Multiple subscription entities in user equipment

Abstract

In order to facilitate multiple subscribing entities in a user equipment, a solution is disclosed that can use a wireless signaling connection established between a network and a subscribing entity to establish(s) further wireless signaling connections between the network and one or more other subscribing entities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to wireless communications, and in particular to multiple subscription entities in user equipment. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are constantly evolving. However, some features have been available for some time. One example is having multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMMs) or corresponding subscription entities in a user device. User devices that support the use of multiple subscription entities utilize device-specific implementations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present invention is set out in the independent claims. Embodiments, examples and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims (if any) are to be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] On the one hand, a user device is provided, which includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user device to at least execute: having at least two different subscription entities; causing a first wireless signaling connection to be established to a network for the first subscription entity when the first subscription entity transitions from an idle state to a connected state; the first subscription entity sends information about the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity among the at least two different subscription entities in the user device; the second subscription entity in the idle state sends an indication to the first subscription entity in response to the information that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from the idle state to the connected state; causing the first subscription entity to use the first wireless signaling connection to send a request to establish a second signaling connection for the second subscription entity in response to receiving the indication from the second subscription entity; the first subscription entity receives information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network; the information required for the second wireless signaling connection is transferred from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; and causing a second wireless signaling connection to be established for the second subscription using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

[0005] In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further perform: using a random access procedure when establishing the first wireless signaling connection.

[0006] In one embodiment, at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further perform: causing sending a request for a signaling radio bearer to an access node in a cell in a medium access control (MAC) level control element or in a buffer status report as a request for establishing a second signaling connection for a second subscription entity, the access node providing a first radio link between the access node and the first subscription entity, the first radio link being part of the first radio signaling connection; receiving a radio network temporary identifier in the MAC level control element as information required for the second signaling connection; wherein causing establishing the second radio signaling connection for the second subscription comprises: The subscription entity monitors downlink MAC level control elements to detect a control element including a radio network temporary identifier, which control element provides an uplink grant for a second subscription entity in the resources of the first wireless signaling connection; in response to detecting the control element, sends a radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment request from the second subscription entity using the resources indicated in the uplink grant; establishes an RRC connection between the access node and the second subscription entity, the RRC connection being a second radio link as part of the second wireless signaling connection; and establishes a mobility control (MC) connection between the second subscription entity and a node in the core network of the network, the MC connection being a second wireless signaling connection including the second radio link.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further execute: sending, by the second subscription entity, a radio resource control RRC connection request as the indication; causing an RRC message to be sent to an access node in a cell via a first radio connection, the RRC message requesting uplink resources for a signaling radio bearer SRB, the access node providing a first radio link between the access node and the first subscription entity, the first radio link being part of the first radio signaling connection; in response to receiving the indication of the uplink resources, encapsulating, by the first subscription entity, the RRC connection request in the SRB message; causing the uplink resources to be sent to the access node encapsulated in the SRB message. , a request to establish a second signaling connection for a second subscription entity; receiving a radio network temporary identifier as information required for the second signaling connection; wherein causing the second wireless signaling connection to be established for the second subscription includes: monitoring downlink control signaling by the second subscription entity to detect a message including the radio network temporary identifier, the message indicating resources allocated for the second subscription entity in a second radio link as part of the second wireless signaling connection; causing an RRC setup complete message to be sent to the access node using the resources in the second radio link in response to detecting the message; and establishing a mobility control MC connection between the second subscription entity and a node in the core network of the network, the MC connection being a second wireless signaling connection including the second radio link.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further execute: when the first subscription is in a connected state and the second subscription has transitioned from the connected state to the inactive state: sending, by the second subscription entity in the inactive state, a resume indication to the first subscription entity as the indication, the resume indication indicating that the second subscription entity wants to resume the second wireless signaling connection to transition from the inactive state to the connected state; and causing, in response to the first subscription entity receiving the resume indication from the second subscription entity, sending a resume request as a request for a second signaling connection to the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection.

[0009] In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further perform: determining, based on information received from the network in a broadcast, whether the network supports the use of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection; and in response to the network supporting the use, executing the first subscription entity to send information that the first wireless signaling connection exists.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further execute: causing a query to be sent to the network as to whether the network supports the use of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection; and in response to a reply to the query indicating that the network supports the use, executing sending information that the first wireless signaling connection exists.

[0011] In one embodiment, the subscribing entity is a Universal Subscriber Identity Module.

[0012] On the one hand, a device is provided, which includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform: receiving information indicating a request to establish a second signaling connection to a second subscription entity in a user equipment through a first wireless signaling connection to a first subscription entity in the user equipment; generating network information required for the second wireless signaling connection; sending the network information to the first subscription entity through the first wireless signaling connection; sending downlink information including the network information; and establishing a second wireless signaling connection with the second subscription entity.

[0013] In one embodiment, wherein the first wireless signaling connection is a radio resource control (RRC) connection, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving the information in a medium access control (MAC) level control element or in a buffer status report; sending a temporary identifier as network information to the second wireless connection in the MAC level control element, wherein the establishing comprises: receiving an RRC connection request from the second subscription entity; accepting the RRC connection request; and establishing the second RRC connection as the second wireless signaling connection.

[0014] In one embodiment, wherein the first wireless signaling connection is a radio resource control (RRC) connection, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving the information as an RRC connection request encapsulated within a signaling radio bearer (SRB) message; sending a temporary identifier as network information to the second wireless connection; and sending an RRC connection establishment message including the radio network temporary identifier as downlink information, wherein the second wireless signaling connection is a second RRC connection.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: broadcasting information on whether the apparatus supports usage of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: causing, in response to receiving a query from the user equipment as to whether the network supports usage of the first radio connection for requesting establishment of the second radio connection, sending a reply indicating support for the usage.

[0017] On the one hand, a method for a user equipment having at least two different subscription entities is provided, the method comprising: causing a first wireless signaling connection to be established to a network for the first subscription entity when the first subscription entity transitions from an idle state to a connected state; sending, by the first subscription entity, information on the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity among at least two different subscription entities in the user equipment; sending, by the second subscription entity in the idle state, an indication to the first subscription entity that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from the idle state to the connected state in response to the information; causing, in response to the first subscription entity receiving the indication from the second subscription entity, to send a request to establish a second signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection; receiving, by the first subscription entity, information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network; transferring the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; and causing a second wireless signaling connection to be established for the second subscription using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

[0018] On the one hand, a method for accessing a node is provided, the method comprising: receiving information indicating a request to establish a second signaling connection to a second subscription entity in a user equipment through a first wireless signaling connection to a first subscription entity in the user equipment; generating network information required for the second wireless signaling connection; sending the network information to the first subscription entity through the first wireless signaling connection; sending downlink information including the network information; and establishing a second wireless signaling connection with the second subscription entity.

[0019] On the one hand, a computer program including instructions can be provided. When the program is executed by one or more processors, the instructions cause the one or more processors to at least perform the following: causing a first wireless signaling connection to be established to a network for the first subscription entity when the first subscription entity transitions from an idle state to a connected state; causing the first subscription entity to send information about the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity among at least two different subscription entities in a user device; causing the second subscription entity in an idle state to send an indication to the first subscription entity in response to the information that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from an idle state to a connected state; causing the first subscription entity to send a request to establish a second signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection in response to receiving the indication from the second subscription entity; in response to the first subscription entity receiving the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network, transferring the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; and causing the second wireless signaling connection to be established for the second subscription using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

[0020] On the one hand, a computer program including instructions can be provided. When the program is executed by one or more processors, the instructions cause the one or more processors to at least perform: in response to receiving information indicating a request to establish a second signaling connection to a second subscription entity of the user equipment through a first wireless signaling connection to the first subscription entity in the user equipment, generating network information required for the second wireless signaling connection; causing the network information to be sent to the first subscription entity through the first wireless signaling connection; causing the downlink information including the network information to be sent; and causing the establishment of a second wireless signaling connection with the second subscription entity.

[0021] On the one hand, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more instructions can be provided, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to at least execute: causing a first wireless signaling connection to be established to a network for the first subscription entity when the first subscription entity transitions from an idle state to a connected state; causing the first subscription entity to send information about the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity among at least two different subscription entities in a user device; causing the second subscription entity in an idle state to send an indication to the first subscription entity in response to the information that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from an idle state to a connected state; causing the first subscription entity to send a request to establish a second signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection in response to receiving the indication from the second subscription entity; in response to the first subscription entity receiving information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network, transferring the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; and causing the second wireless signaling connection to be established for the second subscription using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

[0022] On the one hand, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more instructions can be provided, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to at least perform: in response to receiving information indicating a request to establish a second signaling connection to a second subscription entity of the user equipment through a first wireless signaling connection to a first subscription entity in the user equipment, generating network information required for the second wireless signaling connection; causing the network information to be sent to the first subscription entity through the first wireless signaling connection; causing downlink information including the network information to be sent; and causing the establishment of a second wireless signaling connection with the second subscription entity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The following describes embodiments by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0024] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication system is shown;

[0025] Figure 2is a schematic block diagram;

[0026] Figure 3 An example of message delivery configuration information is shown;

[0027] Figures 3 to 5 is a flow chart illustrating different examples of the functionality of a user device;

[0028] Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows an example of information exchange; and

[0029] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is a schematic block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following embodiments are examples. Although the specification can quote "an", "one" or "some" embodiments in multiple locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference points to (multiple) identical embodiments or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. The individual features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments. In addition, the words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to being composed of only those features already mentioned, and such embodiments can also include features / structures not specifically mentioned. In addition, although the terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second" can be used to describe various elements, structural elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from other elements. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can also be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] The embodiments and examples described herein can be implemented in any communication system comprising (multiple) wireless connections. In the following, different exemplary embodiments will be described using a radio access architecture based on New Radio (NR, 5G) or Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)) as an example of an access architecture to which the embodiments can be applied, without restricting the embodiments to such architectures. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the embodiments can also be applied to other kinds of communication networks with suitable modules by appropriately adjusting the parameters and procedures. Some examples of other options suitable for the system are Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Radio Access Network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE, same as E-UTRA), Beyond 5G, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or any combination thereof.

[0032] Figure 1 An example of a simplified system architecture is depicted, showing only some elements and functional entities, which are all logical units, the implementation of which may differ from what is shown. Figure 1 The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the system typically includes Figure 1 Other functions and structures than those shown.

[0033] However, the embodiments are not limited to the systems given as examples, but a person skilled in the art may apply the solution to other communication systems having the necessary characteristics.

[0034] Figure 1 The example of FIG. 1 shows a portion of an exemplary radio access network.

[0035] Figure 1 User equipment 101 and 101' are shown, and are configured to establish a wireless connection with an access node (such as an (e / g) NodeB) 102 providing the cell over one or more communication channels in the cell. The physical link from the user equipment to the (e / g) NodeB is called an uplink or reverse link, while the physical link from the (e / g) NodeB to the user equipment is called a downlink or forward link. It should be understood that the (e / g) NodeB or its functions can be implemented using any node, host, server, or access point (AP) entity suitable for such a purpose.

[0036] The communication system 100 typically includes more than one (e / g)NodeB. In this case, the (e / g)NodeBs may also be configured to communicate with each other via wired or wireless links designed for this purpose. These links may be used for signaling purposes. A (e / g)NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of the communication system to which it is coupled. A NodeB may also be referred to as a base station, access point, or any other type of interface device, including a relay station, capable of operating in a wireless environment. The (e / g)NodeB includes or is coupled to a transceiver. The (e / g)NodeB's transceiver provides a connection to an antenna unit, which establishes a bidirectional radio link to a user equipment (UE). The antenna unit may include multiple antennas or antenna elements. The (e / g)NodeB is further connected to the core network 105 (CN or Next Generation Core NGC). Depending on the system, the counterpart on the CN side may be a serving gateway (S-GW, which routes and forwards user data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW, which provides connectivity for user equipment (UE) to external packet data networks), a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF), etc.

[0037] User equipment (also known as UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) shows a type of device to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, so any features of the user equipment described in this document can be implemented with corresponding devices.

[0038] A user device generally refers to a portable computing device that includes a wireless mobile communication device, such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), that operates with a subscribing entity. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of wireless devices: mobile stations (mobile phones), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices using wireless modems (such as alarms or metering devices), portable and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, gaming consoles, notebooks, wearable devices, and multimedia devices. It should be understood that a user device can also be almost exclusively an uplink-only device, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that uploads images or video clips to a network. A user device can also be a device capable of operating in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, where objects are provided with the ability to transmit data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. User devices can also utilize the cloud. In some applications, a user device can include a small portable device with a radio (such as a watch, headphones, or glasses), with computing performed in the cloud. A user device is configured to perform one or more of the user device functions. A user device can also be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE), to name just a few names or devices.

[0039] The various techniques described herein can also be applied to cyber-physical systems (CPS)—systems of computing elements that collaborate to control physical entities. CPS can implement and utilize a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in various locations within a physical object. Mobile cyber-physical systems (where the physical system in question has inherent mobility) are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals.

[0040] Additionally, although the apparatus is depicted as a single entity, different units, processors and / or memory units may be implemented. Figure 1 Not all are shown).

[0041] 5G supports the use of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, significantly more base stations or nodes, or corresponding network equipment, than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites that collaborate with smaller base stations and employ multiple radio technologies, depending on service requirements, use cases, and / or available spectrum. 5G mobile communications support a variety of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, different data sharing methods, and various forms of machine-type applications (such as (massive) machine-type communications (mMTC)), including vehicle safety, different sensors, and real-time control. 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces, namely sub-6 GHz, centimeter wave (cmWave), and millimeter wave (mmWave), and be integrated with existing legacy radio access technologies such as LTE. Integration with LTE can be implemented, at least in the early stages, as a system in which LTE provides macro coverage and 5G radio interface access comes from small cells through aggregation to LTE. In other words, 5G is planned to support both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as sub-6 GHz - cmWave, above 6 GHz - mmWave). One of the concepts being considered for use in 5G networks is network slicing, in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual subnets (network instances) can be created within the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements for latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0042] The current architecture in LTE networks is fully distributed in the radio and fully centralized in the core network. Low-latency applications and services in 5G require content to be close to the radio, leading to local bursting and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analysis and knowledge generation to occur at the data source. This approach leverages resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for hosting applications and services. It also has the ability to store and process content close to cellular subscribers to speed response times. Edge computing encompasses a wide range of technologies, such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer self-organizing networking and processing (also categorized as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing), dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlets, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, the Internet of Things (massive connectivity and / or latency-critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, and healthcare applications).

[0043] The communication system may also be capable of communicating with other networks, such as the public switched telephone network or the Internet 106, or utilizing services provided by them. The communication network may also be capable of supporting the use of cloud services, for example, at least a portion of the core network operations may be provided as a cloud service (this is in the context of Figure 1 The communication system may also include a central control entity that provides facilities for networks of different operators to cooperate, for example in spectrum sharing.

[0044] Edge cloud can be introduced into the radio access network (RAN) by leveraging network function virtualization (NVF) and software defined networking (SDN). Using edge cloud can mean that access node operations will be performed at least partially in a server, host or node that is operatively coupled to a remote radio head or base station including the radio portion. Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes or hosts. The application of cloudRAN architecture enables RAN real-time functions to be performed on the RAN side (in the distributed unit DU 102) and non-real-time functions to be performed in a centralized manner (in the centralized unit CU 104).

[0045] It should also be understood that the division of labor between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of LTE, or may even not exist. Other technological advancements that may be utilized are big data and all-IP, which could change how networks are built and managed. 5G (or New Radio NR) networks are designed to support multiple hierarchical structures, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and base stations or NodeBs (gNBs). It should be understood that MEC can also be applied to 4G networks.

[0046] 5G can also leverage satellite communications to enhance or supplement the coverage of 5G services, for example by providing backhaul. Possible use cases include providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices or for passengers on board vehicles, or ensuring service availability for critical communications and future rail, maritime, and aviation communications. Satellite communications can utilize geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems or low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, particularly mega-constellations (systems with hundreds of (nano)satellites deployed). Each satellite 103 in a mega-constellation can cover several satellite-enabled network entities, creating a terrestrial cell. A terrestrial cell can be created using a terrestrial relay node 102 or a gNB located on the ground or in a satellite.

[0047] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the depicted system is merely an example of a portion of a radio access system, and that in practice, the system may include multiple (e / g)NodeBs, user equipment may access multiple radio cells, and the system may also include other devices, such as relay nodes (e.g., the distributed unit (DU) portion of one or more integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes), or other network elements. At least one of the (e / g)NodeBs may be a home (e / g)NodeB. In addition, a plurality of different types of radio cells, as well as a plurality of radio cells, may be provided in a geographical area of ​​the radio communication system. A radio cell may be a macro cell (or umbrella cell), which is a large cell typically having a diameter of tens of kilometers, or a smaller cell such as a micro, femto, or pico cell. Figure 1 An (e / g)NodeB can provide any of these cells. A cellular radio system can be implemented as a multi-layer network comprising several types of cells. Typically, in a multi-layer network, one access node provides one or more cells, and thus multiple (e / g)NodeBs are required to provide such a network structure.

[0048] In order to meet the needs of improving the deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of "plug and play" (e / g) NodeB has been introduced. Generally, in addition to the home (e / g) NodeB (H(e / g) NodeB), the network that can use "plug and play" (e / g) NodeB also includes the home NodeB gateway or HNB-GW ( Figure 1 Typically, an HNB gateway (HNB-GW) installed within an operator's network can aggregate services from a large number of HNBs back to the core network.

[0049] Figure 2 A simplified example of a user device is shown that is configured to support multiple subscription entities for multiple network subscriptions and interactions between the subscription entities. It should be understood that Figure 2 Only some entities / units are shown to illustrate the user equipment. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the user equipment also comprises functional entities and hardware as well as any number of the shown entities / units.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , the user equipment 200 comprises subscribing entities (S-E1, SE 2, SE 3) 210, 211, 212 that share hardware (HW) resources 220 of the user equipment 200, in the example shown, this sharing is coordinated by a subscription coordinator entity 230.

[0051] Subscription entities 210, 211, 212 can be an integrated circuit / smart card that is removably inserted into user equipment 200, or a programmable subscription entity that is directly embedded in user equipment 200. Regardless of their implementation, subscription entities 210, 211, 212 include subscription-related information stored in the subscription entity, which is a secure environment in the user equipment. Subscription-related information includes a subscriber identity and one or more associated security keys. A subscriber identity is a permanent identifier assigned by a mobile network operator / service provider and is valid while the service is available for the operator / service provider. The subscriber identity can be an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI). Multiple subscription entities 210, 211, 212 can be for the same or different mobile network operators or mobile virtual network operators. Due to independent subscriptions, these entities are treated as different user equipment on the network side. Subscription entities 210, 211, 212 can be referred to as a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM).

[0052] The subscription entity transitions between different states. For example, in new radio (where control signaling is referred to as control plane signaling), the following states are envisaged for a control plane signaling connection:

[0053] Idle state: In the idle state, the control plane signaling connection to the access node in the radio access network and the control plane signaling connection to the network node in the core network have not been established, or have been restored from the previous state (connected or inactive).

[0054] be released;

[0055] Connected state, in which a control plane signaling connection to an access node in the radio access network and a control plane signaling connection to a network node in the core network have been established and are currently active; and / or

[0056] Inactive state: In the inactive state, the control plane signaling connection to the access node in the radio access network is inactive (suspended), but the control plane signaling connection to the network node in the core network is connected. The inactive state can also be called a hybrid state.

[0057] In New Radio (NR), the state of the control plane signaling connection to the access node is managed by the Radio Resource Control (RCC), and the state of the control plane signaling connection to the network node in the core network is managed by the Connection Manager (CM). Figure 2In the example of FIG, the RRC state machine 201 is depicted in one of the subscription entities (SE 3) 212. It should be understood that all subscription entities include a corresponding state machine. The state transition starting from the idle state can be as follows: from NR RRC_IDLE (RRC idle state) 201-1 to NR RRC_CONNECTED (RRC connected state) 201-2, and then from CM_IDLE (CM idle state) to CM_CONNECTED (CM connected state), the state transition including the establishment of a control plane connection (establishment 21), wherein the control plane signaling to the network node in the core network includes the control plane signaling connection to the access node (as a first part) and includes the control plane signaling connection from the access node to the network node (as the remaining part). The RRC state from NR RRC_CONNECTED 201-2 can be transitioned to NR RRC_INACTIVE (RRC inactive state) 201-3 by resuming (releasing with resume 22) the control plane signaling connection between the subscription entity and the access node, while maintaining the CM_CONNECTED state. The RRC state can be transitioned from NR RRC_INACTIVE 201-3 back to NR RRC_CONNECTED 201-2 by resuming (resume 22) the control plane signaling connection between the subscription entity and the access node. The RRC state NR RRC_INACTIVE 201-3 can be transitioned back to (release 23) NR RRC_IDLE 201-1, and the RRC state NR RRC_CONNECTED 202-2 can be transitioned back to (release 21) NR RRC_IDLE 201-1, both of which result in a CM state transition from CM_CONNECTED to CM_IDLE, which includes releasing the control plane signaling connection. Hereinafter, the RRC states are used without the abbreviation NR.

[0058] The hardware resources 220 may include a single transmission hardware, receiving hardware, user interface, etc. shared by the subscribing entities, or may include at least some hardware resources 220 specific to the subscribing entities. For example, assuming that the user device has two subscribing entities, the following scenarios may be used for reception and transmission:

[0059] Hardware resources include a single receiver and a single transmitter, where the user equipment is capable of

[0060] Receiving and / or transmitting services from one subscribing entity at a time (Type 1);

[0061] The hardware resources include two receivers and a single transmitter, where the user equipment is able to receive traffic from two subscribed entities simultaneously, but transmit traffic from one subscribed entity simultaneously (Type 2); or

[0062] • The hardware resources include two receivers and two transmitters, where the user equipment is able to simultaneously receive and / or transmit traffic of two subscribed entities (Type 3).

[0063] The combination of a subscription entity in the user equipment and hardware resources in the user equipment can perform one or more functions, such as monitoring paging, cell reselection, tracking area update, etc., and can transmit or receive user data to or from the network independently of other corresponding combinations in the user equipment. However, at least in type 1 and type 2 implementations, some coordination between subscription entities regarding the use of shared hardware may be required. In addition, in type 3 implementations, some coordination of tasks may also be formed. For example, tasks such as radio link monitoring, cell measurement, and timing advance maintenance may be disabled in all subscription entities except one of the currently active subscription entities. To this end, the user equipment may include a specific subscription entity coordinator entity 230. If necessary, other means may be used to achieve coordination between subscription entities.

[0064] It should be understood that any internal information exchange mechanism may be used between different entities and between entities and hardware resources in the user equipment.

[0065] Figure 3 The flowchart shows an example function of a user equipment having multiple subscription entities (represented by SE in the figure). When the function starts, each subscription entity is in an idle state or an inactive state. In addition, for ease of explanation, in the example shown, it is assumed that the request for a signaling connection (i.e., the re-request for a control signaling connection) is not rejected.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 , a first subscription entity among the subscription entities changes its state from an idle state to a connected state. Therefore, in block 301, a first wireless signaling connection is established for the first subscription entity to the network. This establishment includes the procedures required to establish a signaling connection (such as cell search / selection, initial access, and random access procedures), or corresponding procedures in future network technologies where the usage and naming are different. When the first subscription entity is in the connected state, it notifies at least one subscription entity among the multiple subscription entities of the existence of the first wireless signaling connection in block 302. In other words, in block 302, the first subscription entity sends information about the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least the second subscription entity in the user equipment.

[0067] When the second subscription entity transitions its state from idle to connected, the second subscription entity sends an indication to the first subscription entity requesting to establish a signaling connection to the network, based on the information about the existence of the first wireless signaling connection. The indication includes some identification information of the second subscription entity, such as a temporary subscriber identifier. When the first subscription entity receives (block 303) the indication for the second subscription entity's second signaling connection to the network, it causes the user equipment to send (block 304) a request to establish a second signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first signaling connection.

[0068] In the example shown, it is assumed that the request is accepted and the first subscription entity receives the information required for the second signaling connection from the network in box 305. For example, the received information may include an identifier for the second signaling connection. The identifier may be a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for distinguishing user equipment connected in a cell (i.e., for identifying user equipment connected in a cell). Since the combination of the subscription entity in the connected state in the user equipment and the hardware resources in the user equipment is regarded as a different user equipment on the network side, the identifier is different from the identifier used for the first signaling connection. In box 305, the first subscription entity passes the received information required for the second signaling connection to the second subscription entity. In box 306, the information is used to establish a second wireless signaling connection to the network for the second subscription.

[0069] If the user equipment includes more than two subscribing entities, the processes described through blocks 303 to 306 may also be performed for the other subscribing entities, or the processes may be linked such that the second subscribing entity notifies the third subscribing entity and a second wireless signaling connection is used in block 304, and so on.

[0070] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example functionality of a subscription entity module using hardware resources in a user equipment. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the network node does not send any information whether the network supports the use of an existing signaling connection for establishing an additional signaling connection for another subscription entity. Furthermore, it is assumed that when Figure 4 At the beginning of the process described in , all subscribing entities are in the idle or inactive state. If one of the subscribing entities is a master subscribing entity, for example, it can be configured to coordinate the use of hardware resources and is always the first entity to change state from idle / inactive to connected state, then Figure 4 The process described in describes the process for the primary subscription entity.

[0071] refer to Figure 4When the transition from the idle state / inactive state to the connected state is triggered (block 400), a complete establishment of a radio control signaling connection is performed in block 401. The complete establishment includes cell search / selection, initial access and random access procedures, and the establishment of (multiple) radio control signaling connections. After the (multiple) radio control signaling connections are established for the subscribing entity, in block 402, the existence of the (multiple) radio control signaling connections is notified internally to other subscribing entities in the user equipment.

[0072] Then, in block 403, an indication is received from another subscribing entity requesting to establish a signaling connection to the network. The indication contains some identification information of the other subscribing entity, such as a temporary subscriber identifier, as discussed above in block 303. Therefore, in block 404, the user equipment is caused to use the wireless signaling connection established in block 401 to send a request to establish another wireless signaling connection for the other subscribing entity.

[0073] If the response to the request contains network information (NW information) required for another signaling connection (block 405: YES), as discussed above in block 305, then in block 406 the network information is passed to the subscribing entity from which the indication in block 404 may be received.

[0074] If the response does not include network information (block 405: No), that is, the response is an explicit rejection or a response interpreted as a rejection, or no response is received (which is also interpreted as a rejection), then in block 407, information about the rejection is passed to the subscribing entity, from which the indication in block 404 can be received. Reasons for no response / rejection include that the network or access node is not configured to support the use of the existing signaling connection for establishing another signaling connection for another subscribing entity, or that there is a peak and all resources are already in use. It should be understood that other reasons are possible and that the ones listed are only examples.

[0075] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating example functionality of a subscription entity module using hardware resources in a user device. Figure 5 In the example of , it is also assumed that the network node does not send any information whether the network supports the usage of an existing signaling connection for establishing a further signaling connection for another subscribing entity.

[0076] refer to Figure 5When the transition from the idle state to the connected state is triggered (block 500), a check is performed in block 501 to determine whether internal information regarding the existence of a radio control signaling connection has been received from another subscribing entity. If so (block 501: yes), an indication is sent internally to the other subscribing entity in block 502, indicating that establishment of a signaling connection to the network is requested. The indication contains some identification information of the subscribing entity, such as a temporary subscriber identifier, as discussed above in block 303.

[0077] A response to the indication is then received from another subscribing entity. If the response contains network information (NW information) required for a signaling connection (block 503: Yes), a wireless signaling connection is established using the received information in block 504. For example, the subscribing entity may monitor a downlink channel, detect information associated with a temporary identifier received in the network information, and establish a wireless signaling connection to the network.

[0078] If the response does not contain network information (block 503: NO), then it is a rejection, or at least is treated as a rejection in the example shown, as described above in Figure 4 As described in block 405 in FIG, a complete establishment of the wireless control signaling connection is performed in block 505, which is described in block 401 above.

[0079] If no internal information about the existence of a radio control signaling connection is received from another subscription entity (block 501: No), the subscriber entity is the first entity to perform a transition from the idle state to the connected state. Therefore, a complete establishment of the radio control signaling connection is performed in block 506, and the other subscription entities in the user equipment are informed internally of the existence of the radio control signaling connection(s). The process can then continue as described above in blocks 403 to 407. However, this is not the case. Figure 5 Not shown.

[0080] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of message delivery control information according to an example is shown, where the user equipment UE includes two subscription entities, named USIM1 and USIM2, the protocol used is for NR, the access node in the radio access network (radio access) is called gNB, and the network node in the core network is an access and mobility management function node called AMF, without limiting the example to such a solution. It should be understood that the described principles can be implemented as similar concepts using different naming. Figure 6 The examples in use a MAC (Media Access Control) level solution, and Figure 7The example in uses RRC (Radio Resource Control) solution. MAC level solution utilizes entities in MAC layer, which is a sublayer of layer 2 in the protocol stack of new radio. RRC level solution utilizes entities in RRC layer, which is layer 3 in the protocol stack of new radio. Figure 6 In the example of , the network is configured to announce by broadcasting that it supports the use of an existing signaling connection for establishing an additional signaling connection for another subscription entity, while Figure 7 In the example of , no such information is sent to the user equipment and this support can be defined on a case-by-case basis (ie, on a request-by-request basis). It will be appreciated that a MAC level solution can be used with networks that do not broadcast support information. Figure 8 The information exchange shown,both solutions can be used instead of broadcasting or having no information about,support.

[0081] refer to Figure 6 In block 6-0, both subscription entities USIM1 and USIM2 are in the idle state, i.e., the states are RRC_IDLE and CM_IDLE. In block 6-1, the UE performs a cell search and selection. In a broadcast of the selected cell (message 6-2), the gNB transmits network information. In the example shown, the broadcast includes SIB1 (System Information Block 1), which informs the network that an existing signaling connection can be used to establish an additional signaling connection for another subscription entity. USIM2 detects support (block 6-3). USIM2 then performs a full initial access procedure, which begins with a random access procedure (also known as a RACH (Random Access Channel) procedure) to initiate RRC connection establishment. The remainder of the full initial access is then performed using message 6-4, and the radio link (radio signaling connection) is established with the first signaling radio bearer using message 6-5. Message 6-4 includes the PRACH and Random Access Response messages. Message 6-5 includes the RRC establishment request, contention resolution, and RRC establishment. After exchanging messages 6-4 and 6-5, and after performing the relevant functions USIM2, the state of USIM2 is RRC_CONNECTED and CM_IDLE (block 6-6). USIM2 then performs a CM connection establishment (radio signaling connection) via the gNB using the existing radio link via message 6-7. Message 6-7 may include USIM2 sending an RRC SETUP COMPLETE message to the gNB, which triggers the gNB to send an INITIAL UE MESSAGE to the AMF. After message 6-7, and after performing the relevant functions, USIM2 is in the CONNECTED state (block 6-8), where the states are RRC_CONNECTED and CM_CONNECTED. (After this, context establishment signaling occurs, but Figure 6 Not shown.)

[0082] Since support is detected in the broadcast (block 6-3), USIM2 informs USIM1 (internal information exchange 6-9) that there is a radio link to be used to establish another radio link (another radio control signaling connection). Therefore, instead of triggering the random access procedure (message 6-4) part of the cell selection (block 6-1) and the full initial access procedure, USIM1 sends to USIM2 (internal information exchange 6-10) an indication to establish a second radio link or a second radio bearer. It should be understood that although in Figure 6 In FIG. 6 , this internal information exchange 6 - 9 , 6 - 10 is shown as occurring after block 6 - 8 , but it may occur earlier, ie after the RRC connected state of USIM2 while CM establishment is ongoing.

[0083] In response to receiving indication 6-10, USIM2 sends a request to establish a second signaling radio bearer in its uplink message 6-11 (e.g., in a buffer status report BSR or in another MAC control element (CE)). The request in message 6-11 contains an indication that the request is for an SRB (signaling radio bearer), which in turn indicates that USIM1 wants to exchange RRC-level messages with the network. The request may also include an indication, such as a flag or a specific field, which may indicate that the requested SRB will help establish a wireless signaling connection for another USIM that is different from the requesting SRB. (i.e., USIM2 indicates that it is requesting an SRB for USIM1, which USIM1 will later use to establish the second radio link).

[0084] In block 6-12, the gNB detects that message 6-11 from USIM2 contains a request to establish a signaling radio bearer for USIM1, and therefore, in block 6-12, the gNB provisions USIM1 with physical and logical channels for communication with the network, including generating a specific temporary identifier C_RNTI#2 for USIM1 to use for communication. (For USIM2, the specific temporary identifier C_RNTI#1 was already generated when the first radio link was established.) The gNB then sends a response to this request to USIM2 in message 6-13 in a MAC CE, which includes C_RNTI#2 as network information.

[0085] USIM2 detects the response and passes it to USIM1 (internal information exchange 6-14). USIM1 then starts monitoring (block 6-15) the downlink control signaling transmissions from the gNB ( Figure 6 (not shown) to detect the uplink or downlink grant of C-RNTI#2.

[0086] When an uplink resource grant associated with USIM1 is detected (block 6-15) (i.e., there is an uplink resource allocation associated with C-RNTI#2 in the downlink control signaling transmission, Figure 6 (not shown), USIM1 sends message 6-16, an RRC Setup Request, over the first radio link using a second signaling bearer. USIM1 continues to monitor (block 6-15) downlink control signaling transmissions for a downlink grant associated with C-RNTI#2. Upon receipt (and detection), this downlink grant indicates which resources the gNB will use to transmit message 6-17, an RRC Setup. Essentially, messages 6-16 and 6-17 correspond to message 6-5, except that a contention resolution message is not transmitted. Since USIM1's connection establishment does not involve a random access procedure, i.e., block 6-3 is not executed and message 6-5 is not exchanged, a contention resolution message is not required. After message 6-17, USIM1's states are RRC_CONNECTED and CM_IDLE. (USIM2 remains in the connected state.)

[0087] USIM1 then performs a CM connection establishment (radio signaling connection) by monitoring downlink control signaling transmissions for subsequent uplink grants associated with C-RNTI#2. Upon receipt of these subsequent uplink grants, USIM1 indicates via message 6-20 which resources in the second radio link established using messages 6-16 and 6-17 are to be used for the CM connection establishment, in the same manner as described above using message 6-7. In other words, USIM1 sends an RRC Setup Complete (message 6-20). Thereafter, and after performing the relevant functions, USIM1 is in a connected state (block 6-21), where the states are RRC_CONNECTED and CM_CONNECTED. (USIM2 may remain in the connected state.)

[0088] As long as both USIM1 and USIM2 are in the connected state, they share hardware resources in the user equipment, and their uplink and downlink communications are separated by the assigned specific temporary identifiers C-RNTI#2 and C-RNTI#1. In other words, the user equipment comprises two independent UE instances (subscribing entities) connected to the same cell. The scheduler in the gNB treats each of these instances as a separate user equipment in the connected state (connected mode), ensuring that the capabilities of the user equipment comprising the instance are considered for downlink and uplink traffic. Furthermore, monitoring of the physical downlink control channel requires a specific temporary identifier, meaning that each instance (USIM1, USIM2) performs monitoring separately. As previously mentioned, radio link monitoring and timing advance update mechanisms can be performed by one of the instances.

[0089] refer to Figure 7 In block 7-0, both subscription entities USIM1 and USIM2 are in idle state, i.e., states RRC_IDLE and CM_IDLE. USIM2 then initiates RRC connection establishment by performing a cell search and cell selection in block 7-1, followed by a full initial access procedure starting with a random access procedure. USIM2 then performs the remaining portion of the full initial access procedure using message 7-2, and establishes a radio link (radio signaling connection) with the first signaling radio bearer (SRB) using message 7-3. Message 7-2 includes a PRACH and random access response message, and message 7-3 includes an RRC setup request, contention resolution, and RRC setup. After exchanging messages 7-2 and 7-3 and performing the relevant functions, the state of USIM2 (block 7-4) is RRC_CONNECTED and CM_IDLE. USIM2 then performs a CM connection establishment (radio signaling connection) using the existing radio link via the gNB using message 7-5, as described above with respect to messages 6-7. After exchanging messages 7-5 and performing the relevant functions, USIM2 is in the connected state (block 7-6), where the states are RRC_CONNECTED and CM_CONNECTED. (After context setup signaling has occurred, but this is in Figure 7 Not shown.)

[0090] USIM2 notifies USIM1 (internal information exchange 7-7) that there is a radio link to be used to establish another radio link (another radio control signaling connection). The process starting from the cell selection in block 7-1 and ending with information exchange 7-7 corresponds to Figure 6 The process described in 6-1 starts with the cell selection in block 6-3 and ends with the information exchange 6-9.

[0091] Due to the received information 7-7, USIM1 sends an instruction to USIM2 (internal information exchange 7-8) to establish a second radio link, rather than triggering a random access procedure (block 7-1 and message 7-2). In the example shown, the instruction is an RRC connection establishment request. Therefore, USIM2 requests resources for uplink transmission via the first SRB in message 7-9. When the uplink resource grant is received in message 7-10, USIM2 encapsulates the RRC connection establishment request received in block 7-8 in an RRC signaling radio bearer (SRB) message in block 7-11 and sends an uplink RRC message 7-12 (message 7-12 encapsulates 7-8).

[0092] In block 7-13, the gNB detects that message 7-12 contains a request to establish a radio link for USIM 1. Therefore, in block 7-12, the gNB provisions USIM 1 with physical and logical channels for communication with the network. This provisioning includes generating a specific temporary identifier, C_RNTI#2, for USIM 1 to use for communication. (For USIM 2, the specific temporary identifier, C_RNTI#1, was already generated when the first radio link was established.) The gNB then sends a confirmation RRC message, message 7-14, confirming the encapsulated RRC connection establishment request and signaling (message 7-15) C_RNTI#2 as network information. Message 7-15 is a MAC CE containing C_RNTI#2.

[0093] USIM2 notifies the acknowledgement (message 7-14) and message 7-15 containing C_RNTI#2 as network information, and passes them (internal information exchange 7-16) to USIM1, which then begins monitoring (block 7-17) the physical downlink control channel (downlink control signaling) for a downlink grant associated with C_RNTI#2 that points to the resources containing the RRC setup (message 7-18). When detected (block 7-17), the second radio link has been established, and USIM1 (block 7-19) is inactive, with the states RRC_CONNECTED and CM_IDLE. (USIM2 is always in the connected state.)

[0094] USIM1 then performs a CM connection establishment (radio signaling connection) by monitoring downlink control signaling transmissions for subsequent uplink grants associated with C-RNTI#2. Upon receipt of these subsequent uplink grants, the gNB uses the existing second radio link to indicate via message 7-20 which resources within the established second radio link are to be used for the CM connection establishment, in the same manner as described above for message 7-5. Following message 7-20 and after performing the relevant functions, USIM1 is in a connected state (block 7-21), with the states being RRC_CONNECTED and CM_CONNECTED. (USIM2 may remain in the connected state.)

[0095] As long as both USIM1 and USIM2 are in the connected state, they share hardware resources in the user equipment, and their uplink and downlink communications are separated by the assigned temporary identifiers C-RNTI#2 and C-RNTI#1. In other words, the user equipment comprises two independent UE instances (subscribing entities) connected to the same cell. The scheduler in the gNB treats each of these instances as a separate user equipment in the connected state (connected mode), ensuring that the capabilities of the user equipment comprising the instance are considered for both downlink and uplink traffic. Furthermore, monitoring of the physical downlink control channel needs to be performed for each temporary identifier, i.e., each instance (USIM1, USIM2) performs monitoring separately. As previously mentioned, the radio link monitoring and timing advance update mechanisms can be performed by one of the instances.

[0096] In short, Figure 6 In the MAC-based approach, there is an SRB that carries the RRC messages associated with the connection establishment. However, from the RRC perspective, the connection is a new RRC connection from a new user. Figure 7 In the RRC-based method, there is an SRB associated with USIM2 that encapsulates the connection establishment message of USIM1. In other words, there is an RRC message associated with USIM2 that encapsulates the RRC message associated with the connection establishment of USIM1. It should be understood that in both methods, resources for transmitting the SRB for USIM1 need to be requested first (messages 6-11, message 7-12 encapsulating messages 7-8).

[0097] exist Figure 6 In the case of a subscription, the network (radio access network) broadcasts its ability to support the use of an existing signalling connection for establishing a further signalling connection for another subscribing entity, and Figure 7 An example is shown in which the usage is determined when a corresponding request is received (blocks 7-13). However, there are other possibilities, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0098] refer to Figure 8At least one of the subscription entities in the user equipment is in the RRC_CONNECTED state, and the subscription entity and user equipment combination is represented by the UE. Before notifying other subscription entities in the user equipment of the existing radio connection, the UE queries the network for support by sending message 8-1 to the gNB providing the cell. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the network supports the use of an existing signaling connection to establish an additional signaling connection for another subscription entity and sends information regarding this support in message 8-2. The UE detects this support in block 8-3. It should be understood that if message 8-2 contains information indicating that the use of an existing signaling connection to establish an additional signaling connection for another subscription entity is not supported, or if no response to message 8-1 is received, then "not supported" is detected in block 8-3.

[0099] Messages 8-1 and 8-2 may be dedicated System Information Block (SIB) exchanges or dedicated RRC signaling.

[0100] In case the broadcast or the response to the query indicates that usage of the existing signaling connection for establishing a further signaling connection for another subscribing entity is not supported and / or in case the request to establish a further signaling connection for another subscribing entity is rejected, the UE may attempt cell reselection.

[0101] Although not shown in the above figures, the encrypted control data exchanged during wireless signaling connection establishment or when a wireless signaling connection is used is encrypted using the key(s) associated with the subscribing entity whose data is encrypted (and which encrypts the data). In other words, no key information is exchanged between the subscribing entities, and a subscribing entity cannot access the security information of another subscribing entity.

[0102] It should be understood that even in the above examples, especially in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example, the subscribing entity performs the functions, but parts of these functions may be performed by the coordinator entity (subscribing entity coordinator entity).

[0103] The above examples disclose a signaling concept that enables a subscribing entity signaling to assist with signaling connection establishment signaling from another subscribing entity signaling.Using New Radio terminology, the signaling concept enables a USIM signaling to assist with RRC connection establishment from another USIM.

[0104] The above signaling concepts can also be used when a subscription entity transitions from the RRC_INACTIVE state to the RRC_CONNECT state, even when another subscription entity in the user equipment is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The "inactive subscription entity" can send an indication to the "connected subscription entity," such as, for example, a resume, resumption, or RRC resume, as described in the above examples. The "connected subscription entity" then sends an RRC resume request (for resuming another radio control signaling connection) to the access node (gNB) and receives, in response, an RRC resume request.

[0105] As can be seen, in the disclosed signaling concept, even when there are fewer transmitters and / or receivers than subscribing entities, there is no need to force an existing active (in the connected state) radio control signaling connection to become inactive, because the existing signaling connection is used to convey signaling related to establishing another radio control signaling connection with another subscribing entity in the user equipment. This speeds up the transition from the idle state to the connected state, for example, to provide a paging response and obtain complete paging information. This also applies to user equipment that includes at least as many transmitters and receivers as subscribing entities, because there is no need to perform a full establishment including cell search / selection, initial access, and random access.

[0106] The above is with the help of Figures 2 to 8 There is no absolute chronological order for the blocks, related functions, and information exchanges described, and some of them may be executed simultaneously or in a different order than given. Other functions may also be executed between or within them, and other information may be transmitted. Some blocks or parts of blocks or one or more pieces of information may also be omitted or replaced with corresponding blocks or parts of blocks or one or more pieces of information.

[0107] The first example process includes:

[0108] Have at least two different subscription entities;

[0109] causing a first wireless signaling connection to be established to a network for the first subscription entity when the first subscription entity transitions from an idle state to a connected state;

[0110] The first subscription entity sends information indicating the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity among the at least two different subscription entities in the user equipment;

[0111] The second subscription entity in the idle state sends, in response to the information, to the first subscription entity an indication that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from the idle state to the connected state;

[0112] causing, in response to the first subscription entity receiving the indication from the second subscription entity, to send a request to establish a second signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection;

[0113] The first subscription entity receives information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network;

[0114] transferring the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; and

[0115] Causing establishment of the second wireless signaling connection for the second subscription using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

[0116] A second example procedure according to the first example procedure further includes using a random access procedure in establishing the first wireless signaling connection.

[0117] A third example process according to the first example process or the second example process further includes:

[0118] causing sending, in a Medium Access Control (MAC) level control element or in a buffer status report, a request for a signaling radio bearer to an access node in the cell as the request for establishing the second signaling connection for the second subscription entity, the access node providing a first radio link between the access node and the first subscription entity, the first radio link being part of the first radio signaling connection;

[0119] receiving a radio network temporary identifier as the information required for the second signaling connection in a MAC level control element; wherein causing establishment of the second radio signaling connection for the second subscription comprises:

[0120] monitoring, by the second subscription entity, downlink MAC level control elements to detect a control element including the radio network temporary identifier, the control element providing an uplink grant for the second subscription entity in resources of the first wireless signaling connection;

[0121] in response to detecting the control element, sending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment request from the second subscription entity using the resources indicated in the uplink grant;

[0122] establishing an RRC connection between the access node and the second subscription entity, the RRC connection being a second radio link as part of the second wireless signaling connection; and

[0123] A mobility control (MC) connection is established between the second subscription entity and a node in a core network of the network, the MC connection being the second wireless signaling connection including the second radio link.

[0124] A fourth example process according to the first example process or the third example process further includes:

[0125] The second subscription entity sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request as the indication;

[0126] causing an RRC message to be sent over the first radio connection to an access node in a cell, the RRC message requesting uplink resources for a signaling radio bearer (SRB), the access node providing a first radio link between the access node and the first subscription entity, the first radio link being part of the first radio signaling connection;

[0127] In response to receiving the indication of the uplink resources, encapsulating, by the first subscription entity, the RRC connection request in an SRB message;

[0128] causing sending, in the uplink resources, to the access node the request to establish the second signaling connection for the second subscription entity, encapsulated in the SRB message;

[0129] receiving a radio network temporary identifier as the information required for the second signaling connection; wherein causing the establishment of the second wireless signaling connection for the second subscription comprises:

[0130] monitoring, by the second subscription entity, downlink control signaling to detect a message including the radio network temporary identifier, the message indicating resources allocated for the second subscription entity in a second radio link that is part of the second wireless signaling connection;

[0131] causing, in response to detecting the message, sending an RRC setup complete message to the access node using the resources in the second radio link; and

[0132] A mobility control (MC) connection is established between the second subscription entity and a node in a core network of the network, the MC connection being the second wireless signaling connection including the second radio link.

[0133] A fifth example process according to any one of the first to fourth example processes or any combination of these processes further includes: when the first subscription is in the connected state and the second subscription has transitioned from the connected state to an inactive state:

[0134] The second subscription entity in the inactive state sends a resume indication to the first subscription entity as the indication, wherein the resume indication indicates that the second subscription entity wants to resume the second wireless signaling connection to transition from the inactive state to the connected state; and

[0135] The method causes, in response to the first subscription entity receiving the resume indication from the second subscription entity, sending a resume request as the request for the second signaling connection to the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection.

[0136] A sixth example process according to any one of the first to fifth example processes further includes:

[0137] determining, based on information received in a broadcast from the network, whether the network supports usage of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection; and

[0138] In response to the network supporting the usage, the first subscription entity sends the information indicating the existence of the first wireless signaling connection.

[0139] A seventh example process according to any one of the first to fourth example processes or any combination of these processes further includes:

[0140] causing a query to be sent to the network as to whether the network supports usage of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection; and

[0141] Sending the information that the first wireless signaling connection exists is performed in response to a reply to the query indicating that the network supports the usage.

[0142] The eighth example process includes:

[0143] receiving, via a first wireless signaling connection to a first subscription entity in a user equipment, information indicating a request to establish a second signaling connection to a second subscription entity in the user equipment;

[0144] generating network information required for the second wireless signaling connection;

[0145] sending the network information to the first subscription entity through the first wireless signaling connection;

[0146] sending downlink information including the network information; and

[0147] Establishing the second wireless signaling connection with the second subscription entity.

[0148] A ninth example process according to the eighth example process further includes:

[0149] receiving said information in a medium access control (MAC) level control element or in a buffer status report;

[0150] sending a temporary identifier to the second radio connection as the network information in a MAC level control element,

[0151] The establishment includes:

[0152] receiving an RRC connection request from the second subscription entity;

[0153] accepting the RRC connection request; and

[0154] A second RRC connection is established as the second radio signaling connection.

[0155] A tenth example process according to the eighth example process further includes:

[0156] receiving the information as an RRC connection request encapsulated in a signaling radio bearer (SRB) message;

[0157] sending a temporary identifier to the second wireless connection as the network information; and

[0158] sending an RRC connection establishment message including the radio network temporary identifier as the downlink information,

[0159] The second wireless signaling connection is a second RRC connection.

[0160] An eleventh example procedure according to the eighth example procedure, the ninth example procedure, or the tenth example procedure further includes broadcasting information on whether usage of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection is supported.

[0161] The twelfth example process according to the eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh example process further includes: in response to receiving an inquiry as to whether the use of the first wireless connection for requesting establishment of the second wireless connection is supported, sending a reply indicating support for the use.

[0162] Figure 9 and Figure 10 An apparatus is shown comprising a communication controller 910, 1010 (such as at least one processor or processing circuit system) and at least one memory 920, 1020 containing computer program code (software, algorithm) ALG.921, 1021, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software, algorithm) are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the respective apparatus to perform any of the above-described embodiments, examples and implementations. Figure 9 An apparatus for a user device is shown, and Figure 10 The diagram shows a network arrangement providing one or more cells for user equipment, ie an arrangement of a base station (access node) of a radio network. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The device may be an electronic device.

[0163] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the memory 920, 1020 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The memory may include a configuration memory CONF. 921, 1021, such as a configuration database, which is used to store at least one or more configurations, including information about supporting the use of an existing signaling connection to establish another signaling connection for another subscription entity, and / or a temporary identifier. The memory 920, 1020 may also store, for example, a data buffer for data awaiting processing (including transmission).

[0164] refer to Figure 9 , the apparatus for user equipment includes a communication interface 930, which includes hardware and / or software for implementing a communication connection according to one or more radio communication protocols. The communication interface 930 can provide radio communication capabilities with one or more base stations (access nodes) of a radio network. The communication interface may include standard well-known analog radio components, such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters and circuitry, conversion circuitry for converting signals between the analog domain and the digital domain, and one or more antennas.

[0165] The apparatus 900 may further include an application processor ( Figure 9 (not shown) that executes one or more computer program applications that generate the need to transmit and / or receive data. The application processor may execute computer programs that form the primary functionality of the device. For example, if the device is a sensor device, the application processor may execute one or more signal processing applications that process measurement data acquired from one or more sensor heads. If the device is a vehicle's computer system, the application processor may execute media applications and / or autonomous driving and navigation applications.

[0166] The communication controller 910 includes one or more processing circuit systems 911 configured to support multiple subscription entities (multiple SEs). The one or more processing circuit systems 911 can, for example, configure the user equipment to perform wireless signaling connection establishment according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments / examples / implementations. The communication controller 910 can control the one or more circuit systems 911 to receive control plane messages and use them to determine and use reserved resources.

[0167] refer to Figure 10 , the device 1000 may also include a communication interface 1030, which includes hardware and / or software for implementing a communication connection according to one or more radio communication protocols. The communication interface 1030 can provide the device with communication capabilities with user equipment (terminal equipment) residing in one or more cells provided by the device and / or with the core network. The communication interface may include standard well-known analog components, such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters and circuit systems, as well as conversion circuit systems that convert signals between the analog domain and the digital domain. Digital signal processing for transmission and reception of signals can be performed in the communication controller 1010.

[0168] The communication controller 1010 includes a multi-SE support circuit system 1011, which is configured to support the use of an existing signaling connection to establish an additional signaling connection for another subscription entity according to any of the above embodiments, examples, and implementations. The multi-SE support circuit system 1011 can transmit the configuration (configuration information) and the allocated resources to the user equipment through the communication interface 1030.

[0169] In one embodiment, Figure 10 At least some of the functionality of the apparatus may be shared between two physically separate devices to form a single operational entity. Therefore, the apparatus may be considered to depict an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices to perform at least some of the procedures described with respect to the gNB (network).

[0170] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations alone, such as implementations solely in analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of processor(s), or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software, software, and memory(s), including digital signal processor(s), that work together to cause the device to perform various functions, and (c) circuitry, such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that requires software or firmware to operate, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also encompass implementations of only a processor(s) or a portion of a processor(s) and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term "circuitry" would also encompass, if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other network device.

[0171] In one embodiment, combined Figures 2 to 8 At least some of the described processes can be performed by an apparatus comprising corresponding components for performing at least some of the above-described processes. The apparatus may include separate components for separate stages of the process, or the components may perform several stages or the entire process. Some example components for performing the process may include at least one of the following: a detector, a processor (including dual-core and multi-core processors), a digital signal processor, a controller, a receiver, a transmitter, an encoder, a decoder, a memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, a display, a user interface, a display circuit system, a user interface circuit system, a user interface software, a display software, a circuit, an antenna, an antenna circuit system, and a circuit system. In one embodiment, at least one processor, a memory, and a computer program code form a processing component, or include one or more computer program code portions, which are used to perform one or more operations according to any of the embodiments / examples / implementations described herein.

[0172] According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus for performing any of the embodiments includes circuitry including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. When activated, the circuitry causes the apparatus to perform the Figures 2 to 8 At least some of the functionality of any of the embodiments / examples / implementations, or the operation thereof.

[0173] The techniques and methods described herein can be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques can be implemented using hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the (multiple) devices of the embodiments can be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital data processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, the implementation can be performed by modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) of at least one chipset that performs the functions described herein. The software code can be stored in a memory unit and executed by the processor. The memory unit can be implemented inside the processor or outside the processor. In the latter case, as is known in the art, the memory unit can be communicatively coupled to the processor by various means. In addition, the components of the systems (devices) described herein can be rearranged and / or supplemented by additional components to facilitate implementation of the various aspects described therewith, and they are not limited to the precise configurations illustrated in the given figures, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0174] The described embodiments / examples / implementations may also be implemented in the form of a computer process defined by a computer program or part thereof. Figures 2 to 8 Embodiments of the described methods may be implemented by executing at least a portion of a computer program comprising the corresponding instructions. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form and may be stored in some carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer program distribution medium readable by a computer or processor. The computer program medium may be, for example, but not limited to, a recording medium, a computer memory, a read-only memory, an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunications signal and a software distribution package. For example, the computer program medium may be a non-transitory medium. The encoding of the software for performing the embodiments shown and described is well within the scope of a person skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the computer readable medium comprises the computer program described above. The signal may be a signal for encoding between a user device (or subscription entity) and a network node or in combination with a network node. Figures 2 to 8 Electromagnetic signals that describe information exchanged between subscribing entities.

[0175] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is obvious that the invention is not limited thereto but may be modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and are intended to illustrate rather than limit the embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that as technology advances, the concepts of the present invention may be implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but need not, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. A user equipment having at least two different subscription entities, the user equipment comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least: Determine a first subscription entity among the at least two different subscription entities as a primary subscription entity; When transitioning from an idle state to a connected state, establishing a first wireless signaling connection to a network for the first subscription entity; determining, based on information received from the network, whether the network supports usage of the first radio signaling connection for requesting establishment of a second radio signaling connection, wherein the information is received in a broadcast form or in response to a query sent to the network regarding whether the network supports usage of the first radio signaling connection for requesting establishment of the second radio signaling connection; configuring the first subscription entity to coordinate usage of hardware resources of the user equipment; In response to the network supporting the usage, the first subscription entity sends information indicating the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity of the at least two different subscription entities in the user equipment; The second subscription entity in the idle state sends, in response to the information, to the first subscription entity an indication that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from the idle state to the connected state; sending a request to establish the second wireless signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection in response to the first subscription entity receiving the indication from the second subscription entity; The first subscription entity receives information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network; transferring the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; as well as The second wireless signaling connection is established for the second subscription entity using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

2. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further: use a random access procedure when establishing the first wireless signaling connection.

3. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further: sending, in a Medium Access (MAC) level control element or in a buffer status report, a request for a signaling radio bearer to an access node in a cell as said request for establishing said second radio signaling connection for said second subscription entity, said access node providing a first radio link between said access node and said first subscription entity, said first radio link being part of said first radio signaling connection; receiving a radio network temporary identifier in a MAC level control element as the information required for the second radio signaling connection; The causing establishment of the second wireless signaling connection for the second subscription entity includes: monitoring, by the second subscription entity, downlink MAC level control elements to detect a control element including the radio network temporary identifier, the control element providing an uplink grant for the second subscription entity in resources of the first wireless signaling connection; in response to detecting the control element, sending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment request from the second subscription entity using the resources indicated in the uplink grant; establishing an RRC connection between the access node and the second subscription entity, the RRC connection being a second radio link as part of the second wireless signaling connection; and A mobility control (MC) connection is established between the second subscription entity and a node in a core network of the network, the MC connection being the second wireless signaling connection including the second radio link.

4. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further: The second subscription entity sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request as the indication; sending an RRC message to an access node in a cell over the first radio signaling connection, the RRC message requesting uplink resources for a signaling radio bearer (SRB), the access node providing a first radio link between the access node and the first subscription entity, the first radio link being part of the first radio signaling connection; In response to receiving the indication of the uplink resources, encapsulating, by the first subscription entity, the RRC connection request in an SRB message; sending, in the uplink resources, to the access node the request to establish the second radio signaling connection for the second subscription entity, encapsulated in the SRB message; receiving a radio network temporary identifier as the information required for the second wireless signaling connection; The causing establishment of the second wireless signaling connection for the second subscription entity includes: monitoring, by the second subscription entity, downlink control signaling to detect a message including the radio network temporary identifier, the message indicating resources allocated for the second subscription entity in a second radio link that is part of the second wireless signaling connection; sending an RRC setup complete message to the access node using the resources in the second radio link in response to detecting the message; and A mobility control (MC) connection is established between the second subscription entity and a node in a core network of the network, the MC connection being the second wireless signaling connection including the second radio link.

5. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to further: When the first subscription entity is in the connected state and the second subscription entity has transitioned from the connected state to the inactive state: The second subscription entity in the inactive state sends a resume indication to the first subscription entity as the indication, wherein the resume indication indicates that the second subscription entity wants to resume the second wireless signaling connection to transition from the inactive state to the connected state; and In response to the first subscription entity receiving the resume indication from the second subscription entity, a resume request is sent using the first radio signaling connection as the request for the second radio signaling connection to the second subscription entity. The user equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the subscription entity is a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM).

7. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: transmitting, by broadcast or by sending a response to a corresponding query from a user equipment, information on whether the apparatus supports usage of the first radio signaling connection for requesting establishment of the second radio signaling connection; receiving, via the first wireless signaling connection to a first subscription entity in the user equipment, information indicating a request to establish the second wireless signaling connection to a second subscription entity in the user equipment, wherein the first subscription entity is determined as a primary subscription entity and is configured to coordinate use of hardware resources of the user equipment; generating network information required for the second wireless signaling connection; sending the network information to the first subscription entity through the first wireless signaling connection; sending downlink information including the network information; as well as Establishing the second wireless signaling connection with the second subscription entity.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first wireless signaling connection is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving the network information in a medium access control (MAC) level control element or in a buffer status report; sending a temporary identifier as the network information to the second radio signaling connection in a MAC level control element, The establishment includes: receiving an RRC connection request from the second subscription entity; Accepting the RRC connection request; as well as A second RRC connection is established as the second radio signaling connection.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first wireless signaling connection is a radio resource control (RRC) connection, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving the network information as an RRC connection request encapsulated in a signaling radio bearer (SRB) message; sending a temporary identifier to the second wireless signaling connection as the network information; and sending an RRC connection establishment message including the radio network temporary identifier as the downlink information, The second wireless signaling connection is a second RRC connection.

10. A method for a user equipment having at least two different subscription entities, the method comprising: Determine a first subscription entity among the at least two different subscription entities as a primary subscription entity; When transitioning from an idle state to a connected state, establishing a first wireless signaling connection to a network for the first subscription entity; determining, based on information received from the network, whether the network supports usage of the first radio signaling connection for requesting establishment of a second radio signaling connection, wherein the information is received in a broadcast form or in response to a query sent to the network regarding whether the network supports usage of the first radio signaling connection for requesting establishment of the second radio signaling connection; configuring the first subscription entity to coordinate usage of hardware resources of the user equipment; In response to the network supporting the usage, the first subscription entity sends information indicating the existence of the first wireless signaling connection to at least a second subscription entity of the at least two different subscription entities in the user equipment; The second subscription entity in the idle state sends, in response to the information, to the first subscription entity an indication that the second subscription entity wants to establish a wireless signaling connection to transition from the idle state to the connected state; sending, in response to the first subscription entity receiving the indication from the second subscription entity, a request to establish a second wireless signaling connection for the second subscription entity using the first wireless signaling connection; The first subscription entity receives information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the network; transferring the information required for the second wireless signaling connection from the first subscription entity to the second subscription entity; as well as The second wireless signaling connection is established for the second subscription using the information required for the second wireless signaling connection.

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