNB 606 initiates a UE radio capability acquisition procedure and provides the RAC-ID to the MME 632 .

[0164] In S9, the MME 632 initiates a process of acquiring UE radio capability information from the UCMF 634. For example, the MME 632 initiates a query dictionary entry process for the RAC ID received in S8.

[0165] In an example, the query dictionary entry procedure includes the MME 632 sending a request for UE radio capability information of the UE radio capability ID to the UCMF 634, as shown in S9.

[0166] In this example, knowing that the request at S9 has been initiated from the MME, UCMF 634 only responds to MME 632 with the second UE radio capability information (i.e., in TS 36.331 format). This is shown in S10. In another example, UCMF 634 may always provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to MME 632. This may depend on the configuration and implementation in UCMF 634.

[0167] As shown in S11, the MME 632 may forward only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the eNB 606. For example, the UE radio capability information forwarded to the eNB 606 is in TS 36.331 format. In another example, the MME 632 may always forward both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the RAN node 606. This may depend on the configuration and implementation of the MME 632.

[0168] Some variations on messages and information elements are now described.

[0169] Table 1 below gives an example of adding the second UE radio capability information in the S1AP UE CAPABILITY INFO INDICATION message. This indication is sent by the eNB to the MME to provide the MME with the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information (see, for example, Figure 5 S3 in ).

[0170]

[0171] Table 1

[0172] Of note in Table 1 is the presence of the second UE Radio Capabilities IE (last row).

[0173] Table 2 below shows the content of the second UE radio capability IE.

[0174]

[0175] Table 2

[0176] As shown in Table 2, the second UE radio capability IE is an octet string and includes the UERadioAccessCapabilityInformation message defined in TS 38.331.

[0177] Table 3 shows the contents of the S1AP INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message. This message is sent by the MME to the eNB to request the establishment of a UE context. Similar changes apply to the NGAP INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message.

[0178] IE / Group Name exist scope IE Types and References Semantic Description critical Assigned criticality Message Type M 9.2.1.1 yes reject MME UE S1AP ID M 9.2.3.3 yes reject eNB UE S1AP ID M 9.2.3.4 yes reject … UE radio capabilities O 9.3.1.27 yes neglect … Second UE radio capability O 9.2.1.xx yes neglect

[0179] Table 3

[0180] What is noteworthy in Table 3 is the presence of the second UE radio capability information IE.

[0181] Table 4 shows the content of the NGAP UE RADIO CAPABILITY INFO INDICATION message. This message is sent by the NG-RAN node to the AMF to provide the AMF with the UE's first radio capability related information and second radio capability related information (see e.g. Figure 6 S4 in ).

[0182]

[0183] Table 4

[0184] What is noteworthy in Table 4 is the presence of the second UE radio capability information IE (last row).

[0185] Table 5 shows the content of the NGAP UE RADIO CAPABILITY CHECK REQUEST message. This message is sent by the AMF to the NG-RAN node to check the compatibility between the UE radio capabilities and the IMS voice network configuration.

[0186] IE / Group Name exist scope IE Types and References Semantic Description critical Assigned criticality Message Type M 9.3.1.1 yes reject AMF UE NGAP ID M 9.3.3.1 yes reject RAN UE NGAP ID M 9.3.3.2 yes reject UE radio capabilities O 9.3.1.74 yes neglect Second UE radio capability O 9.3.1.xx yes neglect

[0187] Table 5

[0188] What is noteworthy in Table 5 is the presence of the second UE radio capability information IE (last row).

[0189] It is recommended to add a new second UE radio capability IE in the NGAP procedure (e.g., NGAP UE Capability ID Mapping Response). In the example, this message is sent by the AMF to provide the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information, which are associated with the UE radio capability ID indicated by the NG-RAN node in the UE CAPABILITY IDMAPPING REQUEST message. This message is sent from the AMF to the NG-RAN node. The message is shown in Table 6 below.

[0190] IE / Group Name exist scope IE Types and References Semantic Description critical Assigned criticality Message Type M 9.3.1.1 yes reject UE radio capabilities M 9.3.1.74 yes neglect Second UE radio capability O 9.3.1.xx yes neglect Critical diagnosis O 9.3.1.3 yes neglect

[0191] Table 6

[0192] The second UE radio capability IE mentioned in Table 6 above is shown in more detail in Table 7 below.

[0193]

[0194] Table 7

[0195] Note that the second UE Radio Capability IE of Table 7 comprises an octet string and includes a UERadioAccessCapabilityInformation message as defined in TS 36.331.

[0196] Similar changes also apply to S1AP procedures, such as S1AP UE Capability ID Mapping Response (CAPABILITY ID MAPPING REQUEST). The MME initiates a procedure to provide the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information associated with the UE radio capability ID indicated by the eNB to the eNB in, for example, a UE CAPABILITY ID MAPPING REQUEST message.

[0197] The following now describes the proposed changes to the S17 interface (MME-UCMF) messages and IEs of TS 29.674.

[0198] Create Dictionary Entry Request - The Create Dictionary Entry Request is sent by the MME over the S17 interface to create a dictionary entry in the UCMF and then obtain the UE radio capability ID assigned by the PLMN. The IEs for the Create Dictionary Entry Request are shown in Table 8 below. This message is enhanced to add the second UE radio capability information.

[0199]

[0200] Table 8

[0201] Of note in Table 8 is the presence of the second UE Radio Capability IE.

[0202] Create Dictionary Entry Response - The Create Dictionary Entry Response is sent by the UCMF to the MME via the S17 interface as a reply to the Create Dictionary Entry Request. This message is enhanced to add the second UE radio capability information.

[0203]

[0204] Table 9

[0205] The second UE radio capability IE mentioned in Table 8 and Table 9 is as shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 7 The second UE radio capability IE is encoded as an octet string, which contains the octet string of the UE radio capability IE. Figure 7 As shown, the second UE radio capability IE is included in octets 5 to (n+4) IE. Octets 1 to 2 provide information about the type (schematically shown as xx). Octets 3 to 4 provide information about the length (in this example, the length is schematically shown as n).

[0206] The following now describes the changes to Nucmf TS 29.673. Table 10 below shows the definition of the type DicEntryData.

[0207]

[0208] Table 10

[0209] Of note in Table 10 is the presence of the second UE Radio Capabilities IE.

[0210] Table 11 below shows the definition of dictionary entry creation data (DicEntryCreateData).

[0211]

[0212] Table 11

[0213] Of note in Table 11 is the presence of the second UE Radio Capability IE. For Tables 1 to 11, the Presence (or P) column indicates whether each IE is mandatory (M) or optional (O), and the IE Type and Reference columns indicate the IE type of the corresponding IE and the reference portion of the corresponding standard document, such as TS29.673, TS29.674, TS36.413, TS38.413, TS38.331, and / or TS36.331.

[0214] The following is a flowchart of the described method from the perspectives of the UE; the RAN node; the CN node; and the UCMF, respectively.

[0215] Now according to Figures 8 to 11 In these flowcharts, reference Figure 1 However, it will be understood that Figure 1 References to entities in FIG1 may also apply to equivalent entities in any subsequent FIG1. ​​For example, references to UE 102 may also apply to Figure 3 UE 302, Figure 4 UE 402, Figure 5 UE 502, Figure 6 UE 602, etc. For other entities, such as RAN node 106 (e.g. Figure 1 References to the RAN node 106 also apply to Figure 3 The same is true for other entities such as RAN node 306, etc.), RAN node 107, etc.

[0216] UE

[0217] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method implemented at a UE according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method may be implemented in Figure 1 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to the UE 102. Figure 1 Method 800 is described.

[0218] At block 810 , the UE 102 receives a request from the RAN node 106 to provide both first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information.

[0219] At block 820, the UE 102 transmits both first UE radio capability information encoded according to the first RAT and second UE radio capability information encoded according to the second RAT to the RAN node 106. In one example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 36.331 and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 38.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 38.331 and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to TS 36.331.

[0220] In another example, in case that the UE 102 is a legacy UE and does not implement the proposed UE method, the UE only provides the first UE radio capability information according to the first RAT.

[0221] RAN nodes

[0222] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method implemented at a RAN node according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method may be implemented in Figure 1 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to the RAN node 106. Figure 1 Method 900 is described.

[0223] At block 910, the RAN node 106 requests the UE 102 to provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information. This may be accomplished via RRC signaling. In one example, the RRC UECapabilityEnquiry message may be enhanced with a flag to request the UE to provide both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information.

[0224] At block 920, UE 102 provides both first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information. In one example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as NR TS 38.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as NR TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331.

[0225] In another example, if UE 102 is a legacy UE and does not implement the proposed UE method, the UE only provides first UE radio capability information according to the first RAT. RAN node 106 generates second UE radio capability information (for UE 102). The second UE radio capability information is encoded according to the second RAT. In one example, the first RAT is E-UTRA access and the second RAT is NR access. In another example, the first RAT is NR access and the second RAT is E-UTRA access.

[0226] At block 930, the RAN node 106 provides the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node. In one example, the core network node is an MME, and the RAN node provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node MME via an S1 interface. For example, the S1AP UE CAPABILITYINFO INDICATION message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information.

[0227] In another example, the core network node is an AMF, and the RAN node 106 provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node AMF via the N2 interface. For example, the NGAP UE RADIOCAPABILITY INFO INDICATION message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information.

[0228] The RAN node 106 receives the UE radio capability ID from the core network and stores the association between the UE radio capability ID and both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node.

[0229] At block 940, due to the lack of a mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the UE radio capability information, another RAN node 107 initiates a UE radio capability acquisition procedure. This may occur when UE 102 is in handover or when the UE performs cell reselection to a target RAN node that does not have the mapping information. As a result of the acquisition procedure, the RAN node 107 receives one or both of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information from the core network node. In one example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as NR TS 38.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to the first RAT, such as NR TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to the second RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is aligned with the RAT type of the RAN node 107.

[0230] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method implemented at a CN node (eg, AMF or MME) according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The CN node 132 is implemented as shown. For example, the CN node 132 may include an AMF or an MME. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 1000 is described.

[0231] At block 1010, the CN node 132 receives both first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information from the RAN node 106. In one example, the core network node is an MME, and the RAN node 106 provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node MME via an S1 interface. For example, the S1AP UECAPABILITY INFO INDICATION message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information.

[0232] In another example, the core network node is an AMF, and the RAN node provides both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node AMF via the N2 interface. For example, the NGAP UE RADIOCAPABILITY INFO INDICATION message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information.

[0233] The core network node 132 forwards the received first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information to the UCMF.

[0234] At block 1020, the CN node 132 receives a UE radio capability ID associated with both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information. The CN node 132 stores a mapping between the received UE radio capability ID and both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information. The CN node 132 sends the UE radio capability ID to the RAN node 106.

[0235] At block 1030, due to the lack of a mapping between the UE radio capability ID and the UE radio capability information, the CN node 132 initiates a UE capability acquisition procedure. This may occur when the UE 102 is in handover or when the UE 102 performs cell reselection to a target CN node that does not have the mapping information. As a result of the acquisition procedure, the CN node receives one or both of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information from the UCMF. In one example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as NR TS 38.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to the first RAT, such as NR TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to the second RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331.

[0236] At block 1040, the CN node 132 provides one or both of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the RAN node. In one example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as NR TS 38.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as NR TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is aligned with the RAT type of the RAN node.

[0237] In another example, the CN node 132 may provide only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the RAN node, for example, based on the RAT type of the RAN node. The provided UE radio capability information is aligned with the RAT type of the RAN node.

[0238] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method implemented at a UCMF according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to the UCMF 134 schematically shown in FIG. Figure 1 To describe method 1100.

[0239] At block 1110, UCMF node 134 receives both first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information from CN node 132. In one example, the core network node is an MME, and UCMF 134 receives both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information from the core network node MME via an S17 interface. For example, the S17 Create Dictionary Entry Request message is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information.

[0240] In another example, the core network node 132 is an AMF, and the UCMF 134 receives both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information from the core network node AMF via the N55 interface. For example, the DicEntryData is enhanced to include the second UE radio capability information.

[0241] The UCMF 134 associates the UE radio capability ID with both the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information. The UE radio capability ID is provided to the core network node 132, the RAN node 106, and the UE 102.

[0242] At block 1120, UCMF 134 receives a UE capability acquisition request from core network node 132. As a result of the acquisition process, UCMF 134 provides one or both of first UE radio capability information and second UE radio capability information from UCMF. In one example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to a first RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to a second RAT, such as NR TS 38.331. In another example, the first UE radio capability information is encoded according to the first RAT, such as NR TS 38.331, and the second UE radio capability information is encoded according to the second RAT, such as LTE TS 36.331.

[0243] In another example, the UCMF node 134 may provide only one of the first UE radio capability information and the second UE radio capability information to the core network node 132 (AMF or MME).

[0244] Now refer to Figure 12 describing in greater detail possible wireless communication devices that may be used in some examples, Figure 12A schematic, partially cutaway view of a communication device 1200 is shown. Such communication devices are commonly referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminals. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or mobile device, such as a mobile phone or so-called "smartphone," a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet computer with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination thereof. For example, a mobile communication device can provide data communications for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messaging, multimedia, etc. Thus, a variety of services can be provided and offered to users via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, or simply access to a data communication network system (such as the Internet). Users can also be provided with broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0245] A wireless communication device can be, for example, a mobile device, i.e., a device that is not fixed to a specific location, or it can be a stationary device. A wireless device may or may not require human interaction to communicate. In this teaching, the term UE or "user" is used to refer to any type of wireless communication device.

[0246] The wireless device 1200 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 1207 via appropriate means for receiving, and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 12 In FIG, the transceiver arrangement is schematically designated by block 1206. The transceiver arrangement 1206 may be provided, for example, by a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the wireless device.

[0247] A wireless device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 1201, at least one memory 1202, and possibly other components 1203 for use in software and hardware-assisted execution of the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communicating with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage, and other related control means may be provided on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference numeral 1204. A user may control the operation of the wireless device through a suitable user interface, such as a keyboard 1205, voice commands, a touch-sensitive screen or keyboard, a combination thereof, or the like. A display 1208, a speaker, and a microphone may also be provided. In addition, the wireless communication device may include appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., hands-free devices) thereto.

[0248] Figure 13 An example of a control device for a communications system is shown, for example, a station to be coupled to and / or used to control an access system, such as a RAN node, for example, a base station (such as an eNB or gNB), a central unit of a cloud architecture or a node of a core network (such as an MME, AMF, or S-GW), a scheduling entity (such as a spectrum management entity), or a server or host. The control device may also include, for example, a UCMF. The control device may be integrated with a node or module of the core network or RAN, or external to it. In some examples, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other examples, the control device may be another network element, such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some examples, each base station may have such a control device, as well as the control device provided in the radio network controller. The control device 1300 may be arranged to provide control of communications within the service area of ​​the system. The control device 1300 includes at least one memory 1301, at least one data processing unit 1302, 1303, and an input / output interface 1304. Via this interface, the control device may be coupled to a receiver and transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. For example, the control device 1300 or the processor 1301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code to provide control functionality.

[0249] In general, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0250] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and multiple memories with software that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) hardware circuitry and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also encompasses an implementation of only hardware circuitry or a processor(s) or a portion of a hardware circuitry or processor and its(their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry would also encompass, if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0251] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions to perform specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that are configured to perform an embodiment when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portion thereof.

[0252] Also, in this regard, it should be noted that any block of the logic flow in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as, for example, DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media is non-transitory media.

[0253] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, gate-level circuits based on a multi-core processor architecture, and a processor.

[0254] Embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert a logic-level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0255] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, further embodiments include combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, wherein the first radio capability information is encoded in a format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated by encoding in a format of a second radio access technology; as well as The first radio capability information in the format of the first radio access technology and the second radio capability information in the format of the second radio access technology are sent to a core network node. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the core network node comprises a mobility management entity, or an access and mobility management function.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a source radio access network (RAN) node of the user equipment, the apparatus operating according to the first radio access technology. 4 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: A radio capability identifier of the user equipment is received from the core network node, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information.

6. A method of communication performed by an apparatus, comprising: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, wherein the first radio capability information is encoded in a format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated by encoding in a format of a second radio access technology; as well as The first radio capability information in the format of the first radio access technology and the second radio capability information in the format of the second radio access technology are sent to a core network node.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the core network node comprises a mobility management entity, or an access and mobility management function.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a source Radio Access Network (RAN) node of the user equipment, the apparatus operating according to the first radio access technology. 9 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

10. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: A radio capability identifier of the user equipment is received from the core network node, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform: receiving first radio capability information from a user equipment, wherein the first radio capability information is encoded in a format of a first radio access technology; generating second radio capability information of the user equipment based on the first radio capability information, wherein the second radio capability information is generated by encoding in a format of a second radio access technology; as well as The first radio capability information in the format of the first radio access technology and the second radio capability information in the format of the second radio access technology are sent to a core network node.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the core network node comprises a mobility management entity, or an access and mobility management function.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises a source Radio Access Network (RAN) node of the user equipment, the apparatus operating according to the first radio access technology.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the first radio access technology is one of a long term evolution access technology and a new radio access technology, and the second radio access technology is the other of the long term evolution access technology and the new radio access technology.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises program instructions, the program instructions being configured to cause the apparatus to execute: A radio capability identifier of the user equipment is received from the core network node, the radio capability identifier being associated with both the first radio capability information and the second radio capability information.

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