Network node and method for processing multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe configuration in a wireless communication network

Abstract

A network node for processing a multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe configuration in a wireless communication network is provided. The MBSFN subframe configuration is configured for a first radio access technology (RAT) to operate in a shared spectrum mode with a second RAT for radio communication with one or more user equipments (UEs). The MBSFN subframe configuration is configured with a second RAT cell-specific reference signal (CRS) rate matching. For the MBSFN subframe configuration and for a plurality of past subframes, the network node obtains (401) a first requirement for a subframe associated with the first RAT. The first requirement is based on a load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT. For the MBSFN subframe configuration and for a plurality of past subframes, the network node obtains (402) a second requirement for a subframe associated with a second RAT. The second requirement is based on a load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT. The network node then decides (403) whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement for the subframe and the second requirement for the subframe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to network nodes and methods therein. In some aspects, they relate to processing multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe configuration in a wireless communication network.

[0002] The embodiments of this document also relate to computer programs and carriers corresponding to the above methods and network nodes. Background Art

[0003] In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices (also referred to as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STAs) and / or user equipment (UEs)) communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a local area network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) or a radio access network (RAN). The RAN covers a geographical area divided into service areas or cell areas (which may also be referred to as beams or beam groups), each of which is served by a radio network node, such as a radio access node (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS)). In some networks, the radio network node may also be referred to as, for example, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), or gNB as represented in 5G. A service area or cell area is a geographical area in which radio coverage is provided by a radio network node. The radio network node communicates with wireless devices within the range of the radio network node through an air interface operating on radio frequencies.

[0004] The specification of the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also known as the fourth generation (4G) network, has been completed within the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and this work continues in upcoming 3GPP releases, such as the standardization of the fifth generation (5G) network, also known as 5G New Radio (NR) or Next Generation (NG). EPS includes the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), also known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as the System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E-UTRAN / LTE is a variant of the 3GPP radio access network in which the radio network nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network (instead of the RNC used in 3G networks). Generally, in E-UTRAN / LTE, the functionality of the 3G RNC is distributed between the radio network nodes (e.g., eNodeB in LTE) and the core network. Therefore, the RAN of EPS has a basically "flat" architecture, which includes radio network nodes that are directly connected to one or more core networks, i.e., they are not connected to the RNC. To compensate for this, the E-UTRAN specifications define a direct interface between radio network nodes, which is denoted the X2 interface.

[0005] Multiple antenna technology can significantly increase the data rate and reliability of wireless communication systems. Performance is particularly improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas (resulting in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication channel). Such systems and / or related technologies are generally referred to as MIMO.

[0006] Spectrum Sharing:

[0007] 5G will be introduced on both new and legacy frequency bands. This requires features that enable operators to plan the evolution of their network assets, including frequency bands and technologies, as well as allowing a seamless rollout of 5G with optimal end-user performance. The Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) solution, known as Ericsson Spectrum Sharing (ESS), can intelligently, flexibly and quickly introduce and add 5G within existing 4G carriers, such as introducing 5G in low / mid frequency bands for wide area coverage and external coverage. The ESS software can dynamically share spectrum between 4G carriers and 5G carriers based on business requirements. Switching between carriers occurs within milliseconds, which minimizes spectrum waste and enables optimal end-user performance.

[0008] Figure 1 Depicted is LTE and NR sharing a spectrum in time and frequency, where the LTE portion of the carrier is represented by the white spikes in the bottom of the figure and the NR portion of the carrier is represented by the black spikes in the top of the figure.

[0009] Figure 2 The LTE cell-specific reference signal (CRS) is shown. It can be seen that the PRB grid in LTE is always occupied by CRS, around which NR users must perform rate matching.

[0010] Role of MBSFN subframes

[0011] In an ESS, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) are sent in LTE multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframes. MBSFN subframes contain fewer LTE reference signals than normal LTE subframes to avoid collisions with NR SSBs. This is because MBSFN subframes have a different structure than normal (non-MBSFN) subframes. The first one or two OFDM symbols in an MBSFN subframe are allocated to the control region as in a normal subframe, however, the location of the MBSFN reference signals is different from that of non-MBSFN reference signals.

[0012] In ESS, MBSFN subframes are also used to transmit other periodic NR signals, such as system information. ESS benefits from those sparse periodic NR broadcast signals, so only a few MBSFN subframes are needed to achieve spectrum sharing.

[0013] Some MBSFN subframes are introduced to protect some configured NR signals, such as Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) and Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), to avoid conflicts with LTE reference signals. This is because there may be no reference signals in the data region of the MBSFN subframe. In this case, it should be noted that the ESS itself does not increase the overhead. Reference signals and control signals are exactly what LTE and NR need.

[0014] In summary, there are two types of ESS subframes in an ESS: Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) rate matching (also known as non-MBSFN) subframes and MBSFN subframes.

[0015] LTE CRS rate matching

[0016] To avoid LTE CRS resource elements (REs), 5G-NR UEs are configured with LTE CRS RE information so that NR UEs can calculate LTE CRS REs as reserved resources. 5G-NR UEs will rate match PDSCH around these reserved resources, which is called LTE CRS rate matching.

[0017] Matching the rate in this context means considering certain resource elements as unavailable for PDSCH.

[0018] An NR device (e.g., NR UE) configured with LTE CRS rate matching is aware of the resource elements in the time-frequency grid of the shared spectrum that carry the LTE cell-specific reference signal (CRS), and it does not decode NR data on these resource elements. CRS rate matching can be used for NR data channels when both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) use 15kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0019] A disadvantage of NR PDSCH is that the number of available resource elements (REs) per physical resource block (PRB) is reduced due to LTE CRS rate matching. Another disadvantage of NR PDSCH due to LTE CRS rate matching is that the maximum available modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for NR in the above CRS rate matching (non-MBSFN) subframes is limited. These disadvantages are further described below. Summary of the invention

[0020] An object of embodiments herein is to improve performance in a multi-radio access technology (RAT) communication network using spectrum sharing.

[0021] According to one aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a network node for processing a multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe configuration in a wireless communication network. The MBSFN subframe configuration is configured for a first radio access technology (RAT) to operate in a shared spectrum mode with a second RAT for radio communication with one or more user equipments (UEs). The MBSFN subframe configuration is configured with a second RAT cell-specific reference signal (CRS) rate matching.

[0022] For the MBSFN subframe configuration and for a plurality of past subframes, the network node obtains a first requirement for subframes associated with a first RAT. The first requirement is based on a load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT. For the MBSFN subframe configuration and for a plurality of past subframes, the network node obtains a second requirement for subframes associated with a second RAT. The second requirement is based on a load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT.

[0023] The network node then decides whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement for the subframe and the second requirement for the subframe.

[0024] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a network node configured to process a multicast-broadcast single frequency network MBSFN subframe configuration in a wireless communication network. The MBSFN subframe configuration is suitable for being configured for a first radio access technology RAT to operate in a shared spectrum mode with a second RAT for radio communication with one or more user equipment UEs. The MBSFN subframe configuration is suitable for being configured with a second RAT cell-specific reference signal CRS rate matching. For the MBSFN subframe configuration, the network node is also configured to: for a plurality of past subframes, obtain a first requirement for a subframe associated with the first RAT, the first requirement being suitable for being based on a load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT, and for a plurality of past subframes, obtain a second requirement for a subframe associated with the second RAT, the second requirement being suitable for being based on a load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT. The network node is also configured to decide whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement for the subframe and the second requirement for the subframe.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for improving the efficiency of radio resources in the time domain in a shared spectrum RAT system by taking into account the load requirements of each respective first RAT and second RAT. By deciding whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement of the subframe and the second requirement of the subframe, improved utilization of the radio channel is achieved. This in turn leads to improved performance of a multi-RAT communication network using spectrum sharing.

[0026] The advantages of the embodiments of this invention include at least:

[0027] Improved utilization of radio channels.

[0028] Adaptation to the service requirements of spectrum sharing RATs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the prior art.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the prior art.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram depicting embodiments of a wireless communication network.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method in a network node.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram depicting embodiments of a wireless communication network.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method in a network node.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram depicting an example embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an example embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a schematic block diagram depicting embodiments of a network node.

[0038] Fig.10 A telecommunications network is schematically shown connected to a host computer via an intermediary network.

[0039] Fig.11 is a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating with a user device via a base station over a partially wireless connection.

[0040] Figures 12 to 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As part of developing the embodiments herein, the inventors recognized a problem which will first be discussed.

[0042] As mentioned above, some disadvantages of NR PDSCH are that the number of available REs per PRB is reduced due to LTE CRS rate matching, and the maximum available MCS for NR in CRS rate matching (non-MBSFN) subframes is limited.

[0043] The number of available resource elements (REs) per physical resource block (PRB) is reduced depending on the situation. The reduction depends on the number of CRS antenna ports of the network node. Up to 16 (11 available symbols for NR-PDSCH with ESSx12 subcarriers) of the 132 REs for a 4-port CRS become unavailable, i.e., the NR peak throughput is reduced by 12% (16 / 132) due to rate matching with LTE CRS.

[0044] The maximum available modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for NR in such a subframe is limited to 24 for 2 CRS ports and 23 for 4 CRS ports. This lower MCS is an artifact that fewer REs are available and the code rate, the ratio of the total number of REs for data to REs cannot exceed the limits defined by 3GPP. Starting with 3GPP 38.214, the UE can skip decoding of the transport block in the initial transmission if the effective channel code rate is higher than 0.95, where the effective channel code rate is defined as the downlink information bits (including CRC bits) divided by the number of physical channel bits on the PDSCH. This can result in a large additional loss of available REs because the remaining REs cannot be fully and effectively utilized. Referring to Table 1, 3GPP Table 5.1.3.1-2 is shown as follows.

[0045]

[0046] Table 1 shows 3GPP Table 5.1.3.1-2: MCS index of PDSCH Table 2

[0047] These drawbacks have motivated the exploration of NR solutions that can eliminate or minimize such losses in spectrum sharing mode.

[0048] It is therefore an object of embodiments herein to improve performance in a multi-RAT communication network using spectrum sharing.

[0049] The embodiments of this document process multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) dynamic MBSFN configuration in spectrum sharing RAT.

[0050] Embodiments of this document provide a method for minimizing the above-mentioned problems (e.g., problems faced by NR-ESS due to LTE-CRS rate matching when operating in a shared spectrum mode with LTE). An example of the method, for example, takes into account the load and radio conditions of the corresponding RAT to adapt the MBSFN subframe configuration that is most suitable for the entire wireless communication network.

[0051] Embodiments herein provide a method for improving the efficiency of radio resources in the time domain in a shared spectrum RAT system taking into account the load requirements of each respective RAT.

[0052] The advantages of the embodiments of this invention include at least:

[0053] Improved utilization of radio channels.

[0054] Adaptation to the service requirements of spectrum sharing RATs.

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The wireless communication network 100 includes one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communication network 100 may use fifth generation new radio (5G NR), but may also use many other different radio access technologies (RATs), such as Wi-Fi (LTE), Advanced LTE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications / Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (GSM / EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), to name just a few possible implementations. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first RAT may be, for example, any one of LTE or NR. If the first RAT is NR, the second RAT may be, for example, LTE, or if the first RAT is LTE, the second RAT may be NR.

[0056] A network node such as network node 110 (also referred to as network node 110) operates in a wireless communication network 100. The network node 110 provides radio access in one or more cells through antenna beams. This means that the network node 110 provides radio coverage over a geographical area through its antenna beams. The network node 110 can be a sending point and a receiving point, for example, a radio access network node (e.g., a base station), a radio base station (e.g., a node B, an evolved node B (eNB, eNodeB), an NR node B (gNB)), a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an access point base station, a base station router, a transmission device of a radio base station, a standalone access point, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point, an access point station (AP STA), an access controller, a UE acting as an access point or a peer point in a device-to-device (D2D) communication, or any other network element that can be communicated by a UE within a cell served by the network node 110 depending on the radio access technology and terminology used.

[0057] Wireless devices such as UE 121, 122 operate in the wireless communication network 100. The respective UE 121, 122 may be, for example, NR devices, mobile stations, wireless terminals, NB-IoT devices, eMTC devices, CAT-M devices, WiFi devices, LTE devices, and non-access point (non-AP) STAs (a STA that communicates with one or more CNs via a base station (e.g., network node 110, one or more access networks (ANs) such as RAN)). It should be understood by those skilled in the art that UE refers to a non-restrictive term that refers to any UE, terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, (D2D) terminal, or node (e.g., a smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablet, or even a small base station that communicates within a cell).

[0058] The method herein may be performed by the network node 110. As an alternative, for example, Figure 3 The distributed nodes (DNs) and functions in the cloud 140 shown in FIG. 1 may be used to perform or partially perform the method.

[0059] Figure 4 An example embodiment of a method performed by a network node 110 for processing MBSFN subframe configuration in a wireless communication network 100 is shown. The MBSFN subframe configuration is configured for a first RAT (e.g., NR) to operate in a shared spectrum mode with a second RAT (e.g., LTE) for radio communication with one or more UEs 121, 122. See also Figure 6 .

[0060] The first RAT may be represented by fifth generation new radio (5G NR) (also referred to as NR herein) and the second RAT may be represented by fourth generation long term evolution (4G LTE), or the first RAT may be represented by 4G LTE and the second RAT may be represented by 5G NR.

[0061] The MBSFN subframe configuration is configured with a second RAT CRS rate matching. This may also be referred to as second RAT CRS rate matching for the first RAT, such as LTE CRS rate matching for NR.

[0062] This means that a first RAT UE (eg, UE 121) configured with second RAT CRS rate matching is aware of the resource elements in the time-frequency grid that carry the second RAT CRS, and therefore, the first RAT UE does not decode the first RAT data on these resource elements.

[0063] For example, an NR UE (e.g., UE 121) configured with LTE CRS rate matching is aware of the resource elements in the time-frequency grid that carry LTE CRS, and therefore, the NR UE will not decode NR data on these resource elements.

[0064] The method includes one or more of the following actions, which may be performed in any suitable order. Optional operations are marked with dashed boxes in the figure.

[0065] Action 401

[0066] The action is performed for an MBSFN subframe configuration, also referred to herein as a current MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0067] For a plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 obtains a first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT. The first requirement is based on a load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT.

[0068] The first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT may include any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the first RAT.

[0069] In some embodiments, obtaining a first requirement for subframes associated with a first RAT is performed according to the following actions 401 - 1 , 401 - 2 , and 401 - 4 , and possibly action 402 - 3 .

[0070] Action 401 - 1 For each subframe of a plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 calculates a first current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions related to the first RAT and subframe restrictions.

[0071] Action 401 - 2 For each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 calculates a first potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions related to the first RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions related to the first RAT.

[0072] The potential downlink throughput represents the scheduling opportunities, which as an example might be in the first 5 out of 10 subframes. The current downlink throughput represents the throughput used due to the MBSFN subframe configuration. The potential cell DL throughput for a RAT takes into account buffer requirements, channel conditions, but no subframe restrictions due to a certain type of subframe, i.e. MBSFN vs. non-MBSFN.

[0073] Action 401-3 For each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 updates a first unused subframe counter based on the first current downlink throughput and the first potential downlink throughput. This is to calculate the excess subframes.

[0074] Action 401 - 4 For each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 calculates a first difference ( Δ 1 ) between a first current downlink throughput and a first potential downlink throughput.

[0075] In these embodiments, the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is obtained based on Δ1 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0076] Action 402

[0077] This operation is also performed for MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0078] For a plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 obtains a second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT. The second requirement is based on a load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT.

[0079] The second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT may include any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the second RAT.

[0080] In some embodiments, obtaining a second requirement for subframes associated with a second RAT is performed according to the following actions 402-1, 402-2, and 402-4, and possibly action 402-3.

[0081] Action 402-1 For each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 calculates a second current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions related to the second RAT and the subframe restrictions.

[0082] Action 402-2 For each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 calculates a second potential downlink throughput based on the load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT.

[0083] Action 402-3 For each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 updates a second unused subframe counter based on the second current downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput.

[0084] Action 402-4 For each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, the network node 110 calculates a second difference (Δ2) between the second current downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput.

[0085] In these embodiments, the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is obtained based on Δ2 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

[0086] Action 403

[0087] The network node 110 decides whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement of the subframe and the second requirement of the subframe.

[0088] As described above, the first requirement and the second requirement for subframes associated with the respective first RAT and the second RAT may include any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the respective first RAT and the second RAT.

[0089] In this case, the network node 110 may decide whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement of the subframe and the second requirement of the subframe by deciding any one of the following: increase, decrease or no change in the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0090] The change of the MBSFN subframe configuration may include changing any one or more of the following: the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration as described above, the offset in the MBSFN subframe configuration, the repetition period of the subframe pattern in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0091] The above-described embodiments will now be further described and exemplified.The exemplary embodiments described below may be combined with any suitable embodiments described above.

[0092] The text below is related to action 401 and action 402.

[0093] The network node 110 may include a first RAT scheduler and a second RAT scheduler. For the current MBSFN subframe configuration, the scheduler of each RAT in each subframe calculates the current cell DL throughput of the RAT and the potential cell DL throughput of the RAT:

[0094] Action 401-1 and action 402-1. The network node 110 calculates the current downlink throughput of the RAT, referred to herein as the current cell DL throughput (Thput), based on the load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions (e.g., taking into account buffer requirements, channel conditions, subframe restrictions, etc.). Current ). For example, Thput Current Filter using an average filter to get Thput Filter Current This means that the throughput is based on the current subframe as well as the history of previous subframes.

[0095] The subframe restriction of LTE (eg, the second RAT) is that if the UE is configured with a transmission mode (TM) mode lower than 9, it cannot schedule the UE in DL in an MBSFN subframe.

[0096] The subframe limitation of NR (e.g., first RAT) is that it cannot achieve maximum throughput in CRS rate matching subframes due to the smaller number of available REs due to rate matching.

[0097] Action 401-2 and Action 402-2 For example, the network node 110 calculates the potential downlink throughput of the RAT based on the load and radio conditions, which is referred to as the potential cell DL throughput of the RAT (Thput Potential ).

[0098] Action 401-3 and Action 402-3 The network node 110 may update the first unused subframe counter and the second unused subframe counter based on the corresponding first current downlink throughput and the second current downlink throughput and the corresponding first potential downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput. For example, if the buffering requirements of all UEs 121, 122 in the current subframe are zero, the unused subframe counter is incremented. subframes ).Thput Potential and Thput Current For such subframes it will be 0. This means that the RAT in question does not require such subframes

[0099] Action 401-4 and Action 402-4 The network node 110 then calculates the first difference Δ1 and the second difference Δ2 between the first current downlink throughput and the first potential downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput. The network node 110 calculates the incremental throughput, for example, using the following formula: Thput Δ =Thput Potential -Thput Current .

[0100] This incremental throughput can be filtered using an average filter using the following formula: Thput FilterΔ =filter(Thput Δ ). This means that the throughput difference is based on the history of the current frame and previous subframes. This is done to make long-term correct decisions for any configuration changes.

[0101] At the end of each configuration update period, i.e., a period including a plurality of past subframes as described above, the network node 110 may calculate, for each of the first RAT and the second RAT, a proposed subframe configuration for the respective first RAT and the second RAT, for example, by calculating the number of subframes to be added or subtracted using the following formula: Required Subframes = CEIL(Thput Filter Currert / Thput FilterΔ )-Unused subframes See Table 2 for an example description.

[0102] Negative values ​​indicate a decrease and positive values ​​indicate an increase. See Tables 2 and 3 below.

[0103]

[0104] Table 2 shows an example of decrementing subframes.

[0105] In Table 2, an example is shown when the buffer requirement is non-zero in the first 5 subframes and the measurement period is 10 subframes. The row marked "potential" represents the opportunity for scheduling in the first 5 subframes of the 10 subframes. The average value of the potential throughput over the 5 subframes with non-zero buffers is therefore 500 / 5=100. The row marked "current" represents the throughput used due to the MBSFN subframe configuration. This RAT can only use non-MBSFN subframes and has non-zero buffers in the first 5 subframes. The average value of the current throughput of 5 of the 10 potentially available subframes is 200 / 5=40. The row marked Δ is the difference between the potential throughput and the current throughput. The average difference over the measurement period of 10 subframes is 300 / 10=30. In this example, the unused subframes of the 10 subframes are 2, where scheduling can be performed, but the buffer requirement is 0. The ratio of the average difference to the average utilized throughput represents the surplus or shortage of subframes. Values ​​greater than 1 indicate a deficit, while values ​​less than 1 indicate a surplus. The ratio is compensated by the unused subframes in the measurement period to calculate the additional subframes required. In this example, the 30 / 40 ratio is < 1, raising its upper limit to 1 and subtracting 2 unused subframes from it to get -1, meaning that the RAT requires one less scheduled subframe than the current configuration.

[0106]

[0107] Table 3 shows an example of adding a subframe.

[0108] In Table 3, an example is shown when the buffer requirement is non-zero in all 10 subframes and the measurement period is 10 subframes. The row marked "potential" represents the opportunity for scheduling in each subframe. The average value of the potential throughput over the 10 subframes where the buffer is non-zero is therefore 1000 / 10=100. The row marked "current" represents the throughput used due to the MBSFN subframe configuration. This RAT can only use MBSFN subframes. The average value of the current throughput for 10 of the 10 potentially available subframes is 600 / 10=60. The row marked Δ is the difference between the potential throughput and the current throughput. The average difference over the measurement period of 10 subframes is 400 / 10=40. In this example, the unused subframes in the 10 subframes are 0, which means that each subframe has the potential to be scheduled. In this example, the ratio of 40 / 60 is < 1, however, raising it towards the upper limit and compensating for the unused subframes yields 1, which means that the RAT needs one additional scheduled subframe more than the current configuration.

[0109] The following text is relevant to action 403.

[0110] The subframe configuration may be communicated to a shared resource allocator, which compares each of the subframe proposals for the first RAT and the second RAT.

[0111] Based on these recommendations, the network node 110 (e.g., its shared resource allocator) decides whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration by, for example, making one of the following decisions:

[0112] Increase the number of MBSFN subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0113] The number of MBSFN subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration is reduced.

[0114] The number of MBSFN subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration is not changed.

[0115] There are multiple policies that may influence this decision, such as RAT preference, QoS considerations, etc. A simple decision table such as Table 4 can be used to change the subframe configuration:

[0116] MBSFN proposal for LTE MBSFN recommendations for NR Decide Increase Increase Increase Increase reduce No change reduce Increase No change reduce reduce reduce

[0117] Table 4 shows suggestions and decisions for increasing, decreasing or keeping the number of MBSFN subframes unchanged in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0118] Figure 51 is a block diagram depicting an arrangement of a network node 110 and a UE 121 represented by an NR UE and a UE 122 represented by an LTE UE according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. The network node 110 may include a first RAT scheduler 601 (e.g., an NR scheduler) and a second RAT scheduler 602 (e.g., an LTE scheduler). The network node 110 may also include: a shared resource allocator 603 for allocating resource blocks for each transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention; and a radio resource controller 604.

[0119] The MBSFN subframe configuration may vary between the minimum number of MBSFN subframes required for LTE (eg, the second RAT) and NR (eg, the first RAT) to coexist and the maximum number of MBSFN subframes allowed in 3GPP.

[0120] At each update period, eg, including the above-mentioned plurality of past subframes, the MBSFN subframe configuration decision may be communicated to a radio resource control (RRC) layer, eg, a radio resource controller 604 and corresponding first RAT scheduler 601 and second RAT scheduler 602 .

[0121] The radio resource controller 604 may update the SIB2 information. The SIB2 information is a "system information block type 2" that carries MBSFN subframe configuration information in LTE. SIB2 contains common channel information and shared channel information used in the cell. This includes configuration information on the RA channel, shared uplink control channel, and paging channel.

[0122] Each RAT UE 121, 122 starts using the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the updated information.

[0123] Figure 6 is a flowchart depicting an example of a method during an update period according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a decision on whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration is performed after each update period. The updated period includes a number of subframes that should be evaluated as a basis for the decision, which are referred to above as "multiple past subframes". The updated period may preferably be a SIB2 period or a multiple thereof. The SIB2 period is a period after which SIB2 is transmitted. The multiple past subframes may be, for example, siPeriodicitySI2=64{8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512} radio frames.

[0124] The following actions are performed as described above using the same reference numerals.

[0125] In the first RAT scheduler 601 of the network node 110, which is the NR scheduler in this example, the following actions are performed in the update period:

[0126] 401-1 current throughput is calculated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 401-2 potential throughput is calculated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 401-3 unused subframe counters are updated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 401-4 incremental throughput Δ1 is calculated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 401-1 required subframes are calculated for the plurality of past subframes, including updated periods. The required first RAT (e.g., NR) subframes are referred to as first requirements for subframes. The calculated required subframes (e.g., first requirements for subframes) are transmitted as a proposal to the shared resource allocator 603.

[0127] In the second RAT scheduler 602 of the network node 110 (for example, the LTE scheduler in this example), the following actions are performed at the update period:

[0128] 402-1 current throughput is calculated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 402-2 potential throughput is calculated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 402-3 unused subframe counters are updated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 402-4 incremental throughput Δ1 is calculated for each of the plurality of past subframes. 402 required subframes are calculated for the plurality of past subframes, including updated periods. The required second RAT subframes (e.g., LTE subframes) are referred to herein as second requirements for subframes. The calculated required LTE subframes (e.g., second requirements for subframes) are transmitted as a proposal to the shared resource allocator 603.

[0129] In the shared resource allocator 603, the following actions are performed in the update cycle.

[0130] The first requirement and the second requirement of the subframe are compared. For example, the NR and LTE proposals are compared. Then, based on the compared first requirement and the second requirement of the subframe, it is decided whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration. This is related to action 403.

[0131] If it is decided to change the MBSFN subframe configuration, the new, updated MBSFN subframe configuration is determined, for example, by using Table 4 as described above.

[0132] If a new MBSFN subframe configuration is determined, the updated MBSFN subframe configuration is transmitted to the RRC in the corresponding first RAT scheduler 601 and second RAT scheduler 602 (e.g., NR scheduler and LTE scheduler) of the network node 110. SIB2 is then updated, which means that the shared spectrum system will use the new MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0133] The new MBSFN subframe configuration is then ready to be used.

[0134] Figure 7 Describes how to send LTE MBSFN configuration in SIB2 messages

[0135] Figure 8 MBSFN subframe allocation is depicted, showing which subframes are allocated to MBSFN and which subframes are normal subframes.

[0136] In order to perform the above actions, the network node 110 may include: Figure 9a and Figure 9b Arrangement shown.

[0137] The network node 110 may include corresponding input and output interfaces configured to communicate with the UEs 121, 122, see Fig.10 The input and output interfaces may include a wireless receiver (not shown) and a wireless transmitter (not shown).

[0138] The network node 110 is configured to process an MBSFN subframe configuration in the wireless communication network 100. The MBSFN subframe configuration is adapted to be configured for a first RAT (e.g., NR) to operate in a shared spectrum mode with a second RAT (e.g., LTE) for radio communication with one or more UEs 121, 122. The MBSFN subframe configuration is adapted to be configured with a second RAT CRS rate matching.

[0139] The first RAT may be adapted to be represented by the fifth generation new radio 5G NR and the second RAT may be adapted to be represented by the fourth generation long term evolution 4G LTE, and / or the first RAT may be adapted to be represented by 4G LTE and the second RAT may be adapted to be represented by 5G NR.

[0140] The network node 110 is further configured to: for MBSFN subframe configuration, for example, by an obtaining unit in the network node 110:

[0141] - for a plurality of past subframes, obtaining a first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT, the first requirement being adapted based on a load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT, and

[0142] - For a plurality of past subframes, obtaining a second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT, the second requirement being adapted based on a load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT.

[0143] In some embodiments, the network node 110 is further configured to obtain, for example, by an obtaining unit in the network node 110, the first requirement of the subframe related to the first RAT by performing the following operations for each subframe in the plurality of past subframes:

[0144] - calculating a first current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions associated with the first RAT,

[0145] - calculating a first potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the first RAT, and

[0146] - calculating a first difference Δ1 between a first current downlink throughput and a first potential downlink throughput.

[0147] In these embodiments, the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is adapted to be obtained based on Δ1 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

[0148] In some embodiments, the network node 110 is further configured to obtain the second requirement of the subframe related to the second RAT by performing the following operations for each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, for example, by an obtaining unit in the network node 110:

[0149] - calculating a second current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT,

[0150] - calculating a second potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT, and

[0151] - calculating a second difference Δ2 between a second current downlink throughput and a second potential downlink throughput.

[0152] In these embodiments, the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is adapted to be obtained based on Δ2 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

[0153] The network node 110 may also be configured to, for example, obtain, by an obtaining unit in the network node 110, a first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT by further updating, for each of a plurality of past subframes, a first unused subframe counter based on a first current downlink throughput and a first potential downlink throughput, and obtain a second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT by further updating, for each of a plurality of past subframes, a second unused subframe counter based on a second current downlink throughput and a second potential downlink throughput.

[0154] The network node 110 is further configured to decide whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement of the subframe and the second requirement of the subframe, for example, by a decision unit in the network node 110 .

[0155] In some embodiments, the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is adapted to include any one of an increase, decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the first RAT and the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is adapted to include any one of an increase, decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the second RAT,

[0156] In these embodiments, the network node 110 is further configured to determine whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement for the subframe and the second requirement for the subframe by determining any one of: an increase, decrease, or no change in: the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0157] The change of the MBSFN subframe configuration may be adapted to include changing any one or more of: a number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration, an offset in the MBSFN subframe configuration, a repetition period of a subframe pattern in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

[0158] The processing may be performed by a corresponding processor or one or more processors (e.g., a corresponding processor of a processing circuit in the network node 110) and Fig.10 The embodiments of the present invention are implemented by the first UE 121 depicted in FIG. 1 , together with computer program codes for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments of the present invention. The above program code can also be provided as a computer program product in the form of, for example, a data carrier, which carries the computer program code for performing the embodiments of the present invention when loaded into the network node 110. Such a carrier can be in the form of a CD ROM disk. However, it can also be other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program can also be provided as pure program code on a server and can be downloaded to the network node 110.

[0159] The network node 110 may also include a corresponding memory including one or more memory units. Each memory includes instructions executable by a processor in the network node 110.

[0160] Each respective memory is arranged for storing requirements, assessments, information, data, configurations and applications to perform the methods herein when executed in the network node 110 .

[0161] In some embodiments, the corresponding computer program includes instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor of the network node 110 to perform the above-mentioned actions.

[0162] In some embodiments, a respective carrier comprises a respective computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0163] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units in the above units may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware, for example, stored in the network node 110, which are executed as described above when executed by the corresponding one or more processors (e.g., the processors or processing circuits described above). One or more of these processors and other digital hardware may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed over several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0164] When the word “comprising” or “including” is used, it should be interpreted as non-limiting, ie meaning “consisting at least of…”

[0165] The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred embodiments described above, and various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.

[0166] Other extensions and changes

[0167] refer to Fig.10 According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunication network 3210 such as the wireless communication network 100 (e.g., an IoT network or a WLAN such as a 3GPP type cellular network), which includes an access network 3211 (e.g., a radio access network) and a core network 3214. The access network 3211 includes a plurality of base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c, such as network nodes 110, access nodes, AP STAs, NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each of which defines a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, 3212c is connected to the core network 3214 via a wired or wireless connection 3215. A first user equipment (UE) (e.g., UE 120, such as a non-AP STA 3291 located in the coverage area 3213c) is configured to be wirelessly connected to a corresponding base station 3212c or to be paged by a corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE 3292 (e.g., a wireless device 122, such as a non-AP STA in the coverage area 3213a) can be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 3212a. Although multiple UEs 3291, 3292 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are also applicable to the case where only one UE is located in the coverage area or only one UE is connected to the corresponding base station 3212.

[0168] The telecommunications network 3210 itself is connected to a host computer 3230, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server cluster. The host computer 3230 may be owned or under the control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 3221, 3222 between the telecommunications network 3210 and the host computer 3230 may extend directly from the core network 3214 to the host computer 3230, or may pass through an optional intermediate network 3220. The intermediate network 3220 may be a public network, a private network, or a combination of one or more of a servo network; the intermediate network 3220 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; specifically, the intermediate network 3220 may include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0169] Fig.10 The communication system in the embodiment as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected UEs 3291, 3292 and the host computer 3230. The connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 3250. The host computer 3230 and the connected UEs 3291, 3292 are configured to transmit data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 3250 using the access network 3211, the core network 3214, any intermediate networks 3220, and possible other intermediate infrastructures (not shown). The OTT connection 3250 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 3250 passes are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 3212 may not be informed or need not be informed of the past routing of incoming downlink communications having data originating from the host computer 3230 and to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 3291. Similarly, base station 3212 need not be aware of the future routing of outgoing uplink communications originating from UE 3291 and toward host computer 3230.

[0170] Now refer to Fig.11Describe the example implementation of the UE, base station and host computer according to the embodiment discussed in the above paragraphs. In the communication system 3300, the host computer 3310 includes hardware 3315, and the hardware 3315 includes a communication interface 3316, and the communication interface 3316 is configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with the interface of different communication devices of the communication system 3300. The host computer 3310 also includes a processing circuit 3318, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. Specifically, the processing circuit 3318 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of such devices (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The host computer 3310 also includes software 3311, which is stored in or accessible by the host computer 3310 and can be executed by the processing circuit 3318. Software 3311 includes a host application 3312. The host application 3312 is operable to provide services to a remote user (e.g., UE 3330), which is connected via an OTT connection 3350 terminated at the UE 3330 and the host computer 3310. In providing services to the remote user, the host application 3312 can provide user data sent using the OTT connection 3350.

[0171] The communication system 3300 also includes a base station 3320 provided in the telecommunication system, the base station 3320 including hardware 3325 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330. The hardware 3325 may include a communication interface 3326 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with the interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 3300, and a communication interface 3326 for communicating with devices located in the coverage area ( Fig.11 330 in the UE 3330 (not shown) establishes and maintains at least a radio interface 3327 of a wireless connection 3370. The communication interface 3326 may be configured to facilitate a connection 3360 with the host computer 3310. The connection 3360 may be direct, or it may pass through a core network ( Fig.11 3320) and / or through one or more intermediate networks located outside the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 3325 of the base station 3320 also includes processing circuitry 3328, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The base station 3320 also has software 3321 that is stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0172] The communication system 3300 also includes the UE 3330 already mentioned. The hardware 3335 of the UE 3330 may include a radio interface 3337, which is configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 3370 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 3330 is currently located. The hardware 3335 of the UE 3330 also includes a processing circuit 3338, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of such devices (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 3330 also includes software 3331, which is stored in or accessible by the UE 3330 and can be executed by the processing circuit 3338. The software 3331 includes a client application 3332. The client application 3332 can be operated to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 3330 with the support of the host computer 3310. In the host computer 3310, the executing host application 3312 can communicate with the executing client application 3332 via the OTT connection 3350, which terminates at the UE 3330 and the host computer 3310. When providing services to users, the client application 3332 can receive request data from the host application 3312 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 3350 can transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 3332 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0173] It should be noted that in Fig.11 The host computer 3310, base station 3320, and UE 3330 shown in FIG. Fig.10 The host computer 3230 in the embodiment, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c, and one of the UEs 3291, 3292 are equivalent. That is, the internal working mode of these entities can be as follows: Fig.11 As shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Fig.10 network topology.

[0174] exist Fig.11 , an OTT connection 3350 is abstractly depicted to illustrate communication between a host computer 3310 and a user device 3330 via a base station 3320, without explicitly involving any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to be hidden from the UE 3330 or the service provider operating the host computer 3310, or both. When the OTT connection 3350 is active, the network infrastructure can further make decisions to dynamically change the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0175] The wireless connection 3370 between the UE 3330 and the base station 3320 is consistent with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improves the performance of the OTT service provided to the UE 3330 using the OTT connection 3350, in which the wireless connection 3370 forms the last part of the OTT connection 2116. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve applicable RAN effects: data rate, latency, power consumption, and thereby provide benefits such as corresponding effects on OTT services: for example, reduced user waiting time, relaxed restrictions on file size, better responsiveness, and extended battery life.

[0176] A measurement process may be provided for monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors that are the subject of improvement of one or more embodiments. There may also be an optional network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 between the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or the network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 may be implemented in the software 3311 of the host computer 3310 or in the software 3331 of the UE 3330 or in both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 3350 passes; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by providing the values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or providing the values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 3311, 3331 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 3350 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routes, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 3320, and the base station 3320 may be unknown or imperceptible to this. Such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates the host computer 3310 to measure throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurements may be accomplished by the software 3311, 3331 using the OTT connection 3350 to send messages (particularly empty messages or "dummy" messages) while monitoring propagation time, errors, etc.

[0177] Fig.12 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as network node 110, and a UE such as UE 120, which may be reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 To simplify this disclosure, only Fig.12. In a first action 3410 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-action 3411 of the first action 3410, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3420, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE, the transmission carrying the user data. In an optional third step 3430, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In an optional fourth action 3440, the UE executes a client application, the client application being associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0178] Fig.13 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as an AP STA, and a UE such as a non-AP STA, which can be a reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 To simplify this disclosure, only Fig.13 . In a first action 3510 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-action (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3520, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE, the transmission carrying the user data. According to the teachings of the embodiments described in the full text of this disclosure, the transmission can be transmitted via a base station. In an optional third action 3530, the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0179] Fig.14 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as an AP STA, and a UE such as a non-AP STA, which can be a reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 To simplify this disclosure, only Fig.14. In an optional first action 3610 of the method, the UE receives input data provided by a host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second action 3620, the UE provides user data. In an optional sub-action 3621 of the second action 3620, the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In another optional sub-action 3611 of the first action 3610, the UE executes a client application, which provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing user data, the UE initiates a transmission of user data to the host computer in an optional third sub-step 3630. In a fourth step 3640 of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the host computer receives user data sent from the UE.

[0180] Fig.15 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as an AP STA, and a UE such as a non-AP STA, which can be a reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 To simplify this disclosure, only Fig.15 In an optional first step 3710 of the method, the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. In an optional second action 3720, the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In a third action 3730, the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

Claims

1. A method for processing a multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe configuration in a wireless communication network (100) performed by a network node (110), the MBSFN subframe configuration being configured for a first radio access technology (RAT), the first RAT operating in a shared spectrum mode with a second RAT for radio communication with one or more user equipments (UE) (121, 122), and the MBSFN subframe configuration being configured with a second RAT cell-specific reference signal (CRS) rate matching, for the MBSFN subframe configuration, the method comprising: obtaining (401) a first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT for a plurality of past subframes, the first requirement being based on a load and a radio condition associated with the first RAT, obtaining (402) a second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT for the plurality of past subframes, the second requirement being based on a load and a radio condition associated with the second RAT, The method further comprises: determining (403) whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement for the subframe and the second requirement for the subframe, wherein the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is based on a first difference between a first current downlink throughput and a first potential downlink throughput for the first RAT, Therein, the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is based on a second difference between a second current downlink throughput and a second potential downlink throughput for the second RAT.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT includes any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the first RAT, and The second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT includes any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the second RAT, And among them, Determining (403) whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement for subframes and the second requirement for subframes includes: determining any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The change of the MBSFN subframe configuration includes changing any one or more of the following: - the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration, - an offset in the MBSFN subframe configuration, and -The repetition period of the subframe pattern in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Obtaining (401) the first requirement for a subframe associated with the first RAT is performed by: For each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, calculating (401-1) the first current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions associated with the first RAT, calculating (401-2) the first potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the first RAT, and calculating (401-4) the first difference Δ1 between the first current downlink throughput and the first potential downlink throughput, And wherein the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is obtained (401) based on (401-4)Δ1 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Obtaining (402) the second requirement for a subframe associated with the second RAT is performed by: For each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, calculating (402-1) the second current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT, calculating (402-2) the second potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT, and calculating (402-4) the second difference Δ2 between the second current downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput, And wherein the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is obtained (402) based on (402-4)Δ2 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Obtaining (401) the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is further performed by: for each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, updating (401-3) a first unused subframe counter based on the first current downlink throughput and the first potential downlink throughput, and wherein Obtaining (402) the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is further performed by, for each subframe of the plurality of past subframes, updating (402-3) a second unused subframe counter based on the second current downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - the first RAT is represented by fifth generation New Radio 5G NR and the second RAT is represented by fourth generation Long Term Evolution 4G LTE, or -The first RAT is represented by 4G LTE and the second RAT is represented by 5G NR.

8. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein: The computer program product is a computer-readable storage medium.

10. A network node (110) configured to process a multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe configuration in a wireless communication network (100), the MBSFN subframe configuration being adapted to be configured for a first radio access technology (RAT), the first RAT and a second RAT operating in a shared spectrum mode for radio communication with one or more user equipments (UE) (121, 122), and the MBSFN subframe configuration being adapted to be configured with a second RAT cell-specific reference signal (CRS) rate matching, for the MBSFN subframe configuration, the network node (110) being further configured to: obtaining, for a plurality of past subframes, a first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT, the first requirement being adapted based on a load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT, obtaining, for the plurality of past subframes, a second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT, the second requirement being adapted based on a load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT, The network node (110) is further configured to: determining whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement of the subframe and the second requirement of the subframe, in, a first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT based on a first difference between a first current downlink throughput and a first potential downlink throughput for the first RAT, Therein, the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is based on a second difference between a second current downlink throughput and a second potential downlink throughput for the second RAT.

11. The network node (110) according to claim 10, wherein: The first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT is adapted to include any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the first RAT, and the second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is adapted to include any one of an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of subframes associated with the second RAT, And wherein, the network node (110) is further configured to: determine whether to change the MBSFN subframe configuration based on the first requirement of the subframe and the second requirement of the subframe by determining any one of an increase, a decrease or no change in the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

12. The network node (110) according to claim 10, wherein: The change of the MBSFN subframe configuration is suitable for including any one or more of the following changes: - the number of subframes in the MBSFN subframe configuration, - an offset in the MBSFN subframe configuration, and -The repetition period of the subframe pattern in the MBSFN subframe configuration.

13. The network node (110) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The network node (110) is further configured to obtain the first requirement of a subframe associated with the first RAT by: For each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, calculating the first current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions associated with the first RAT, and calculating the first potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions associated with the first RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the first RAT, calculating the first difference Δ1 between the first current downlink throughput and the first potential downlink throughput, And wherein the first requirement of subframes related to the first RAT is adapted to be obtained based on Δ1 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

14. The network node (110) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The network node (110) is further configured to obtain the second requirement of the subframe related to the second RAT by: For each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, calculating the second current downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions and subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT, and calculating the second potential downlink throughput based on load and radio conditions associated with the second RAT while ignoring subframe restrictions associated with the second RAT, calculating the second difference Δ2 between the second current downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput, And wherein the second requirement for subframes related to the second RAT is adapted to be obtained based on Δ2 calculated for all subframes included in the plurality of past subframes.

15. The network node (110) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The network node (110) is further configured to: further obtaining the first requirement for subframes associated with the first RAT by: for each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, updating a first unused subframe counter based on the first current downlink throughput and the first potential downlink throughput, The second requirement for subframes associated with the second RAT is further obtained by, for each subframe in the plurality of past subframes, updating a second unused subframe counter based on the second current downlink throughput and the second potential downlink throughput.

16. The network node (110) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: - the first RAT is adapted to be represented by fifth generation New Radio 5G NR and the second RAT is adapted to be represented by fourth generation Long Term Evolution 4G LTE, or -The first RAT is adapted to be represented by 4G LTE, and the second RAT is adapted to be represented by 5G NR.

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