Method and apparatus for quality of service handling in a wireless communication system

Abstract

A method performed by a user equipment (UE) to network relay in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes identifying whether a quality of service (QoS) requirement associated with a remote UE and the UE to network relay is supported in a case that a PC5 QoS flow setup is initiated by the remote UE, identifying one or more QoS parameters that satisfy the QoS requirement in a case that the QoS requirement is not supported, and updating the PC5 QoS flow based on the one or more QoS parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to Quality of Service (QoS) processing for Proximity Service (ProSe), in which a User Equipment (UE) provides functionality to a network repeater entity to support connectivity with the network for a remote UE. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the increasing demand for wireless data services since the deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G or near-5G communication systems. 5G or near-5G communication systems are also referred to as 'super 4G networks' or 'post-LTE systems'. 5G communication systems are envisioned to be implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands (e.g., the 60GHz band) to achieve higher data rates. To reduce radio wave propagation loss and increase transmission distance, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive MIMO technologies have been discussed in relation to 5G communication systems. Furthermore, in 5G communication systems, system network improvements are being developed based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communication, coordinated multipoint (CoMP), and receiver interference cancellation. In 5G systems, hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK), Ferch quadrature amplitude modulation (FQAM), and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) have been developed as advanced coding and modulation (ACM), as well as filter bank multicarrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies.

[0003] The internet, a human-centric network of connectivity for generating and consuming information, has evolved into the Internet of Things (IoT), where distributed entities, such as things, exchange and process information without human intervention. The Internet of Everything (IoE) has emerged, combining IoT technology with big data processing technologies via cloud server connectivity. With the increasing demand for technological elements such as sensing technology, wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology, sensor networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and machine-type communication (MTC) have recently been studied. This IoT environment can provide intelligent internet technology services that create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. IoT can be applied to various fields through the convergence and combination of existing information technology (IT) with various industrial applications, including smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0004] Accordingly, various attempts have been made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies such as sensor networks, MTC, and M2M communication can be implemented using beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. The application of cloud RAN, as a big data processing technology, can also be seen as an example of the convergence between 5G and IoT technologies.

[0005] As mentioned above, various services can be provided based on the development of wireless communication systems, thus requiring a method for easily providing such services.

[0006] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. It is neither determined nor asserted whether any of the above elements can be applied as prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical solutions

[0008] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for QoS processing in a wireless communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a service relay system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 The illustration shows a representation of a call flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 The illustration shows a representation of a call flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 The illustration shows a representation of a call flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a UE-to-network repeater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the core network entities according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Throughout the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The aspects of this disclosure will solve at least the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure provides a method for easily providing various services based on the development of a wireless communication system.

[0019] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the following description and in part will become apparent from the description or can be learned by practicing the embodiments presented.

[0020] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) to a network repeater in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: identifying whether QoS requirements associated with the remote UE and the UE to the network repeater are supported when PC5 Quality of Service (QoS) flow settings are initiated by a remote UE; identifying one or more QoS parameters that satisfy the QoS requirements when the QoS requirements are not supported; and updating the PC5 QoS flow based on the one or more QoS parameters.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system to a network repeater. The method includes: sending information associated with at least one Quality of Service (QoS) requirement to a policy control function (PCF) via a session management function (SMF); receiving one or more PC5 QoS parameters from the PCF via the SMF; and initiating a Layer-2 link modification procedure based on the one or more PC5 QoS parameters.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) to network repeater is provided in a wireless communication system. The UE to network repeater includes: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to, when a PC5 Quality of Service (QoS) flow setting is initiated by a remote UE, identify whether a QoS requirement associated with the remote UE and the UE to network repeater is supported; if the QoS requirement is not supported, identify one or more QoS parameters that satisfy the QoS requirement; and update the PC5 QoS flow based on the one or more QoS parameters.

[0023] Other aspects, advantages, and distinctive features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which disclose various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] The following description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid in this understanding, but these are merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0025] The terminology and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographical meaning, but are intended solely by the inventors to achieve a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the purpose of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. Thus, for example, a reference to “component surface” includes a reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0027] Throughout this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of a, b, or c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. Throughout this specification, a layer (or layer arrangement) may also be referred to as an entity. The operating principles of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in the following description because they would obscure this disclosure with unnecessary detail. The terminology used in this specification is defined based on the functions used in this disclosure and may be changed according to the intent or common practice of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be understood based on the entire description of this specification.

[0028] For the same reason, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or roughly depicted in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the size of each element does not precisely correspond to its actual size. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are presented with the same reference numerals.

[0029] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods of implementing it, can be more readily understood by referring to the following description of embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. It should be understood that blocks or combinations of flowcharts can be performed by computer program instructions. Because these computer program instructions can be loaded into a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or another programmable data processing device, the instructions performed by the processor of the computer or another programmable data processing device create units for performing the functions described in the flowchart blocks.

[0030] Computer program instructions can be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium capable of instructing a computer or another programmable data processing apparatus to perform functions in a particular manner, and therefore the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium may also be capable of producing an article of art containing instruction units for performing the functions described in the flowchart block. Computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or another programmable data processing apparatus, so that when a series of operations are performed in the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, the instructions for operating the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus by generating a process executed by the computer can provide operations for performing the functions described in the flowchart block.

[0031] Furthermore, each box can represent a portion of a module, segment, or code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in a box may occur out of order. For example, two consecutive boxes may be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on their corresponding functions.

[0032] As used herein, the term "cell" refers to a software element or hardware element, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that performs a specific function. However, the term "cell" is not limited to software or hardware. A "cell" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or to operate one or more processors. Thus, for example, the term "cell" may include elements (e.g., software elements, object-oriented software elements, class elements, and task elements), processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables.

[0033] The functionality provided by the elements and "units" can be combined into a smaller number of elements and "units" or can be divided into additional elements and "units". Furthermore, the elements and "units" can be embodied as one or more central processing units (CPUs) in a playback device or secure multimedia card. Additionally, in embodiments of this disclosure, a "unit" may include at least one processor. In the following description of this disclosure, well-known functions or configurations are not described because they would obscure this disclosure with unnecessary detail.

[0034] In the following text, for ease of explanation, this disclosure uses the terms and names defined in the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) standard. However, this disclosure is not limited to the terms and names and can also be applied to systems conforming to other standards.

[0035] In this disclosure, for ease of illustration, the evolved Node B (eNB) can be used interchangeably with the next-generation Node B (gNB). For example, a base station (BS) described by an eNB can represent a gNB. In the following description, the term "base station" refers to an entity used to allocate resources to a user equipment (UE) and can be used interchangeably with at least one of a gNode B, eNode B, Node B, base station (BS), radio access unit, base station controller (BSC), or node on a network. The term "terminal" can be used interchangeably with a user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or multimedia system capable of communication functions. However, this disclosure is not limited to the examples above. Specifically, this disclosure applies to 3GPP New Radio (NR) (or 5th generation (5G)) mobile communication standards. In the following description, for ease of illustration, the term eNB can be used interchangeably with the term gNB. For example, a base station interpreted as an eNB can also indicate a gNB. The term UE can also indicate a mobile phone, NB-IoT device, sensor, and other wireless communication device.

[0036] Proximity services (ProSe) (especially direct communication) have been enhanced to support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services via LTE. For the fifth-generation system (5GS), proximity services are expected to become an important system-wide enabler supporting a wide range of applications and services.

[0037] Recently, another type of commercial service called Network Control Interactive Service (NCIS) has emerged, which shares some commonalities with public safety services and application sharing requirements. NCIS refers to a service that requires at least two User Equipments (UEs) to join and share data, such as interactive games or data sharing. UEs in the same NCIS session are grouped together as an NCIS group, and this group is determined by the application layer (i.e., the NCIS application server).

[0038] To ensure service requirements are met, QoS parameters are derived based on the requirements of nearby applications; QoS flows and corresponding QoS rules are then created accordingly. However, this is not straightforward in the presence of repeaters, and involves performing QoS control on the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the network repeater, and on the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions established between the UE and the network repeater via the Uu interface.

[0039] Figure 1 An example is shown of how the ProSe UE-to-network repeater 20 relays services (uplink (UL) and downlink (DL)) between a remote UE 10 and a network (including an NG radio access network (RAN) 30, a 5G core (5GC) 40, and an application server (AS) 50).

[0040] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the terms ProSe UE-to-network repeater and UE-to-network repeater, or simply repeater, are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure.

[0041] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to address the shortcomings of the prior art, whether or not mentioned herein.

[0042] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for managing Quality of Service (QoS) in a telecommunications system including a User Equipment (UE) operatively communicating with a network via a UE-to-network repeater is provided, wherein QoS is managed in response to at least one trigger received from one or more of a remote UE, a ProSe UE-to-network repeater, a radio access network (RAN), and an application server.

[0043] In embodiments of this disclosure, for public safety applications or for Network Control Interactive Service (NCIS), at least one trigger is based on or derived from one or more of the following: the link state between the remote UE and the ProSe UE to the network repeater, the Uu congestion state or other indications from the RAN regarding QoS implementation, and policy control derived from the application server.

[0044] In embodiments of this disclosure, QoS management is triggered in response to a remote UE or ProSe UE to a network repeater via the PC5 interface.

[0045] In embodiments of this disclosure, QoS mapping configuration is pre-configured on one or more of the UE and ProSe UE-to-network repeater or provided by user configuration updates via PCF.

[0046] In embodiments of this disclosure, the QoS mapping configuration indicates how to map Uu-level QoS flows to PC5 QoS flows and / or vice versa.

[0047] In embodiments of this disclosure, entries in the QoS mapping configuration include adjustment factors to be applied to each individual QoS feature when performing mapping.

[0048] In embodiments of this disclosure, if there is a deterioration in the channel state, then the UE or ProSe UE to network repeater identifier cannot meet the QoS requirements on the link between the UE and the ProSe UE to network repeater, thus reflecting the inability to meet end-to-end QoS requirements.

[0049] In embodiments of this disclosure, the ProSe UE to network repeater initiates a remote UE report to the SMF, which includes a remote user ID, IP information or any other relevant address information, indicating the highest priority alternative QoS profile that can be implemented and meets end-to-end QoS requirements.

[0050] In embodiments of this disclosure, the UE or ProSe UE-to-network repeater uses a Layer-2 link modification procedure to modify the PC5 QoS flow according to the adopted alternative QoS profile.

[0051] In embodiments of this disclosure, as part of the Layer-2 link modification process, PC5 QoS rules are implicitly or explicitly updated with additional information elements to reflect changes in end-to-end QoS requirements.

[0052] In embodiments of this disclosure, the SMF forwards remote UE reports to the PCF.

[0053] In embodiments of this disclosure, the SMF initiates a transparent network access layer (NAS) update to the RAN based on the new ProSe configuration and policy parameters or an alternative QoS profile on PC5 to correct Uu-level QoS flow processing between the RAN and the ProSe UE to the network repeater or change the PC5 level cap (cap) on the link transmission.

[0054] In embodiments of this disclosure, in response to a ProSe AF request, the UE or ProSe UE-to-network repeater receives a user configuration update from the PCF (80) to notify of new ProSe configuration and policy parameters.

[0055] In embodiments of this disclosure, the ProSe UE establishes a new PDU session with the network repeater or modifies an existing PDU session used for relaying; or the PCF initiates a PDU session modification.

[0056] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided that is arranged to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0057] Although several preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0058] To better understand this disclosure and to illustrate how embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 The illustration shows a service relay system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 2 The illustration shows a representation of a call flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 3 The illustration shows a representation of a call flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 4 The illustration shows a representation of a call flow according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 2 The following figures illustrate various network functions and / or entities whose functions and definitions are known in the art, at least in respect of 3GPP TS 23.501, 3GPP TS 23.502, and 3GPP TS 23.503. The various known functions / entities of these network functions / entities are subject to general changes and / or enhancements as described below.

[0064] For completeness, the various functions / entities shown are: User Equipment (UE) (10), Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) (30), Session Management Function (SMF) (60), User Policy Function (UPF) (70), Policy Control Function (PCF) (80) and Application Function (AF) (90).

[0065] refer to Figure 2 SMF(60), UPF(70), and PCF(80) are components of 5GC(40). AF(90) is equivalent to AS(50).

[0066] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, PCF 80 refers to the policy control function used for association with UE policies and Access and Mobility (AM) policies. Otherwise, when referring to Session Management (SM) policies, PCF 80 refers to the policy control function used for association with SM policies. These two policy functions can be strategically positioned according to deployment and selection criteria.

[0067] Figure 2A first scenario according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. This embodiment relates to QoS control triggered via a PC5 interface from a remote UE / ProSe UE to a network repeater. In this scenario, it is assumed that the ProSe configuration and policy parameters, including the QoS mapping configuration, have been pre-configured on the remote UE 10 (and UE to network repeater 20) or provided by user configuration updates, for example, via PCF 80 based on a ProSe AF request. The QoS mapping table indicates how a Uu-level QoS flow (i.e., 5G QoS identifier - 5QI) can be mapped to a PC5 QoS flow (i.e., PC5 QoS identifier - PQI), or vice versa. Each entry in the table may also include an adjustment factor to be applied to each individual QoS feature (e.g., packet delay budget) within the 5QI and / or PQI when mapping 5QI to PQI (or vice versa).

[0068] Figure 2 The details of each operation shown are:

[0069] S21. Due to deterioration in the channel state, based on L1 / L2 measurements or other indications on PC5-U / PC5-S (e.g., due to changes in service resulting in new end-to-end QoS requirements), the remote UE 10 or UE to network repeater 20 indicates that the QoS requirements on PC5 can no longer be met.

[0070] For example, in operation S21, UE 10 or UE-to-network repeater 20 may identify that it does not support the QoS requirements on PC5. In embodiments of this disclosure, UE 10 may identify that it does not support the QoS requirements on PC5 and send information associated with at least one QoS requirement to the UE-to-network repeater. The information associated with at least one QoS requirement may indicate that the QoS requirements on PC5 are not supported.

[0071] S22. The UE can initiate a remote UE report to SMF 60 (e.g., via NG-RAN 30) to network repeater 20. This remote UE report includes the remote user ID, IP information, or any other relevant information, indicating that the QoS profile cannot be implemented. If the QoS profile can be implemented again in the future, another remote UE report can be initiated to SMF 60.

[0072] For example, in operation S22, the UE to network repeater 20 may send information associated with at least one QoS requirement to the SMF, indicating that the QoS requirement on PC5 is not supported. In embodiments of this disclosure, the information associated with at least one QoS requirement may be sent from the UE to network repeater 20 to the SMF 60 via a remote UE report.

[0073] S23. [Conditionally supports alternative QoS on PC5 or depends on implementation] The UE to network repeater 20 can initiate a remote UE report to SMF60 (e.g., via NG-RAN 30), which includes the remote user ID, IP information, or any other relevant address information, indicating the highest priority alternative QoS profile that can be implemented and meets the end-to-end QoS requirements. The remote UE10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) can use the Layer-2 link modification procedure to modify (multiple) PC5 QoS flows according to the adopted alternative QoS profile. If no alternative QoS profile matches the current channel state, the procedure will be similar to operation S22 described above.

[0074] In embodiments of this disclosure, the UE-to-network repeater 20 may identify one or more QoS parameters that meet QoS requirements and send information associated with one or more QoS parameters to the PCF 80 via the SMF 60. Based on the authorization of one or more QoS parameters performed by the PCF 80, the UE-to-network repeater 20 may update the PC5 QoS flow via a Layer-2 link modification procedure.

[0075] As part of a Layer-2 link modification to (multiple) PC5 QoS flows, PC5 QoS rules can be implicitly or explicitly updated (stored as part of the UE PC5 QoS context) with additional information elements to reflect changes in end-to-end QoS requirements, such as updated PQI / 5QI, updated adjustment factors for each QoS feature within PQI / 5QI, updated end-to-end packet delay budget, updated priority, updated packet error rate, updated average window, updated maximum data burst, or any other PC5 QoS feature. This additional information can override default QoS features.

[0076] S24.SMF 60 can forward this notification to (SM policy)PCF 80. ProSe AF 90 can also be notified based on a previous subscription to (SM policy)PCF 80. ProSe AF 90 can update relevant ProSe configuration and policy parameters.

[0077] In embodiments of this disclosure, PCF 80 may identify one or more PC5 QoS parameters and transmit information associated with one or more PC5 QoS parameters to UE-to-network repeater 20 via SMF 60.

[0078] S25. Unless otherwise notified by (SM policy) PCF 80, SMF 60 may initiate a transparent network access layer (NAS) update to NG-RAN 30 based on the new ProSe configuration and policy parameters or an alternative QoS profile on PC5 (if supported or depending on the implementation), for example to correct Uu-level QoS flow processing between NG-RAN 30 and UE to network repeater 20 (e.g., to update packet delay budget) or change the PC5 level cap on link transmission.

[0079] S26. In response to a ProSe AF request, the remote UE 10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) may receive a user configuration update (via PCF 80) to notify of new ProSe configuration and policy parameters. The remote UE 10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) may use the Layer-2 link modification procedure to modify (multiple) PC5 QoS flows based on the configuration update.

[0080] In embodiments of this disclosure, during operation S26, the UE to network repeater 20 may initiate a Layer-2 link modification procedure based on one or more PC5QoS parameters. For example, the UE to network repeater 20 may update the PC5 QoS flow via the Layer-2 link modification procedure.

[0081] S27.(a) A UE can establish a new PDU session or modify an existing PDU session used for relaying to network repeater 20. (b) Alternatively, PCF 80 can initiate PDU session modification.

[0082] Figure 3 A second scenario according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. This embodiment relates to network-assisted QoS control on the Uu interface. In this scenario, it is assumed that the ProSe configuration and policy parameters, including QoS mapping configuration, have been pre-configured on the remote UE 10 (and UE to network repeater 20) or provided by user configuration updates, for example, via PCF 80 based on a ProSe AF request. It is also assumed that a remote user ID has been registered in SMF 60 via remote UE reporting.

[0083] Figure 3 The details of each operation in the process are:

[0084] S31.NG-RAN 30 can detect that QoS requirements cannot be met for one or more QoS flows (via the Uu interface toward the UE to the network repeater 20).

[0085] S32.NG-RAN 30 can initiate a QoS notification (QNC) to SMF 60. (If alternative QoS is supported on Uu), then the highest priority alternative QoS profile can be indicated.

[0086] S33. Based on the remote user IDs involved in QNC, SMF 60 can identify when ProSe configuration parameters or QoS profiles should be changed (e.g., on PC5).

[0087] S34.SMF 60 can forward QoS notifications to (SM policy)PCF 80. ProSe AF 90 can also be notified to update relevant ProSe configuration and policy parameters based on previous subscriptions to (SM policy)PCF 80.

[0088] S35. Unless otherwise notified by (SM policy) PCF 80, SMF 60 may initiate a transparent NAS update to NG-RAN 30 based on the new ProSe configuration and policy parameters or an alternative QoS profile adopted on Uu (if supported), for example to correct Uu-level QoS flow processing between NG-RAN 30 and UE to network repeater 20 (e.g., to update packet delay budget) or change the PC5 level cap on link transmission.

[0089] S36. In response to a ProSe AF 90 request, the remote UE 10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) may (via PCF 80) receive a user configuration update to notify of new ProSe configuration and policy parameters. The remote UE 10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) may use the Layer-2 link modification procedure to modify (multiple) PC5 QoS flows.

[0090] S37.(a) A UE can establish a new PDU session or modify an existing PDU session used for relaying to network repeater 20. (b) Alternatively, PCF 80 can initiate PDU session modification.

[0091] Figure 4 A third scenario according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. This embodiment relates to AF-assisted QoS control. It is assumed that the ProSe configuration and policy parameters, including QoS mapping configuration, have been pre-configured on the remote UE 10 (and UE to network repeater 20) or provided by user configuration updates, for example, via PCF 80 based on a ProSe AF request. Furthermore, ProSe AF 90 can access analytics data from NWDAF 100 (not shown).

[0092] Figure 4 The details of each operation in the process are:

[0093] S41.ProSe AF 90 may identify that not all QoS requirements can be met for one or more QoS flows, for example, based on (a) remote UE mobility, (b) topology or requirement changes, or (c) any analytical notification (as statistics or predictions) from NWDAF 100 (e.g., regarding QoS sustainability or service experience).

[0094] S42. In response to a ProSe AF 90 request, the remote UE 10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) may receive a user configuration update (via PCF 80) to notify of new ProSe configuration and policy parameters or an alternative QoS profile used on PC5 (if supported or implementation-dependent). The remote UE 10 (and / or UE to network repeater 20) may use a Layer-2 link modification procedure to modify (multiple) PC5 QoS flows.

[0095] S43.(a) A UE can establish a new PDU session with network repeater 20 or modify an existing PDU session used for relaying. (b) Alternatively, PCF 80 can initiate PDU session modification.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a UE to a network repeater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] refer to Figure 5 The UE-to-network repeater 500 may include a processor 510, a transceiver 520, and a memory 530. However, not all of the illustrated components are necessary. The UE-to-network repeater 500 may be composed of components such as a processor 510, a transceiver 520, and a memory 530. Figure 5 The components illustrated can be implemented with more or fewer components. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the processor 510, transceiver 520, and memory 530 can be implemented as a single chip.

[0098] The components described above will now be described.

[0099] Processor 510 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. Operation of the UE to network repeater 500 may be implemented by processor 610.

[0100] Transceiver 520 can be connected to processor 510 and transmit and / or receive signals. Furthermore, transceiver 520 can receive signals via a wireless channel and output signals to processor 510. Transceiver 520 can also transmit signals output from processor 510 via a wireless channel.

[0101] Memory 530 may store control information or data included in signals obtained by the UE to the network repeater 500. Memory 530 may be connected to processor 510 and store at least one instruction, protocol, or parameter for the proposed function, process, and / or method. Memory 530 may include read-only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM) and / or hard disk and / or optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and / or digital multifunction optical disc (DVD) and / or other storage devices.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] refer to Figure 6 UE 600 may include a processor 610, a transceiver 620, and a memory 630. However, not all of the illustrated components are required. UE 600 may be composed of... Figure 6 The components illustrated can be implemented with more or fewer components. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the processor 610, transceiver 620, and memory 630 can be implemented as a single chip.

[0104] The components described above will now be described.

[0105] Processor 610 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. Operation of UE 600 may be implemented by processor 610.

[0106] Transceiver 620 can be connected to processor 610 and transmit and / or receive signals. Furthermore, transceiver 620 can receive signals via a wireless channel and output signals to processor 610. Transceiver 620 can also transmit signals output from processor 610 via a wireless channel.

[0107] The memory 630 may store control information or data included in signals obtained by the UE 600. The memory 630 may be connected to the processor 610 and store at least one instruction, protocol, or parameter for the proposed function, process, and / or method. The memory 630 may include read-only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM) and / or hard disk and / or CD-ROM and / or DVD and / or other storage devices.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the core network entities according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The aforementioned NG-RAN 30, 5GC 40, and application server 50 can correspond to core network entity 700.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 The core network entity 700 may include a processor 710, a transceiver 720, and a memory 730. However, not all of the components illustrated are necessary. The core network entity 700 may be composed of components such as processor 710, transceiver 720, and memory 730. Figure 7 The components illustrated can be implemented with more or fewer components. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the processor 710, transceiver 720, and memory 730 can be implemented as a single chip.

[0111] The components described above will now be described.

[0112] Transceiver 720 can provide an interface for performing communication with other devices in the network. For example, transceiver 720 can convert bit streams sent from core network entity 700 to other devices into physical signals, and convert physical signals received from other devices into bit streams. For example, transceiver 720 can transmit and receive signals. Transceiver 720 may be referred to as a modem, transmitter, receiver, communication unit, or communication module. Transceiver 720 enables core network entity 700 to communicate with other devices or systems via backhaul connections or other connection methods.

[0113] The memory 730 can store basic programs, application programs, and configuration information for the operation of the core network entity 700. The memory 730 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory 730 can provide data according to requests from the processor 710.

[0114] Processor 710 can control the overall operation of core network entity 400. For example, processor 710 can send and receive signals via transceiver 720. Processor 710 may include at least one processor. Processor 710 can control core network entity 700 to perform operations according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0115] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for managing Quality of Service (QoS) in a telecommunications system is provided. The method may include a user equipment (UE) (10) operatively communicating with a network via a UE-to-network repeater (20), wherein QoS is managed in response to at least one trigger derived from one or more of a) a remote UE (10), b) a ProSe UE-to-network repeater (20), c) a radio access network (RAN) (30), and d) an application server (50).

[0116] In embodiments of this disclosure, for public safety applications or for the Network Control Interactive Service (NCIS), at least one trigger is based on or derived from one or more of the following: a) the link state between the remote UE (10) and the ProSe UE to the network repeater (20), b) the Uu congestion state or other indications from the RAN (30) regarding QoS implementation, and c) policy control derived from the application server (50).

[0117] In embodiments of this disclosure, QoS management is triggered in response to a remote UE (10) or ProSe UE to a network repeater (20) via a PC5 interface.

[0118] In embodiments of this disclosure, the QoS mapping configuration is pre-configured on one or more of the UE (10) and ProSe UE to network repeater (20) or provided by user configuration updates via PCF (80).

[0119] In embodiments of this disclosure, the QoS mapping configuration indicates how to map Uu-level QoS flows to PC5 QoS flows and / or vice versa.

[0120] In embodiments of this disclosure, the entries in the QoS mapping configuration include adjustment factors to be applied to each individual QoS feature when performing mapping.

[0121] In embodiments of this disclosure, if there is a deterioration in the channel state, the UE (10) or ProSe UE to network repeater (20) identifier cannot meet the QoS requirements on the link between the UE (10) and the ProSe UE to network repeater (20), thereby reflecting the inability to meet the end-to-end QoS requirements.

[0122] In embodiments of this disclosure, the ProSe UE to network repeater (20) initiates a remote UE report to the SMF (60), the remote UE report including remote user ID, IP information or any other relevant address information, indicating the highest priority alternative QoS profile that can be implemented and meets end-to-end QoS requirements.

[0123] In embodiments of this disclosure, the UE (10) or ProSe UE to network repeater (20) uses a Layer-2 link modification procedure to modify the PC5 QoS flow according to the adopted alternative QoS profile.

[0124] In embodiments of this disclosure, PC5 QoS rules are implicitly or explicitly updated with additional information elements as part of a Layer-2 link modification process, thereby reflecting changes in end-to-end QoS requirements.

[0125] In an embodiment of this disclosure, the SMF (60) forwards a remote UE report to the PCF (80).

[0126] In embodiments of this disclosure, the SMF (60) initiates a transparent network access layer (NAS) update to the RAN (30) based on new ProSe configuration and policy parameters or an alternative QoS profile on PC5 to correct Uu-level QoS flow processing between the RAN (30) and the ProSe UE to the network repeater (20) or change the PC5-level capping on the link transmission.

[0127] In embodiments of this disclosure, in response to a ProSe AF (90) request, the UE (10) or ProSe UE to network repeater (20) receives a user configuration update from the PCF (80) to notify of new ProSe configuration and policy parameters.

[0128] In embodiments of this disclosure, wherein: the ProSe UE establishes a new PDU session with the network repeater (20) or modifies an existing PDU session for relaying, or the PCF (80) initiates a PDU session modification.

[0129] In embodiments of this disclosure, the apparatus is arranged to perform a method.

[0130] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) to a network repeater in a wireless communication system is provided. The method may include: identifying whether QoS requirements associated with the remote UE and the UE to the network repeater are supported when PC5 Quality of Service (QoS) flow settings are initiated by a remote UE; identifying one or more QoS parameters that satisfy the QoS requirements when the QoS requirements are not supported; and updating the PC5 QoS flow based on the one or more QoS parameters.

[0131] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include sending information associated with one or more QoS parameters to a policy control function (PCF).

[0132] In embodiments of this disclosure, updating a PC5 QoS flow may include updating the PC5 QoS flow based on authentication of one or more QoS parameters.

[0133] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include: receiving information associated with QoS mapping rules from the PCF.

[0134] In embodiments of this disclosure, the information associated with the QoS mapping rules from the UE to the network repeater is pre-configured.

[0135] In embodiments of this disclosure, the PC5 QoS flow is updated via a Layer-2 link modification process.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method is provided performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system to a network repeater. The method may include: sending information associated with at least one Quality of Service (QoS) requirement to a policy control function (PCF) via a session management function (SMF); receiving one or more PC5 QoS parameters from the PCF via the SMF; and initiating a Layer-2 link modification procedure based on the one or more PC5 QoS parameters.

[0137] In embodiments of this disclosure, information associated with at least one Quality of Service (QoS) requirement is received from a remote UE.

[0138] In embodiments of this disclosure, information associated with at least one Quality of Service (QoS) requirement is sent to the SMF via a remote UE report.

[0139] In embodiments of this disclosure, the Layer-2 link modification is used to update the PC5 QoS flow.

[0140] In embodiments of this disclosure, the QoS flow settings are initiated by the SMF.

[0141] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) to network repeater is provided in a wireless communication system. The UE to network repeater may include: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to, when a PC5 Quality of Service (QoS) flow setting is initiated by a remote UE, identify whether a QoS requirement associated with the remote UE and the UE to network repeater is supported; if the QoS requirement is not supported, identify one or more QoS parameters that satisfy the QoS requirement; and update the PC5 QoS flow based on the one or more QoS parameters.

[0142] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor is further configured to send information associated with one or more QoS parameters to a Policy Control Function (PCF) via a transceiver.

[0143] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor is further configured to update the PC5 QoS flow based on authentication of one or more QoS parameters.

[0144] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor is further configured to receive information associated with QoS mapping rules from the PCF via a transceiver.

[0145] It should be noted that in all the embodiments described above, based on the new ProSe configuration and policy parameters, remote UE 10 may alternatively decide to run a new discovery process to discover another UE to network repeater 20'. Remote UE 10 may use a Layer-2 link modification procedure to remove (multiple) PC5 QoS flows. If so, a remote UE report (e.g., via an existing UE to network repeater 20) may be sent to notify SMF 60 that remote UE 10 is about to leave. According to implementation guidelines, the corresponding PDU session (of the existing UE to network repeater 20) may be modified or released.

[0146] Although presented in relation to ProSe and 5GC, those skilled in the art will readily understand that other network topologies and / or protocols that rely on direct communication between UEs and also on network-assisted communication between the same devices will benefit from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0147] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can be constructed, in part or in whole, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as 'component,' 'module,' or 'unit' as used herein may include, but are not limited to, hardware devices such as circuit systems, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in the form of discrete or integrated components, which perform certain tasks or provide associated functionality. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. In some embodiments, these functional elements may include, for example, components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuit systems, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. While example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules, and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it should be understood that the described features can be combined in any suitable combination. Specifically, features of any example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment of this disclosure as needed, unless such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" means including the specified components, but does not exclude the presence of other components.

[0148] It should be noted that all papers and documents submitted concurrently with or prior to this specification and made publicly available for examination together with this specification are incorporated herein by reference.

[0149] Except where at least some of these features and / or operations are mutually exclusive combinations, all features and / or operations of any method or process so disclosed herein (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be combined in any combination.

[0150] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example of a general series of equivalent or similar features.

[0151] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made in this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) to a network repeater in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Whether the information identifier associated with PC5-U or PC5-S does not support the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements associated with the PC5 QoS flow between the remote UE and the network relay; In cases where QoS requirements associated with PC5 QoS flows are not supported, determine the QoS parameters used for QoS control; and Based on QoS parameters, a layer-2 link modification process is performed with the remote UE to modify the PC5 QoS flow.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The Session Management Function (SMF) entity sends QoS-related information to the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive information from the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity that is associated with the QoS mapping between the Uu-level QoS parameters and the PC5 QoS parameters.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE is pre-configured to the network repeater with information associated with the QoS mapping between the Uu-level QoS parameters and the PC5 QoS parameters.

5. A user equipment (UE) to network repeater in a wireless communication system, the UE to network repeater comprising: transceiver; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the transceiver, is configured to: Whether the information identifier associated with PC5-U or PC5-S does not support the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements associated with the PC5 QoS flow between the remote UE and the network relay is determined by the information identifier associated with PC5. In cases where QoS requirements associated with PC5 QoS flows are not supported, determine the QoS parameters used for QoS control; and Based on QoS parameters, a layer-2 link modification process is performed with the remote UE to modify the PC5 QoS flow.

6. The UE-to-network repeater according to claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The Session Management Function (SMF) entity sends QoS-related information to the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity.

7. The UE-to-network repeater of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receive information from the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity that is associated with the QoS mapping between the Uu-level QoS parameters and the PC5 QoS parameters.

8. The UE-to-network repeater of claim 5, wherein the UE-to-network repeater is pre-configured with information associated with a QoS mapping between Uu-level QoS parameters and PC5 QoS parameters.

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