Information element support

Abstract

A method performed by a first radio access network, RAN, node is provided. The method is for handling a supported information element (IE) related to a procedure involving a plurality of network nodes towards a second RAN node in a wireless communication system. The first RAN node sends (301) the first indication to the second RAN node. The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs during the procedure as part of the procedure. The first RAN node receives (302) a response from the second RAN node comprising the second indication. The second indication indicates whether the second RAN node supports one or more second IEs during the procedure as part of the procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to a radio access node, a core network node, and methods therein. In some aspects, they relate to processing supported information elements (IEs) associated with procedures involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices (also referred to as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STAs) and / or user equipment (UEs)) communicate via a wide area network or a local area network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network including a radio access network (RAN) portion and a core network (CN) portion). The RAN covers a geographical area divided into service areas or cell areas (which may also be referred to as beams or beam groups), each of which is served by a radio network node, such as a radio access node (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS)), which in some networks may also be referred to as, for example, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), or a gNB as indicated in fifth generation (5G) telecommunications. A service area or cell area is a geographical area in which radio coverage is provided by a radio network node. The radio network node communicates with wireless devices within range of the radio network node over an air interface operating on radio frequencies.

[0003] 3GPP is a standardization body for specifying standards for cellular system evolutions, including, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, and future evolutions. Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also known as the fourth generation (4G) network, have been completed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). As a continuing network evolution, new versions of 3GPP specify 5G networks, also known as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0004] The frequency bands used for 5G NR are divided into two different frequency ranges: Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). FR1 includes the sub-6GHz bands. Some of these bands are those traditionally used by legacy standards, but have been expanded to cover potential new spectrum from 410MHz to 7125MHz, and FR2 includes bands from 24.25GHz to 52.6GHz. The bands within this millimeter wave range have a shorter range than those within FR1, but have a higher available bandwidth.

[0005] Multi-antenna technology can significantly increase the data rate and reliability of wireless communication systems. For a wireless connection between a single user (e.g., UE) and a base station, the performance is particularly improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas (resulting in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication channel). This may be referred to as single-user (SU)-MIMO. In scenarios where MIMO technology is used for wireless connections between multiple users and a base station, MIMO further increases cell capacity by separating the users spatially, enabling the users to communicate with the base station simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources. This may be referred to as multi-user (MU)-MIMO. Note that MU-MIMO can benefit when each UE has only one antenna. Such systems and / or related technologies are generally referred to as MIMO.

[0006] Since Release 99, 3GPP has introduced a mechanism in application protocols that specify open network interfaces (e.g., NG Application Protocol (NGAP), S1AP, XnAP, etc.) by which the sender can control the behavior of the receiver in situations where understanding is critical to control.

[0007] Each Elementary Procedure (EP) and each Information Element (IE) contained in the messages of the Elementary Procedure is assigned a "criticality", and three criticalities are defined: "Reject", "Ignore" and "Ignore and Notify", while only "Reject" and "Ignore" are used throughout 3G, 4G and 5G.

[0008] If a logical node receives an information element (IE) assigned with the criticality "Reject", and if the logical node does not support the functionality associated with the information, the logical node shall terminate the procedure unsuccessfully and inform the sending node that it does not support the protocol element / EP by signaling an error message, regardless of whether the node does not support the functionality of the entire procedure or only the information element (IE) with the criticality "Reject".

[0009] The sending node may infer the protocol elements that are not supported by the peer node from the procedure code or IE identifier received within the error message and adapt future communications by typically not triggering the procedure again or not including the IEs that are not supported by its peer node.

[0010] However, the process or IE associated with the critical "Ignore" allows the receiving node to keep the sending node unaware that it does not support the IE and continue to process the content of the message and perform the corresponding function. In this case, the receiving node will discard the IE that is not supported and has the critical "Ignore". That is, the receiving node will not perform the function associated with such an IE.

[0011] The above mechanism is intended to ensure intercommunication between peer nodes with different feature implementation levels, thereby ensuring backward compatibility, which means that nodes deployed according to a "higher" version of a certain application protocol can operate together with nodes deployed according to a "lower" version of the same application protocol. The same mechanism also ensures forward compatibility. That is, if a new version AP supports a new IE, and if such an IE is marked with a critical "Ignore", the receiving node supporting the old version AP can discard the unsupported IE and continue to operate according to the functions it supports. However, if a node supporting the old version AP receives an IE with a critical "Reject" from a new version AP, the node must terminate the process and send back an error message, as described above.

[0012] In principle, even the concept of a "release" disappears, and deployments can choose from a set of features, regardless of a "3GPP release". Summary of the invention

[0013] As part of developing the embodiments herein, the inventors recognized a problem which will first be discussed.

[0014] While operations administration and maintenance (OAM) configuration and homogeneous feature deployment (i.e., tuning all nodes to support the same functionality) can solve most problems, existing "criticality mechanisms" only work for a single interface instance, with one node "sat" (also referred to as located) at each end of the interface. A criticality mechanism as used herein is, for example, a mechanism for handling criticality information set for individual IEs and / or IE groups, as specified in 3GPP TS 38.413 v17.0.0.

[0015] If for example a handover or dual connectivity is performed on the X2 / Xn interface, the "criticality mechanism" comes into play, i.e. for very important procedures and IEs, a feature will not work if no peer node supports the functionality behind it, so procedures and IEs are assigned a criticality set to "reject" so that the nodes are able to gradually understand the support level of their peer nodes. The X2 interface is a point-to-point logical interface between two eNodeBs. The Xn interface is the interface between two NG-RAN nodes.

[0016] However, for mobility involving multiple interface instances (i.e. handovers that must be performed via the CN), more than one interface instance of the RAN-CN interface is involved. One on the source side and one on the target side, and between CN nodes, for example, when the source RAN node and the target RAN node are NG-RAN nodes connected to different Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs), or in the case of inter-system mobility, where the source RAN node is an Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, E-UTRAN node connected to the EPC, and the target RAN node is an NG-RAN node and an AMF. In other words, in cases where a function (e.g. handover) and the signaling procedures associated therewith involve more than two network nodes, the criticality mechanism does not work. An example is an NG-based handover, which involves 3 or more network nodes.

[0017] In general, in terms of the application protocols defined by RAN3, up to 4 nodes may be involved, namely the source RAN node and the target RAN node and the source CN node and the target CN node; each of them may have different levels of support. It should be noted that each RAN node can be split into different nodes. For example, a gNB in ​​a split RAN architecture may consist of (also referred to as including): gNB-Central Unit (CU) User Plane (UP), gNB-CU-Control Plane (CP), and gNB-Distributed Unit (DU). In processes such as handover, each of these split RAN nodes is responsible for a function, and if the function is not supported, it may lead to the failure of the handover process. For example, Figure 1 An example of such an architecture is shown in Figure 1 Mobility involving core network nodes is shown.

[0018] Therefore, the problem is how to make the different nodes involved in supporting the functions and signaling associated with a feature aware that all nodes involved fully support the functions and signaling. If at least one of the second RAN node or the first CN node serving the first RAN node or the second CN node serving the second RAN node does not support the functions and signaling, then performing (or implementing) a procedure and / or function initiated by the first RAN node served by the first CN node and involving the second RAN node served by the second CN node will result in failure and / or undefined results - for example, whether it is appropriate / possible for the first RAN node to attempt the same procedure and / or function with the second RAN node in the future. The first RAN node has no knowledge of the support of the procedure and / or function at any of the second RAN node and / or the first CN node and / or the second CN node. There is no mechanism to support the first RAN node to avoid retrying to perform the same procedure and / or function multiple times in the future, resulting in more failures and / or undefined behavior. If the functionality and signaling are not supported, the effect is also a waste of signaling, manifested in the path between the first RAN node and the second RAN node, and including CN signaling between a first CN node serving the first RAN node and a second CN node serving the second RAN node….

[0019] In the specific example of handover via CN, the source RAN has no way of knowing whether the target RAN or target AMF supports all the functionalities associated with the CN-based handover (HO) procedure.

[0020] Similarly, the source RAN node is not aware of support at the target CN node or target RAN node for functionality using certain IEs that are to be signaled to modify a session context that has been established between the source and target.

[0021] The purpose of the embodiments herein is to improve the efficiency of a wireless communication network.

[0022] According to an aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a first Radio Access Network RAN ​​node. The method is for processing a supported information element IE related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes towards a second RAN node in a wireless communication system.

[0023] The first RAN node sends a first indication to the second RAN node. The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0024] The first RAN node receives a response from the second RAN node including a second indication indicating whether the second RAN node supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0025] According to an aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a second Radio Access Network RAN ​​node for processing a supported information element IE related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first RAN node towards a second RAN node in a wireless communication system.

[0026] The second RAN node receives a first indication from the first RAN node. The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0027] The second RAN node sends a response including a second indication to the first RAN node. The second indication indicates whether the second RAN node supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0028] According to one aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a first core network CN node. The method is for processing a supported information element IE, the supported information element being related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node towards a second RAN node in a wireless communication system. The first CN node provides a service for the first RAN node.

[0029] The first CN node receives a first indication sent from the first RAN node to the second RAN node. The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0030] The first CN node filters the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node supports the one or more first IEs.

[0031] The first CN node sends a filtered first indication to the second RAN node. The filtered first indication indicates whether both the first RAN node and the first CN node support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0032] According to one aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a second core network CN node. The method is for processing a supported information element IE, the supported information element being related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node towards a second RAN node in a wireless communication system. The second CN node provides a service for the second RAN node.

[0033] The second CN node receives a first indication first filtered by the first CN node sent from the first RAN node to the second RAN node via the first CN node serving the first RAN node. The first indication first filtered indicates whether both the first RAN node and the first CN node support one or more first IEs as part of the process during the process.

[0034] The second CN node further filters the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the second CN node supports the one or more first IEs.

[0035] The second CN node sends a first indication to the second RAN node that is further filtered by the second CN node, the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node, the first CN node and the second CN node support the one or more first IEs during the process.

[0036] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a first radio access network RAN ​​node. The first RAN node is configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element being related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system towards a second RAN node. The first RAN node is further configured to:

[0037] sending a first indication to the second RAN node, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, and

[0038] A response is received from the second RAN node including a second indication adapted to indicate whether the second RAN node supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0039] According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a second radio access network (RAN) node. The second RAN node is configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element being related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system from a first RAN node toward a second RAN node. The second RAN node is further configured to:

[0040] receiving a first indication from the first RAN node, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, and

[0041] A response is sent to the first RAN node including a second indication adapted to indicate whether the second RAN node supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0042] According to another aspect, the purpose is achieved by a first core network CN node. The first CN node is configured to process a supported information element IE, which is related to a process involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node toward a second RAN node in a wireless communication system. The first CN node provides a service for the first RAN node. The first CN node is also configured to:

[0043] receiving a first indication sent from the first RAN node to the second RAN node, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0044] filtering the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node supports the one or more first IEs, and

[0045] A filtered first indication is sent to the second RAN node, the filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether both the first RAN node and the first CN node support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0046] According to another aspect, the purpose is achieved by a second core network CN node. The second CN node is configured to process a supported information element IE, which is related to a process involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node toward a second RAN node in a wireless communication system. The second CN node provides a service for the second RAN node. The second CN node is also configured to:

[0047] receiving a first indication first filtered by the first CN node sent from the first RAN node to the second RAN node via the first CN node serving the first RAN node, the first filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether both the first RAN node and the first CN node support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0048] further filtering the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the second CN node supports the one or more first IEs, and

[0049] A first indication further filtered by the second CN node is sent to the second RAN node, the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node, the first CN node, and the second CN node support the one or more first IEs during the process.

[0050] Advantages of the embodiments herein are, for example, that for any procedures and functions involving more than two logical network nodes and / or network functions, they enable knowledge of protocol support at all involved logical network nodes and network functions, e.g., RAN nodes, functions of RAN nodes deployed in a split architecture (e.g., gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, gNB-DU), and CN nodes.

[0051] Another advantage of embodiments herein is, for example, avoiding the introduction of a per-feature based "supported" indicator through the network interface, which would otherwise result in explicitly revealing the status of supported functions of the nodes involved in the process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting the prior art.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication system.

[0054] Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method performed by a first RAN node.

[0055] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method performed by a second RAN node.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method performed by a first CN node.

[0057] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method performed by a second CN node.

[0058] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication system.

[0059] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram depicting an embodiment of a method.

[0060] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a schematic block diagram depicting embodiments of a method performed by a first RAN node.

[0061] Fig.10a and Fig.10b is a schematic block diagram depicting embodiments of a method performed by a second RAN node.

[0062] Fig.11a and Fig.11b is a schematic block diagram depicting an embodiment of a method performed by a first CN node.

[0063] Fig.12a and Figure 12b is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method performed by a second CN node.

[0064] Fig.13 A telecommunications network is schematically shown connected to a host computer via an intermediary network.

[0065] Fig.14 is a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating with a user device via a base station over a partially wireless connection.

[0066] Figures 15 to 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Embodiments herein provide a mechanism in the form of a method and a node for exchanging indications of the ability of a node to support an IE during a given procedure and optionally the functionality associated with the corresponding supported IE, also referred to as information of supported IE-Ids during a given procedure (e.g., during a HO resource allocation procedure), based on the peer node's understanding of IE-Ids from different systems. According to embodiments herein, the mechanism may be generalized for NGAP and S1AP and for inter-system mobility, including via F1AP. According to embodiments herein, the mechanism will not necessarily rely on the criticality assigned to a certain IE, but the peer RAN node will have to take into account its serving CN node support, which typically relies on the assigned criticality.

[0068] The indication may be referred to as data. The IE may be, for example, an IE-ID.

[0069] Figure 2 1 is a schematic overview diagram depicting a wireless communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The wireless communication network 100 includes one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communication network 100 may use 5G NR, but may also use a variety of other different technologies, such as Wi-Fi, (LTE), Advanced LTE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications / Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (GSM / EDGE), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to name a few possible implementations.

[0070] RAN nodes, such as the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112, operate in the wireless communication network 100. The first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may be access points (APs), respectively, and may provide a plurality of cells, for example, and may use these cells to communicate with a UE, for example, the UE 120. The first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may be transmission and reception points, respectively, for example, radio access network nodes, such as base stations, for example, radio base stations, such as NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNBs, eNodeBs, eNodeBs), NR NodeBs (gNBs), base transceiver stations, radio remote units, access point base stations, base station routers, transmission devices of radio base stations, standalone access points, wireless local area network (WLAN) access points, access point stations (AP STAs), access controllers, UEs acting as access points or peers in device-to-device (D2D) communication, or any other suitable networking units. The first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may each, for example, further be capable of communicating with each other via one or more CN nodes in the wireless communication network 100 .

[0071] It should be noted that the first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112 may be split into different nodes, for example. For example, the RAN nodes 111, 112 (eg, gNBs) in the split RAN architecture may include gNB-CU-UP, gNB-CU-CP, and gNB-DU.

[0072] A user equipment (e.g., UE 120) operates in the wireless communication network 100. UE 120 may be, for example, a NR device, a mobile station, a wireless terminal, a NB-IoT device, an eMTC device, a NR RedCap device, a CAT-M device, a Wi-Fi device, an LTE device, and a non-access point (non-AP) STA, i.e., a STA that communicates via a base station (e.g., the first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112). Those skilled in the art should understand that UE refers to a non-restrictive term, which refers to any UE, terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, (D2D) terminal, or node (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop, a mobile phone, a sensor, a relay, a mobile tablet computer, or even a small base station communicating within a cell).

[0073] A CN node such as the first CN node 131 and / or the second CN node 132 operates in the wireless communication network 100. The CN node may be, for example, an AMF node, an MME node, or an SMF node. Each of the first CN node 131 and / or the second CN node 132 may be capable of forwarding messages and / or signals from / to any one or both of the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112.

[0074] The method herein may be performed by any one or more of the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132. As an alternative, for example, including Figure 2 The distributed nodes (DNs) and functions in the cloud 140 shown may be used to perform or partially perform the methods of the embodiments herein.

[0075] Embodiments herein may involve RAN nodes 111 , 112 capability exchange (eg, at the time of CN-based handover).

[0076] The process involving multiple network nodes towards the second RAN node 112 may be performed, for example, via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. In some embodiments, for example, involving solution 2, see also the following Figure 8 , when the first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, it may first pass through the first CN node 131 and be filtered there so that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication may then be forwarded and passed to the second CN node 132 and filtered there so that the supported IEs include IEs supported by the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132, and then the further filtered first indication is forwarded to the second RAN node 112. In this way, the further filtered first indication now teaches only the functions associated with the IEs supported by all nodes involved in the process and optionally with the corresponding supported IEs.

[0077] Filtering means, for example, removing IEs that are not supported by the corresponding filtering node from the first indication before forwarding the first indication to the next node.

[0078] The embodiments of the method will now be described one by one from different perspectives of different nodes involved, including Figure 3 The first RAN node 111 related to Figure 4 The second RAN node 112 associated with Figure 5 The first CN node 131 related to Figure 6 The associated second CN node 132 .

[0079] Figure 3 An example method performed by a first RAN node 111 is shown. The method is for processing a supported IE (e.g., a supported IE identifier (ID)) related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes towards a second RAN node 112 in a wireless communication system 100. The procedure may, for example, involve a HO resource allocation procedure. The procedure involving multiple network nodes towards the second RAN node 112 may, for example, involve or also referred to as being performed via: a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112. The method includes any one or more of the following actions.

[0080] Action 301

[0081] The first RAN node 111 sends a first indication to the second RAN node 112. The first indication may be sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132.

[0082] The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure. This is advantageous because the first RAN node 111 is able to request whether the second RAN node 112 or any of the CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 supports the one or more first IEs.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the process, the one or more first functions being associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the process. This is advantageous because the first RAN node 111 is able to request whether the second RAN node 112 or any of the CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 supports one or more functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first indication sent to the second RAN node 112 is received by the second RAN node 112, and the first indication is filtered based on whether one or more of the following items are true:

[0085] - one or more intermediate nodes (e.g., the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or

[0086] - One or more intermediate nodes (eg, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0087] Action 302

[0088] The first RAN node 111 receives a response from the second RAN node 112. This is a response to the first indication sent to the second RAN node 112. The response includes a second indication. The second indication indicates whether one or more second IEs as part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and, for example, further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the procedure and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112. This is advantageous because the first RAN node 111 obtains information about whether the second RAN node 112 and the CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 support the one or more first IEs.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second indication also indicates whether one or more second functions associated with the corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0090] In some embodiments, one or more second IEs are selected among the one or more first IEs.

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more second functions are selected among the one or more first functions.

[0092] In this way, the first RAN node 111 obtains information about whether the second RAN node 112 and the CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 support one or more first IEs, and / or information about whether the second RAN node 112 and the CN nodes along the signaling path between the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 support one or more first functions associated with the one or more first IEs.

[0093] Figure 4An example method performed by the second RAN node 112 is shown for processing a supported IE associated with a procedure involving multiple network nodes in the wireless communication system 100, for example, from the first RAN node 111 toward the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112. The method includes any one or more of the following actions.

[0094] Action 401

[0095] The second RAN node 112 receives a first indication from the first RAN node 111. The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first indication received from the first RAN node 111 is received by filtering based on whether one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0098] - one or more intermediate nodes (e.g., the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or

[0099] - One or more intermediate nodes (eg, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0100] As described above, in some embodiments, when the first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, it may first pass through the first CN node 131 and be filtered there, so that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. Then, the filtered first indication may be forwarded and passed to the second CN node 132 and filtered there, so that the supported IEs include IEs supported by the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132, and then the further filtered first indication is forwarded to the second RAN node 112.

[0101] Action 402

[0102] The second RAN node 112 sends a response including a second indication to the first RAN node 111. This is a response to the first indication received from the first RAN node 111. The second indication indicates whether one or more second IEs as part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and, for example, further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the procedure, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second indication also indicates whether one or more second functions associated with the corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0104] In some embodiments, one or more second IEs are selected among the one or more first IEs.

[0105] In some embodiments, one or more second functions are selected among the one or more first functions.

[0106] In this way, the second RAN node 112 informs the first RAN node 111 which of the one or more first IEs and / or which of the one or more first functions associated with the one or more first IEs are supported by the second RAN node 112 and the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0107] Figure 5 An example method performed by a first CN node 131 is shown for processing a supported IE associated with a procedure involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, e.g., from a first RAN node 111 toward a second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. The first CN node 131 provides service to the first RAN node 111.

[0108] As described above, in some embodiments, when the first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, it may first be passed to the first CN node 131 and filtered there so that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication may then be forwarded and passed to the second CN node 132 for further filtering, and then the further filtered first indication may be forwarded to the second RAN node 112.

[0109] The method includes any one or more of the following actions.

[0110] Action 501

[0111] The first CN node 131 receives a first indication sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112. The first indication indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure.

[0113] Action 502

[0114] The first CN node 131 filters the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node 131 supports the one or more first IEs.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first CN node 131 further filters the one or more first functions included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node 131 supports the one or more first functions.

[0116] Action 503

[0117] The first CN node 131 sends a filtered first indication to the second RAN node 112. The filtered first indication indicates whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0118] In some embodiments, the filtered first indication indicates whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0119] In this way, once the response arrives at the first RAN node, the first CN node 131 may provide the first RAN node with information about whether the first CN node supports the one or more first IEs and / or the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs.

[0120] Figure 6 An example method performed by the second CN node 132 is shown for processing a supported IE associated with a procedure involving multiple network nodes in the wireless communication system 100, for example, from the first RAN node 111 toward the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112. The second CN node 132 serves the second RAN node 112.

[0121] As described above, in some embodiments, when the first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, it may first be passed to the first CN node 131 and filtered there so that the supported IEs include IEs supported by both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131. The filtered first indication may then be forwarded and passed to the second CN node 132 for further filtering, and then the further filtered first indication may be forwarded to the second RAN node 112.

[0122] The method includes any one or more of the following actions.

[0123] Action 601

[0124] The second CN node 132 receives a first indication first filtered by the first CN node 131, the first indication being sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111. The first indication first filtered indicates whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first filtered first indication further indicates whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0126] Action 602

[0127] The second CN node 132 further filters the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the second CN node 132 supports the one or more first IEs.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second CN node 132 further filters the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the second CN node 132 supports the one or more first functions.

[0129] Action 603

[0130] The second CN node 132 sends a first indication to the second RAN node 112 that is further filtered by the second CN node 132. The first indication that is further filtered by the second CN node 132 indicates whether the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 support one or more first IEs during the process.

[0131] In some embodiments, the further filtered first indication sent to the second RAN node 112 indicates whether the first RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0132] In this way, once the response arrives at the first RAN node 111, the second CN node 132 may provide the first RAN node 111 with information about whether the second CN node 132 supports one or more first IEs and / or one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs.

[0133] In this way, for any procedures and functions involving more than two logical network nodes and / or network functions, the above method as a whole allows obtaining knowledge of the protocol support at all involved logical network nodes and network functions, RAN nodes (e.g., the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112), functions of RAN nodes deployed in a split architecture (e.g., gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, gNB-DU) and CN nodes (e.g., the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132).

[0134] For example, a RAN node (e.g., the first RAN node 111 and / or the second RAN node 112) can derive whether a certain procedure or function involving more than two logical nodes and / or network functions can be used, or whether such a procedure or function can be utilized in whole or in part.

[0135] The above approach also avoids the introduction of per-feature based "supported" indicators through the network interface, which would otherwise result in explicitly revealing the status of supported functionality of the network nodes or network functions involved in the process.

[0136] The method will now be further explained and exemplified in the following examples.The embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0137] The examples of the method embodiments described herein are based on the signaling of one or more of the supported IEs (e.g., in a list of supported IEs) as part of a process involving multiple network nodes. Each node involved in the process may signal an indication before or during the process, which indicates, for example, in a list, the IEs that are applicable to the process and supported. It should be noted that the words "one or more IEs" and "a list of IEs" are used interchangeably herein. In some embodiments, the indication (also referred to as information) regarding support for each IE may also be supplemented with a specification as to whether the function associated with the IE is supported. In some other embodiments, the indication of support or non-support for an IE implies that the function for the IE is supported or not supported. In some other embodiments, the indication of support or non-support for an IE implies that only the IE is supported, and the function associated with it is not necessarily supported.

[0138] The above method can be applied to multiple processes involving more than one network node. However, regardless of the process, the method provides rich signaling between the nodes involved during the process (e.g., the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132), for example, through information that can be expressed in this example form. The underlined text in the following table is related to the embodiments of this document.

[0139]

[0140] or as alternatives of the following form (these alternatives are shown in the examples below, but are reported here as they apply to any use case):

[0141]

[0142] In some embodiments, the one or more supported IEs (eg, a list of supported IEs) described above may be supplemented in the following manner:

[0143] Adding a "supported functionality" indication gives the possibility to express, for example, whether an IE is supported but not the functionality associated with it. This can be useful in cases where the functionality has not yet been developed or implemented in a given node, but where the access point (AP) message coding has been updated to support the IE.

[0144] In some other embodiments, the IE support indication may be in the form of a bitmap, where a value of "1" indicates "IE is supported" and a value of "0" indicates "IE is not supported".

[0145] In some embodiments, the IE support indication for "all" IEs (e.g., all IEs for all features in a version) is indicated. In other variants, the IE support indication refers to all IEs for certain features or certain IEs for certain features. In this case, the node can signal a structure consisting of a list, where each item in the list consists of a feature and an indication of the supported IE for such feature. That is, the above information can be modified as follows:

[0146]

[0147] In some embodiments, no response indication (eg, no IE-Id list from the target node) may be interpreted by the source node (eg, the first RAN node 111) as the node being a legacy node that does not support the corresponding feature or functionality.

[0148] Some examples of how the approach can be applied to specific processes are described below.

[0149] Some first embodiments referred to as solution 1

[0150] In some general embodiments, during a HO procedure performed via the CN (e.g., via the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132), an indication of whether one or more IEs as part of the procedure are supported (e.g., a list of supported IE-Id information) is optionally included in a source-to-target transparent container sent from the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the source RAN node, also referred to as the source node) to the second RAN node 112 (in this example, the target RAN node, also referred to as the target node). The target node replies with a list of its supported IE-Ids in, for example, a target-to-source transparent container, which is an IE signaled from the target RAN to the source RAN.

[0151] In a specific embodiment, at the source RAN node, a list of supported IE-Ids as specified by the application protocol used on the source-side RAN-CN interface (e.g. S1AP (TS 36.413) in the case of EPS and NGAP (TS 38.413 v17.0.0) in the case of 5GS) is included in the initiation message of the handover preparation (handover required) (e.g. in the existing Source NG-RAN to Target NG-RAN Transparent Container IE of the message), and the list is provided to the target RAN node via the initiation message of the handover resource allocation procedure (e.g. in the existing Source NG-RAN to Target NG-RAN Transparent Container). The target RAN node replies by sending a Target NG-RAN to Source NG-RAN Transparent Container including the list of IE-ids related to the functions it supports.

[0152] See also Figure 7 , Figure 7 Source-to-target transparent containers and target-to-source transparent containers in an example scenario are depicted, wherein: the first RAN node 111 is referred to as source RAN 111, the second RAN node 112 is referred to as target RAN 112, the first CN node 131 is referred to as source CN 131, and the second CN node 132 is referred to as target CN 132.

[0153] Instead of discussing whether a support indicator needs to be introduced on a per-feature basis, embodiments herein are summarized by specifying the exchange of supported IE Ids for the HO resource allocation procedure.

[0154] The embodiments of this article can be introduced for NGAP and S1AP, and even between systems.

[0155] The embodiments herein may be applicable only to a handover resource allocation process, for example.

[0156] The embodiments herein may, for example, only target a limited number of IEs, it may not be intended to exchange a complete set of IEs.

[0157] Embodiments herein may not necessarily rely on a criticality assigned to a certain IE, but a peer RAN node will have to take into account its serving CN, eg, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 .

[0158] Embodiments herein may, for example, replace remote criticality of a method, or rather define it.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the source RAN node) may only include the IE-Id if the serving CN node 131 also supports the IE-Id. The corresponding knowledge may be obtained by the CN node including the corresponding IE in the message by means of a criticality mechanism, OAM or an explicit indication of support for the IE (or related features).

[0160] If the second RAN node 112 (target node in this example) has obtained knowledge that the serving CN 132 node also supports the feature, it can reply that it supports the feature. The corresponding knowledge on the target side can be obtained as described above on the source side. If the target node has not yet obtained knowledge about the support on the CN side, it can explicitly provide this information, such as "not clear whether it is supported". If the target RAN node does not support IE-Id, it should reply "not supported" in any case.

[0161] In the case of inter-system handover, the source RAN node may provide the IE-Id specified by the RAN-CN interface on the source side in the supported IE-Id list, and may explicitly indicate the protocols supported by the RAN-CN interface on the source side. Similarly, if the functional correspondence between the IEs defined in the RAN-CN interfaces specified for different systems is obvious or can be derived, the target RAN node may provide the IE-Id specified by the RAN-CN interface on the target side in the supported IE-Id list, and may explicitly indicate the protocols supported by the RAN-CN interface on the target side.

[0162] The list of IE-Ids does not need to be a complete list of all supported IE-Ids, typically it is a selective list. The target RAN node may reply only for those IEs for which support information is requested by the source RAN node.

[0163] In the case that the target node cannot successfully terminate the handover resource allocation process, support information, ie, a list of IE-Ids, may also be provided in the handover failure container.

[0164] If the source RAN and target RAN configurations involve multiple nodes (e.g. in case of dual connectivity or multi-connectivity), the scope of the exchanged information may cover all involved RAN nodes, even if the control interface of the RAN-CN interface is defined only towards a single RAN node (as is currently the case in EPS and 5GS), but this may depend on the characteristics represented by the IE-Id. In some embodiments, each new IE support indication replaces the previous IE support indication. In some other embodiments, for updates to IE support, only the differences with respect to the previous indication are sent.

[0165] In some embodiments, a node such as the first RAN node 111 or the second RAN node 112 indicates IE support only when polled. In some other embodiments, the first RAN node 111 may proactively indicate its IE support to the second RAN node 112 (in this example), where, in response, the second RAN node 112 also indicates its IE support to the first RAN node 111.

[0166] The following non-limiting examples are provided, where underlined text indicates added canonical impact:

[0167] 3GPP TS 38.413 clause 9.3.1.29 Source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node transparent container:

[0168] This IE is generated by the source NG-RAN node (e.g., the first RAN node 111) and is sent to the target NG-RAN node (e.g., the second RAN node 112). For inter-system handover to 5G, the IE is sent from the external handover source to the target NG-RAN node.

[0169] This IE is transparent to 5GC.

[0170]

[0171]

[0172]

[0173]

[0174] 3GPP TS 38.413 clause 9.3.1.30 Target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node transparent container:

[0175] This IE is generated by the target NG-RAN node (e.g., the second RAN node 112) and sent to the source NG-RAN node (e.g., the first RAN node 111). For inter-system handover to 5G, this IE is sent from the target NG-RAN node to the external relocation source.

[0176] This IE is transparent to 5GC.

[0177]

[0178]

[0179] In one embodiment, a list of supported IE-Id information is optionally signaled in a RAN state transfer transparent container for intra-5GC NG handover.

[0180] In a subordinate embodiment, the above list of supported IEs may be supplemented in the following manner:

[0181]

[0182] Adding a "supported functionality" indication gives the possibility to express, for example, whether an IE is supported but not the functionality associated with it. This can be useful in cases where the functionality has not yet been developed or implemented in a given node, but where the AP message coding has been updated to support the IE.

[0183] In some other embodiments, the IE support indication may be in the form of a bitmap, where a value of "1" indicates "IE is supported" and a value of "0" indicates "IE is not supported".

[0184] In some embodiments, an IE support indication for "all" IEs (e.g., all IEs for all features in a version) is indicated. In another variant, the IE support indication refers to all IEs for certain features or certain IEs for certain features. In this case, a node (e.g., the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112) may signal a structure consisting of a list, wherein each item in the list includes a feature and an indication of the supported IE for such feature. That is, the above information may be modified as follows:

[0185]

[0186] Some second embodiments also referred to as solution 2

[0187] In these embodiments, a list of supported IE-Ids in each involved node (e.g., source / target RAN / CN nodes such as the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132) is signaled in a dedicated signaling procedure, regardless of the assigned criticality. That is, in order to collect such information, a RAN Configuration Transfer procedure may be used - within one round trip between the source RAN node and the target RAN node, this information should be available at all involved RAN / CN nodes. The indication of supported / unsupported IEs may be implemented as in Solution 1, i.e., the different ways of indicating support of IEs and their functionality described above may be reused in these embodiments.

[0188] In a dependent embodiment, the IE support during the round trip indicates the RAN and CN nodes involved in the traversal, such as the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. Figure 8 , where each node indicates, for example, by setting a flag, or as illustrated, lists or indicates an IE (e.g., IEId) in the message accordingly. In this example, the first RAN node 111 is referred to as RAN node 1 111, the second RAN node 112 is referred to as RAN node 2 112, the first CN node 131 is referred to as CN node 1 131, and the second CN node 132 is referred to as CN node 2 132. For example, node X (e.g., the first RAN node 111) lists IE ID=5 (meaning that it supports the IE) and forwards the IE support indication to the next node in the chain, such as node Y (e.g., the first CN node 131). If node Y does not support the IE, IE ID=5 is removed (also referred to as filtered) from the list.

[0189] In some other embodiments, the IE support indication may be in the form of a bitmap, where a value of "1" indicates "IE is supported" and a value of "0" indicates "IE is not supported". In the context of Solution 2, during the round trip of the IE indication across the RAN and CN nodes (e.g., the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132), as Figure 8 As shown, each node sets the bit corresponding to IE support in the bitmap to "0" or "1" depending on whether it supports IE. Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 4 , an existing UL / DL RAN configuration transmission is used to carry IEs related to certain features.

[0190] The following non-limiting examples are provided, where underlining indicates added canonical impacts:

[0191] 3GPP TS 38.413 clause 9.2.7.1 Uplink RAN ​​configuration transmission

[0192] The message is sent by a NG-RAN node (eg, the first RAN node 111) to transfer RAN configuration information.

[0193] Direction: NG-RAN Node AMF (e.g., the first CN node 131),

[0194]

[0195]

[0196] 3GPP TS 38.413 clause 9.2.7.2 Downlink RAN ​​configuration transmission

[0197] This message is sent by the AMF (eg, the first CN node 131) to transfer RAN configuration information.

[0198] Direction: AMF an NG-RAN node (e.g., the first RAN node 111),

[0199]

[0200]

[0201] In some embodiments, the IE support indication is for "all" IEs (eg, all IEs for all features in a version). In another variant, the IE support indication refers to all IEs for certain features or certain IEs for certain features.

[0202] Some variations of the first embodiment referred to as solution 1-a

[0203] For some functions (e.g. related to self-organizing networks (SON)), two (or more) RAN nodes may be involved, wherein the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the first (source) RAN node) is part of a first wireless communication system and / or a first RAT, and the second RAN node 112 (in this example, the second (target) RAN node) belongs to a second wireless communication system (and / or a second RAT). The function in question is fully (or partially) utilized when both the source RAN node and the target RAN node, and possibly the CN nodes in between (e.g., the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132), fully (or partially) support the function in question. As part of the operation of the function, the source RAN node sends a first indication to the target RAN, in this example, a list of optionally supported IEs, transparently transmitted from the first RAN node to the second RAN node. The second RAN node replies with a second indication (in this example, a list of IE-Ids related to the function it supports).

[0204] -In one example, the functionality may be related to energy saving, the first RAN node 111 is an eNB (connected to the EPC), and the second RAN node 112 is a gNB (connected to the 5GC). The first RAN node 111 may request and / or suggest to the second RAN node 112 to turn off one or more cells or turn off one or more SSB beams. The first indication (e.g., indicating a list of optional IEs corresponding to the request and / or suggestion to turn off certain cells and / or SSB beams) is included in a transparent container. When the list of supported IE-Ids is signaled from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 and back, the method of processing the list of supported IE-Ids may be the same as the method described for Solution 1 or Solution 2. For example, the transparent container sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 (or vice versa) described in Solution 1 may be an extension of the Inter-System SON Configuration Transport Type IE or an extension of the EN-DC SON Configuration Transport SON Configuration Transport IE.

[0205] In another scenario, a function (e.g. related to a self-organizing network (SON)) involves two RAN nodes, and both of them belong to the same wireless communication system or the same RAT, and the function uses an indirect signaling connection between the RAN nodes. When both the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the source RAN node) and the second RAN node 112 (in this example, the target RAN node) and possible CN nodes in between (e.g., the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132) fully support (or partially support) the function in question, the function is fully utilized (or partially utilized). As part of the operation of the function, the source RAN node sends a first indication to the target RAN, in this example, a list of optionally supported IEs, which is transparently transmitted from the first RAN node to the second RAN node. The second RAN node replies with a second indication (in this example, a list of IE-Ids related to the function it supports).

[0206] - In one example, the functionality may relate to energy saving, where the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the first (source) NG-RAN node) requests or suggests the second RAN node 112 (in this example, the second (target) NG-RAN node) to turn on or off one or more cells or SSB beams of the second NG-RAN node, and the Xn link between the RAN nodes is not defined or unavailable or temporarily unavailable. An indication (e.g., a list of optional IEs) corresponding to the request / suggestion to turn on or off certain cells or the request / suggestion to turn on or off certain SSB beams may be included in a transparent container. When the list of supported IE-Ids is signaled from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 and back, the method of handling the list of supported IE-Ids may be the same as the method described for Solution 1 or Solution 2. For example, the transparent container sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 described in Solution 1 may be an extension of the source-to-target transparent container IE or the SON configuration transport IE, and the transparent container sent from the second RAN node 112 to the first RAN node 111 may be an extension of the target-to-source transparent container IE.

[0207] In another example, the function may involve cell resource coordination between nodes, in which example the first RAN node 111 is a gNB and the second RAN node 112 is an ng-eNB (or vice versa), and the Xn link between the RAN nodes is not defined or unavailable or temporarily unavailable. In one embodiment, an IE support indication for "all" IEs (e.g., all IEs for all functions in a version) is indicated. In another embodiment, the IE support indication refers to all IEs of certain functions or certain IEs of certain functions.

[0208] Some third embodiments referred to as solution 3 - methods applied in the case of multiple receivers

[0209] The method of the embodiment of this article can be applied to the following scenarios:

[0210] - A first RAN node 111 (in this example, a first (source) network node (or network function)) sends a request of the same type (or a request of a different type) to two (or more) second RAN nodes 112 (in this example, two or more target RAN nodes (or network functions)), where the request may span other network nodes in between, for example CN nodes such as the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132. The request may include an IE-Id associated with support for a certain function, and the IE-Id may be signaled in one of the forms described in other embodiments (e.g., a list of IE-Ids, the same list may be sent to all targets, or separate lists, or partially overlapping lists). The target network nodes (or functions) reply to the first network node. The first network node derives full or partial support for the function based on the reply. Failure or loss of a reply from the second network node (or second network function) to the first network node (or first network function), for example due to expiration of a timer, may be used by the first network node (or first network function) as an explicit or implicit indication of non-support of the function at the second network node (or second network function). The request includes an IE-Id associated with support for a certain function, and the IE-Id may be signaled in one of the forms described in other embodiments. The second network node sends a second request to the third network node based on the received request and the received IE-Id (which may include a portion of the first request, for example, forwarding the received IE-Id, which may be "filtered" based on the support of the function in question by the second network node). The third network node sends a final response (which may include a portion of the first request and the second request, for example, the received IE-Id, which may be "filtered" based on the support of the function in question by the second network node and the third network node) as a second indication to the first network node based on the received request and the received IE-Id. The first network node derives full or partial support for the function based on the response. A response failure or a response loss (for example, due to expiration of a timer) may be used as an explicit or implicit indication that the function is not supported.

[0211] Embodiments related to NG-based mobility of gNB-DU

[0212] As described above, the first RAN node 111 and the second RAN node 112 may be split RAN nodes. The previous embodiments focus on indicating IE support for non-split RAN nodes (i.e., gNBs) or CUs by signaling NG-based mobility using UEs. However, in Rel-18, NG-based mobility of DUs (e.g., IAB-DUs or any mobile DUs) will likely be supported, and the indication of IE support between the mobile DU and the target CU becomes relevant.

[0213] In one embodiment, regarding the case of DU mobility (assuming split RAN nodes) and NG-based handover, the IE support indication refers to the IE support of the DU. In another embodiment, the IE support indication is related to both the source CU and the mobile DU.

[0214] In a dependent embodiment, with respect to a mobile integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, IE support for the DU is indicated as part of the handover signaling for an integrated access and backhaul-mobile terminal (IAB-MT) co-located with the DU. In another variant, dedicated, enhanced existing or newly defined signaling is used, separate from the handover signaling for the IAB-MT.

[0215] In a subordinate embodiment, the IE support related to the IAB-DU is indicated separately (e.g., using separate dedicated messages) for the IAB-DU of the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the mobile IAB node) and the IAB-DUs of the descendants of the mobile IAB node, respectively. In another sub-variant, the IE support is indicated together (e.g., using group signaling) for the IAB-DU of the mobile IAB node and the IAB-DUs of its descendants.

[0216] In a subordinate embodiment of the above embodiment, the indication of IE support of the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the mobile DU) uses a source to target container. In another variant, the indication of IE support of the first RAN node 111 (in this example, the mobile DU) is explicitly sent through an interface (e.g., NG, S1, inter-AMF interface, etc.).

[0217] The embodiments presented in this section may use the encodings presented in the previous sections (ie, IE IDs), or they may use different encodings.

[0218] The embodiments presented in this section may be applicable to mobile IAB-DUs, or they may be applicable to mobile DUs (ie, non-IAB DUs).

[0219] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a new method is introduced to obtain information about the support level for a certain feature based on the supported functions on the target NG-RAN side associated with the NGAP IE based on the corresponding IE-Id. In the following example, the target NG-RAN is represented by the second RAN node 112 and the source NG-RAN node is represented by the first RAN node 111.

[0220] These embodiments introduce the possibility to obtain information about the support level for a certain feature (such as an indication of the first indication and the second indication) based on the supported functions on the target NG-RAN side associated with the NGAP IE based on the corresponding IE-Id, by means of information provided within the CN transparent switching container.

[0221] In some embodiments, a new NGAP IE support information request list IE is introduced in the source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node transparent container IE containing the list of NGAP protocol IE-Ids, for which the target NG-RAN node should provide support information in the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node transparent container IE or the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node transparent failure transparent container IE, for example according to the second indication ("supported" or "not supported"). In addition, information is provided as to whether the target NG-RAN node actually received the reported IE in the handover request message.

[0222] If the Handover Request message includes an NGAP IE Support Information Request List IE within the Source NG-RAN Node to Target NG-RAN Node Transparent Container IE, the target NG-RAN node shall (if supported and the target NG-RAN node accepts the request for handover) provide, for example according to the second indication, for each included NGAP protocol IE-Id within the Target NG-RAN Node to Source NG-RAN Node Transparent Container IE in the Handover Request Answer message.

[0223] - If the target NG-RAN node has information about support for the functionality associated with the indicated IE, then set the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE to “Supported”

[0224] - If the target NG-RAN node has information that the functionality associated with the indicated IE is not supported, then the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE is set to “Not Supported”

[0225] on the interface instance over which the handover request message has been received, and

[0226] - Set the NGAP Protocol IE Presence Information IE to “Present” if the target NG-RAN node has received the corresponding NGAP Protocol IE-Id in the Handover Request message, otherwise set it to “Absent”.

[0227] If the HANDOVER REQUEST message includes an NGAP IE SUPPORT INFORMATION REQUEST LIST IE within the SOURCE NG-RAN Node TO Target NG-RAN Node TRANSPARENT Container IE, the target NG-RAN node shall (if supported and the target NG-RAN node does not accept the request for handover) provide, for example according to the second indication, for each included NGAP protocol IE-Id within the Target NG-RAN Node TO Source NG-RAN Node TRANSPARENT FAILURE TRANSPARENT Container IE in the HANDOVER FAILED message.

[0228] - If the target NG-RAN node has information about support for the functionality associated with the indicated IE, then set the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE to “Supported”

[0229] - If the target NG-RAN node has information that the functionality associated with the indicated IE is not supported, then the NGAP Protocol IE Support Information IE is set to “Not Supported”

[0230] on the interface instance over which the handover request message has been received, and

[0231] - Set the NGAP Protocol IE Presence Information IE to “Present” if the target NG-RAN node has received the corresponding NGAP Protocol IE-Id in the Handover Request message, otherwise set it to “Absent”.

[0232] Figure 9a and Figure 9b An example of an arrangement in the first RAN node 111 is shown.

[0233] The first RAN node 111 may include input and output interfaces configured to communicate with other network entities (e.g., the second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132) in the wireless communication network 100. The input and output interfaces may include a receiver (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown) and a transmitter (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown).

[0234] The first RAN node 111 may include any one or more of the following: an obtaining unit, a receiving unit, configured to perform the method actions described herein.

[0235] The processor or one or more processors (e.g. Figure 9aThe embodiments of the present invention are implemented by using at least one processor of the processing circuit in the first RAN node 111 shown in FIG. 1 and a computer program code for executing the functions and actions of the embodiments of the present invention. The program code mentioned above can also be provided as a computer program product (for example, in the form of a data carrier carrying the computer program code for executing the embodiments of the present invention when loaded into the first RAN node 111). Such a carrier can be in the form of a CD ROM disk. However, it can also be other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code can also be provided on a server as pure program code and downloaded to the first RAN node 111.

[0236] The first RAN node 111 may also include a corresponding memory including one or more memory units. The memory includes instructions executable by a processor in the first RAN node 111. The memory is arranged to store instructions, data, configurations and applications to perform the methods herein when executed in the first RAN node 111.

[0237] In some embodiments, the computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor of the first RAN node 111 to perform the above actions.

[0238] In some embodiments, a respective carrier comprises a respective computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the functional modules in the first RAN node 111 described below may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware (e.g., stored in the first RAN node 111), which, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors (e.g., the at least one processor described above), causes the corresponding at least one processor to perform actions according to any of the above actions. One or more of these processors and other digital hardware may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed over several separate components, whether packaged separately or assembled as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0240] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An example of an arrangement in the second RAN node 112 is shown.

[0241] The second RAN node 112 may include input and output interfaces configured to communicate with other network entities (e.g., the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131, and the second CN node 132) in the wireless communication network 100. The input and output interfaces may include a receiver (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown) and a transmitter (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown).

[0242] The second RAN node 112 may include any one or more of the following: an obtaining unit, a receiving unit, configured to perform the method actions described herein.

[0243] The processor or one or more processors (e.g. Fig.10a The embodiments of the present invention are implemented by using at least one processor of the processing circuit in the second RAN node 112 shown in FIG. 1 and a computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments of the present invention. The program code mentioned above can also be provided as a computer program product (for example, in the form of a data carrier carrying the computer program code for performing the embodiments of the present invention when loaded into the second RAN node 112). Such a carrier can be in the form of a CD ROM disk. However, it can also be other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code can also be provided on a server as pure program code and downloaded to the second RAN node 112.

[0244] The second RAN node 112 may also include a corresponding memory including one or more memory units. The memory includes instructions executable by a processor in the second RAN node 112. The memory is arranged to store instructions, data, configurations and applications to perform the methods herein when executed in the second RAN node 112.

[0245] In some embodiments, the computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor of the second RAN node 112 to perform the above actions.

[0246] In some embodiments, a respective carrier comprises a respective computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0247] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the functional modules in the second RAN node 112 described below may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware (e.g., stored in the second RAN node 112), which, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors (e.g., the at least one processor described above), causes the corresponding at least one processor to perform actions according to any of the above actions. One or more of these processors and other digital hardware may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed over several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0248] Fig.11a and Fig.11b An example of arrangement in the first CN node 131 is shown.

[0249] The first CN node 131 may include input and output interfaces configured to communicate with other network entities (e.g., the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, and the second CN node 132) in the wireless communication network 100. The input and output interfaces may include a receiver (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown) and a transmitter (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown).

[0250] The first CN node 131 may include any one or more of the following: an obtaining unit, a receiving unit, a filtering unit, configured to perform the method actions described herein.

[0251] The processor or one or more processors (e.g. Fig.11a The embodiments of the present invention are implemented by using at least one processor of the processing circuit in the first CN node 131 shown in FIG. 1 and a computer program code for executing the functions and actions of the embodiments of the present invention. The program code mentioned above can also be provided as a computer program product (for example, in the form of a data carrier carrying the computer program code for executing the embodiments of the present invention when loaded into the first CN node 131). Such a carrier can be in the form of a CD ROM disk. However, it can also be other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code can also be provided on a server as pure program code and downloaded to the first CN node 131.

[0252] The first CN node 131 may also include a corresponding memory, which includes one or more memory units. The memory includes instructions that can be executed by a processor in the first CN node 131. The memory is arranged to store instructions, data, configurations and applications to perform the methods herein when executed in the first CN node 131.

[0253] In some embodiments, the computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor of the first CN node 131 to perform the above actions.

[0254] In some embodiments, a respective carrier comprises a respective computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0255] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the functional modules in the first CN node 131 described below may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware (e.g., stored in the first CN node 131), which, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors (e.g., the at least one processor described above), causes the corresponding at least one processor to perform actions according to any of the above actions. One or more of these processors and other digital hardware may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed over several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0256] Fig.12a and Figure 12b An example of arrangement in the second CN node 132 is shown.

[0257] The second CN node 132 may include input and output interfaces configured to communicate with other network entities (e.g., the first RAN node 111, the second RAN node 112, and the first CN node 131) in the wireless communication network 100. The input and output interfaces may include a receiver (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown) and a transmitter (e.g., wired and / or wireless) (not shown).

[0258] The second CN node 132 may include any one or more of the following: an obtaining unit, a receiving unit, a filtering unit, configured to perform the method actions described herein.

[0259] The processor or one or more processors (e.g. Fig.12aThe embodiments of the present invention are implemented by using at least one processor of the processing circuit in the second CN node 132 shown in FIG. 1 and a computer program code for executing the functions and actions of the embodiments of the present invention. The program code mentioned above can also be provided as a computer program product (for example, in the form of a data carrier carrying the computer program code for executing the embodiments of the present invention when loaded into the second CN node 132). Such a carrier can be in the form of a CD ROM disk. However, it can also be other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code can also be provided on a server as pure program code and downloaded to the second CN node 132.

[0260] The second CN node 132 may also include a corresponding memory including one or more memory units. The memory includes instructions executable by a processor in the second CN node 132. The memory is arranged to store instructions, data, configurations and applications to perform the methods herein when executed in the second CN node 132.

[0261] In some embodiments, the computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor of the second CN node 132 to perform the above actions.

[0262] In some embodiments, a respective carrier comprises a respective computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0263] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the functional modules in the second CN node 132 described below may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware (e.g., stored in the second CN node 132), which, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors (e.g., the at least one processor described above), causes the corresponding at least one processor to perform actions according to any of the above actions. One or more of these processors and other digital hardware may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed over several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0264] When the word “comprises” or “comprising” is used, it should be interpreted as non-limiting, meaning “consisting at least of…”

[0265] The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred embodiments described above, and various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.

[0266] Example

[0267] Below, some exemplary embodiments 1 to 32 are briefly described. See for example Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9a , Figure 9b , Fig.10a , Fig.10b , Fig.11a , Fig.11b , Fig.12a and Figure 12b .

[0268] Embodiment 1. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a first radio access network RAN ​​node 111, the supported information element being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, via a first core network CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 toward a second RAN node 112, the method comprising any one or more of the following steps:

[0269] sending 301 a first indication to the second RAN node 112, the first indication indicating whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0270] A response including a second indication is received 302 from the second RAN node 112, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs as part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and, for example, further supported by any one or more of: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the procedure, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0271] Embodiment 2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein:

[0272] The first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure,

[0273] The second indication also indicates whether one or more second functions associated with the corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0274] Embodiment 3. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein:

[0275] selecting one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or

[0276] One or more second functions are selected among the one or more first functions.

[0277] Embodiment 4. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein:

[0278] The first indication sent 301 to the second RAN node 112 will be received by the second RAN node 112, the first indication being filtered based on whether one or more of the following are true:

[0279] One or more intermediate nodes (e.g., a first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first IEs during the process, and / or

[0280] One or more intermediate nodes (eg, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0281] Embodiment 5. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the actions described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0282] Embodiment 6. A carrier comprising the computer program according to embodiment 5, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0283] Embodiment 7. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a second radio access network RAN ​​node 112, the supported information element being related to a process involving multiple network nodes from the first RAN node 111 toward the second RAN node 112 via a first core network CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112 in a wireless communication system 100, the method comprising any one or more of the following steps:

[0284] receiving 401 a first indication from the first RAN node 111 indicating whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0285] A response including a second indication is sent 402 to the first RAN node 111, the second indication indicating whether one or more second IEs as part of the procedure are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the procedure and, for example, further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the procedure, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0286] Embodiment 8. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein:

[0287] The first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure, and

[0288] The second indication also indicates whether one or more second functions associated with the corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0289] Embodiment 9. The method according to any one of embodiments 7 to 8, wherein:

[0290] selecting one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or

[0291] One or more second functions are selected among the one or more first functions.

[0292] Embodiment 10. The method according to any one of embodiments 7 to 9, comprising:

[0293] The first indication received 401 from the first RAN node 111 is received by filtering based on whether one or more of the following items are true: one or more intermediate nodes (e.g., the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or one or more intermediate nodes (e.g., the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0294] Embodiment 11. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the actions described in any one of embodiments 7 to 10.

[0295] Embodiment 12. A carrier comprising the computer program according to embodiment 11, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0296] Embodiment 13. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a first core network CN node 131, the supported information element IE being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, from a first radio access network RAN ​​node 111 toward a second RAN node 112 via a first CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, the method comprising any one or more of the following steps:

[0297] receiving 501 a first indication sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112, the first indication indicating whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0298] The one or more first IEs included in the first indication are filtered 502 based on whether the first CN node 131 supports the one or more first IEs.

[0299] A filtered first indication is sent 503 to the second RAN node 112, the filtered first indication indicating whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

[0300] Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein the first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the process during the process, the method further comprising any one or more of the following steps:

[0301] The filtering 502 further filters the one or more first functions included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node 131 supports the one or more first functions, and

[0302] Therein, a filtered first indication is sent 503 to the second RAN node 112, the filtered first indication indicating whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0303] Embodiment 15. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the actions described in any one of embodiments 13 to 14.

[0304] Embodiment 16. A carrier comprising a computer program according to embodiment 55, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0305] Embodiment 17. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a second core network CN node 132, the supported information element IE being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, from a first radio access network RAN ​​node 111 toward a second RAN node 112 via a first CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node 112, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, the method comprising any one or more of the following steps:

[0306] Receiving 601 a first indication first filtered by the first CN node 131, sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, the first indication first filtered indicating whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first IEs as part of the process during the process.

[0307] further filtering 602 the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the second CN node 132 supports the one or more first IEs, and

[0308] A first indication further filtered by the second CN node 132 is sent 603 to the second RAN node 112, the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 support the one or more first IEs during the process.

[0309] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the first filtered first indication further indicates whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process, the method further comprising any one or more of the following steps:

[0310] The further filtering 602 of the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication is also based on whether the second CN node 132 supports the one or more first functions, and

[0311] Therein, a further filtered first indication is sent 603 to the second RAN node 112, the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0312] Embodiment 19. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the actions described in any one of embodiments 17 to 18.

[0313] Embodiment 20. A carrier comprising the computer program according to embodiment 19, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0314] Embodiment 21. A first radio access network RAN ​​node 111 is configured to process a method of a supported information element IE, the supported information element being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, toward a second RAN node 112 via a first core network CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, the first RAN node 111 being further configured to, for example, perform any one or more of the following operations:

[0315] For example, by a sending unit included in the first RAN node 111, a first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0316] For example, by a receiving unit included in the first RAN node 111, a response including a second indication is received from the second RAN node 112, wherein the second indication is suitable for indicating whether one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0317] Embodiment 22. The first RAN node 111 according to embodiment 21, wherein:

[0318] The first indication is further adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure,

[0319] The second indication is also suitable for indicating whether one or more second functions associated with the corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0320] Embodiment 23. The first RAN node 111 according to any one of embodiments 21 to 22, wherein:

[0321] selecting one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or

[0322] One or more second functions are selected among the one or more first functions.

[0323] Embodiment 24. The first RAN node 111 according to any one of embodiments 21 to 23, wherein:

[0324] For example, a first indication sent to the second RAN node 112 by a sending unit included in the first RAN node 111 will be received by the second RAN node 112, and the first indication is filtered based on whether one or more of the following items are true: one or more intermediate nodes (for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first IEs during the process, and / or one or more intermediate nodes (for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0325] Embodiment 25. A second radio access network RAN ​​node 112 is configured to process a method of a supported information element IE, the supported information element being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, from a first core network CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node 112, the second RAN node 112 being further configured to, for example, perform any one or more of the following operations:

[0326] receiving, for example by a receiving unit included in the second RAN node 112, a first indication from the first RAN node 111, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0327] For example, by a sending unit included in the second RAN node 112, a response including a second indication is sent to the first RAN node 111, wherein the second indication is suitable for indicating whether one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0328] Embodiment 26. The second RAN node 112 according to embodiment 25, wherein:

[0329] The first indication is further adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure, and

[0330] The second indication is also suitable for indicating whether one or more second functions associated with the corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process are supported by the second RAN node 112 during the process and, for example, whether they are further supported by any one or more of the following nodes: the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 during the process, and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112.

[0331] Embodiment 27. The second RAN node 112 according to any one of embodiments 25 to 26, wherein:

[0332] selecting one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or

[0333] One or more second functions are selected among the one or more first functions.

[0334] Embodiment 28. The second RAN node 112 according to any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein:

[0335] For example, the first indication received from the first RAN node 111 by a receiving unit included in the second RAN node 112 will be received by filtering based on whether one or more of the following items are true: one or more intermediate nodes (for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first IEs during the process, and / or one or more intermediate nodes (for example, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111 and the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0336] Embodiment 29. A first core network CN node 131, configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element IE being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, from a first radio access network RAN ​​node 111 toward a second RAN node 112 via a first CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 being further configured to, for example, perform any one or more of the following operations:

[0337] receiving, for example, by a receiving unit included in the first CN node 131, a first indication sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112, the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure,

[0338] For example, the filtering unit included in the first CN node 131 filters the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node 131 supports the one or more first IEs.

[0339] For example, by a sending unit included in the first CN node 131, a filtered first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, and the filtered first indication is suitable for indicating whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first IEs as part of the process during the process.

[0340] Embodiment 30. The first CN node 131 of embodiment 29, wherein the first indication is further adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node 111 supports one or more first functions associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, and the first CN node 131 is further configured to perform any one or more of the following steps:

[0341] The first CN node 131 is configured to filter the one or more first functions included in the first indication by filtering, for example, by a filtering unit included in the first CN node 131 based on whether the first CN node 131 supports the one or more first functions, and

[0342] The first CN node 131 is configured to: send a filtered first indication to the second RAN node 112, for example, through a sending unit included in the first CN node 131, and the filtered first indication is suitable for indicating whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0343] Embodiment 31. A second core network CN node 132, configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element IE being related to a process involving multiple network nodes in a wireless communication system 100, for example, from a first radio access network RAN ​​node 111 toward a second RAN node 112 via a first CN node 131 serving a first RAN node 111 and a second CN node 132 serving a second RAN node 112, the second CN node 132 serving the second RAN node 112, the second CN node 132 being further configured to, for example, perform any one or more of the following operations:

[0344] For example, by a receiving unit included in the second CN node 132, receiving a first indication first filtered by the first CN node 131 and sent from the first RAN node 111 to the second RAN node 112 via the first CN node 131 serving the first RAN node 111, wherein the first indication first filtered is suitable for indicating whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first IEs as part of the process during the process,

[0345] For example, by a filtering unit included in the second CN node 132, the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication are further filtered based on whether the second CN node 132 supports the one or more first IEs, and

[0346] For example, by a sending unit included in the second CN node 132, a first indication further filtered by the second CN node 132 is sent 132 to the second RAN node 112, and the further filtered first indication indicates whether the first RAN node 111, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 support one or more first IEs during the process.

[0347] Embodiment 32. The second CN node 132 of embodiment 31, wherein the first filtered first indication further indicates whether both the first RAN node 111 and the first CN node 131 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process, and the second CN node 132 is further configured to perform any one or more of the following steps:

[0348] For example, by a filtering unit included in the second CN node 132, further filtering the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication by further filtering based on whether the second CN node 132 supports the one or more first functions, and

[0349] For example, through a sending unit included in the second CN node 132, a further filtered first indication is sent to the second RAN node 112, and the further filtered first indication is suitable for indicating whether the first RAN node 112, the first CN node 131 and the second CN node 132 support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

[0350] Further expansion and changes

[0351] Reference Fig.13According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunication network 3210 (e.g., an IoT network or a WLAN, such as a cellular network of the 3GPP type) such as the wireless communication network 100, and the telecommunication network 3210 includes an access network 3211 (e.g., a radio access network) and a core network 3214. The access network 3211 includes a plurality of base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c (e.g., a first RAN node 111 or a second RAN node 112, an access node, an AP STA, a NB, an eNB, a gNB, or other types of wireless access points), each of which defines a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, 3212c is connectable to the core network 3214 via a wired or wireless connection 3215. A first user equipment (UE) (e.g., UE 120, such as non-AP STA 3291) located in the coverage area 3213c is configured to be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 3212c or to be paged by the corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE 3292 (e.g., UE 120, such as non-AP STA) in the coverage area 3213a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 3212a. Although multiple UEs 3291, 3292 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a sole UE is in the coverage area or a sole UE is connected to the corresponding base station 3212.

[0352] The telecommunications network 3210 itself is connected to a host computer 3230, which may be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server cluster. The host computer 3230 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 3221, 3222 between the telecommunications network 3210 and the host computer 3230 may extend directly from the core network 3214 to the host computer 3230, or may be made via an optional intermediate network 3220. The intermediate network 3220 may be a combination of one or more of a public, private, or carrier network; the intermediate network 3220 (if present) may be a backbone network or the Internet; specifically, the intermediate network 3220 may include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0353] Fig.13The communication system as a whole implements a connection between one of the connected UEs 3291, 3292 and the host computer 3230. The connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 3250. The host computer 3230 and the connected UEs 3291, 3292 are configured to transmit data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 3250 using the access network 3211, the core network 3214, any intermediate networks 3220, and possible other infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 3250 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 3250 passes are not aware of the routing of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 3212 may not be informed or may not need to be informed of the past routing of the incoming downlink communication with data originating from the host computer 3230 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 3291. Similarly, the base station 3212 need not be aware of the future routing of outgoing uplink communications originating from the UE 3291 to the host computer 3230.

[0354] Now refer to Fig.14 To describe an example implementation of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the previous paragraph according to the embodiment. In the communication system 3300, the host computer 3310 includes hardware 3315, and the hardware 3315 includes a communication interface 3316, which is configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with the interface of different communication devices of the communication system 3300. The host computer 3310 also includes a processing circuit 3318, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. Specifically, the processing circuit 3318 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination thereof (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The host computer 3310 also includes software 3311, which is stored in the host computer 3310 or can be accessed by the host computer 3310 and can be executed by the processing circuit 3318. The software 3311 includes a host application 3312. The host application 3312 is operable to provide services to a remote user (e.g., UE 3330) connected via an OTT connection 3350 terminated at the UE 3330 and the host computer 3310. In providing services to the remote user, the host application 3312 may provide user data sent using the OTT connection 3350.

[0355] The communication system 3300 also includes a base station 3320 provided in the telecommunication system, the base station 3320 including hardware 3325 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 3310 and with the UE 3330. The hardware 3325 may include: a communication interface 3326 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection to the interface of different communication devices of the communication system 3300; and a radio interface 3327 for establishing and maintaining at least a wireless connection 3370 with the UE 3330 located in the coverage area (not shown) served by the base station 3320. The communication interface 3326 may be configured to facilitate a connection 3360 to the host computer 3310. The connection 3360 may be direct, or it may pass through a wireless interface of the telecommunication system. Fig.14 The base station 3320 may be a base station that is configured to communicate with a wireless network or a wireless network. ...

[0356] The communication system 3300 also includes the UE 3330 already mentioned. Its hardware 3335 may include a radio interface 3337, which is configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 3370 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 3330 is currently located. The hardware 3335 of the UE 3330 also includes a processing circuit 3338, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination thereof (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 3330 also includes software 3331, which is stored in the UE 3330 or can be accessed by the UE 3330 and can be executed by the processing circuit 3338. The software 3331 includes a client application 3332. The client application 3332 is operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 3330 with the support of the host computer 3310. In the host computer 3310, the executing host application 3312 can communicate with the executing client application 3332 via the OTT connection 3350 terminated at the UE 3330 and the host computer 3310. When providing services to users, the client application 3332 can receive request data from the host application 3312 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 3350 can transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 3332 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0357] Notice, Fig.14 The host computer 3310, base station 3320 and UE 3330 shown can be respectively Fig.13 The host computer 3230, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c and one of the UEs 3291, 3292 are the same. That is, the internal workings of these entities can be as follows Fig.14 As shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Fig.13 network topology.

[0358] exist Fig.14 , an OTT connection 3350 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate communications between a host computer 3310 and a user device 3330 via a base station 3320, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, which may be configured to be hidden from the UE 3330 or from the service provider operating the host computer 3310, or from both. The network infrastructure may also make decisions to dynamically change the routing while the OTT connection 3350 is active (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0359] The wireless connection 3370 between the UE 3330 and the base station 3320 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improves the performance of OTT services provided to the UE 3330 using the OTT connection 3350, wherein the wireless connection 3370 forms the last leg in the OTT connection 3350. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve applicable RAN effects: data rate, latency, power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as corresponding effects on OTT services: for example, reduced user waiting time, relaxed file size restrictions, better responsiveness, extended battery life.

[0360] For the purpose of monitoring the data rate, latency and other factors improved by one or more embodiments, a measurement process may be provided. There may also be an optional network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 between the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 may be implemented in software 3311 of the host computer 3310 or in software 3331 of the UE 3330 or in both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 3350 passes; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by providing the value of the monitoring quantity exemplified above or providing the value of other physical quantities that the software 3311, 3331 can use to calculate or estimate the monitoring quantity. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 3350 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 3320, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 3320. Such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In a particular embodiment, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates the host computer 3310 to measure throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurements may be implemented as follows: the software 3311, 3331 enables the use of the OTT connection 3350 to send messages (specifically, empty messages or "dummy" messages) while it monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0361] Fig.15 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (eg, the first RAN node 111 or the second RAN node 112), and a UE (eg, UE 120), which may be a reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the host computer, base station and UE described in this section will be included. Fig.15 In a first action 3410 of the method, a host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-action 3411 of the first action 3410, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3420, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. In an optional third action 3430, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In an optional fourth action 3440, the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0362] Fig.161 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (such as an AP STA) and a UE (such as a non-AP STA), which may be a reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the host computer, base station and UE described in this section will be included. Fig.16 In a first action 3510 of the method, a host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-action (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3520, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the transmission may be via a base station. In an optional third action 3530, the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0363] Fig.17 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (such as an AP STA) and a UE (such as a non-AP STA), which may be a reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the host computer, base station and UE described in this section will be included. Fig.17 . In an optional first action 3610 of the method, the UE receives input data provided by a host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second action 3620, the UE provides user data. In an optional sub-action 3621 of the second action 3620, the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In another optional sub-action 3611 of the first action 3610, the UE executes a client application, which provides user data in response to input data received from the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing user data, the UE initiates transmission of user data to the host computer in an optional third sub-action 3630. In a fourth action 3640 of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the host computer receives user data sent from the UE.

[0364] Fig.18 1 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (such as an AP STA) and a UE (such as a non-AP STA), which may be a reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the host computer, base station and UE described in this section will be included. Fig.18In an optional first action 3710 of the method, the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. In an optional second action 3720, the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to a host computer. In a third action 3730, the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0365] Definitions of some abbreviations and acronyms used in this article.

[0366] Abbreviations

[0367] AMF access and mobility management function

[0368] MME mobility management entity

[0369] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0370] EPS Evolved Packet System

[0371] 5GS5g system

[0372] HO Handover

[0373] CN Core Network

[0374] NW Network

[0375] NAS non-access layer

[0376] IAB integrates access and backhaul.

Claims

1. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a first radio access network RAN ​​node (111), the supported information element IE being related to a procedure involving a plurality of network nodes in a wireless communication system (100) towards a second RAN node (112), the method comprising: sending (301) a first indication to the second RAN node (112), the first indication indicating whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, A response is received (302) from the second RAN node (112) including a second indication indicating whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure, The second indication further indicates whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second functions during the process, the one or more second functions being associated with corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: - selecting the one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or - selecting the one or more second functions among the one or more first functions.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first indication sent (301) to the second RAN node (112) is to be received by the second RAN node (112), the first indication being filtered based on whether one or more of the following are true: One or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or The one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The process involving multiple network nodes towards the second RAN node (112) is performed via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

6. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A carrier comprising a computer program according to claim 6, wherein: The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

8. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a second radio access network RAN ​​node (112), the supported information element IE being related to a procedure involving a plurality of network nodes from a first RAN node (111) towards the second RAN node (112) in a wireless communication system (100), the method comprising any one or more of the following steps: receiving (401) a first indication from the first RAN node (111) indicating whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, A response is sent (402) to the first RAN node (111) including a second indication indicating whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure, and The second indication further indicates whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second functions during the process, the one or more second functions being associated with corresponding one or more second IEs as part of the process.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: - selecting the one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or - selecting the one or more second functions among the one or more first functions.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The first indication received (401) from the first RAN node (111) is received by filtering based on whether one or more of the following items are true: one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The process involving multiple network nodes towards the second RAN node (112) is performed via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

13. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A carrier comprising a computer program according to claim 13, wherein: The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

15. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a first core network CN node (131), the supported information element IE being related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node (111) towards a second RAN node (112) in a wireless communication system (100), the first CN node (131) providing a service for the first RAN node (111), the method comprising: receiving (501) a first indication sent from the first RAN node (111) to the second RAN node (112), the first indication indicating whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, filtering (502) one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node (131) supports the one or more first IEs, A filtered first indication is sent (503) to the second RAN node (112), the filtered first indication indicating whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The first indication further indicates whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first functions associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, the method further comprising any one or more of the following steps: The filtering (502) further filters the one or more first functions included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node (131) supports the one or more first functions, and wherein a filtered first indication is sent (503) to the second RAN node (112), the filtered first indication indicating whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

17. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of any one of claims 15 to 16.

18. A carrier comprising a computer program according to claim 17, wherein: The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

19. A method for processing a supported information element IE performed by a second core network CN node (132), the supported information element IE being related to a procedure involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node (111) towards a second RAN node (112) in a wireless communication system (100), the second CN node (132) providing a service for the second RAN node (112), the method comprising: receiving (601) a first indication first filtered by the first CN node (131) sent from the first RAN node (111) to the second RAN node (112) via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111), the first indication first filtered indicating whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, further filtering (602) the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node (132), and A first indication further filtered by the second CN node (132) is sent (603) to the second RAN node (112), the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node (111), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) support the one or more first IEs during the process.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The first filtered first indication further indicates whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process, and the method further include: wherein further filtering (602) the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication is also based on whether the second CN node (132) supports the one or more first functions, and wherein a further filtered first indication is sent (603) to the second RAN node (112), the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node (112), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

21. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the actions of any one of claims 19 to 20.

22. A carrier comprising a computer program according to claim 21, wherein The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

23. A first radio access network RAN ​​node (111) configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element IE being related to a procedure involving a plurality of network nodes in a wireless communication system (100) towards a second RAN node (112), the first RAN node (111) being further configured to: sending a first indication to the second RAN node (112), the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, A response is received from the second RAN node (112) including a second indication adapted to indicate whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

24. The first RAN node (111) according to claim 23, wherein: The first indication is further adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with respective one or more first IEs as part of the procedure, The second indication is further adapted to indicate whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second functions during the procedure, the one or more second functions being associated with respective one or more second IEs as part of the procedure.

25. The first RAN node (111) according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein: - selecting the one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or - selecting the one or more second functions among the one or more first functions.

26. The first RAN node (111) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The first indication sent to the second RAN node (112) is to be received by the second RAN node (112), and the first indication is filtered based on whether one or more of the following items are true: one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

27. The first RAN node (111) according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein: The method is adapted to perform the process involving multiple network nodes towards the second RAN node (112) via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

28. A second radio access network RAN ​​node (112) configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element IE being related to a procedure involving a plurality of network nodes in a wireless communication system (100) from a first RAN node (112) towards the second RAN node (112), the second RAN node (112) being further configured to: receiving a first indication from the first RAN node (111), the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, A response is sent to the first RAN node (111) including a second indication adapted to indicate whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

29. The second RAN node (112) according to claim 28, wherein: The first indication is further adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first functions during the procedure, the one or more first functions being associated with respective one or more first IEs as part of the procedure, and The second indication is further adapted to indicate whether the second RAN node (112) supports one or more second functions during the procedure, the one or more second functions being associated with respective one or more second IEs as part of the procedure.

30. The second RAN node (112) according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein: - selecting the one or more second IEs from among the one or more first IEs, and / or - selecting the one or more second functions among the one or more first functions.

31. The second RAN node (112) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein: The first indication received from the first RAN node (111) is received by filtering based on whether one or more of the following items are true: one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first IEs during the process, and / or one or more intermediate nodes support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

32. The second RAN node (112) according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein: The method is adapted to perform the process involving multiple network nodes towards the second RAN node (112) via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111) and a second CN node (132) serving the second RAN node (112).

33. A first core network CN node (131) configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element IE being related to a process involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node (111) towards a second RAN node (112) in a wireless communication system (100), the first CN node (131) providing a service for the first RAN node (111), the first CN node (131) being further configured to: receiving a first indication sent from the first RAN node (111) to the second RAN node (112), the first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, filtering the one or more first IEs included in the first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the first CN node (131), and A filtered first indication is sent to the second RAN node (112), the filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure.

34. The first CN node (131) according to claim 33, wherein: The first indication is further adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (111) supports one or more first functions associated with corresponding one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, the first CN node (131) being further configured to: The first CN node (131) is configured to filter, for example, by means of a filtering unit included in the first CN node (131), by filtering the one or more first functions included in the first indication based on whether the first CN node (131) supports the one or more first functions, and The first CN node (131) is configured to send a filtered first indication to the second RAN node (112), for example by means of a sending unit included in the first CN node (131), wherein the filtered first indication is suitable for indicating whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support the one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process.

35. A second core network CN node (132) configured to process a supported information element IE, the supported information element IE being related to a process involving multiple network nodes from a first radio access network RAN ​​node (111) towards a second RAN node (112) in a wireless communication system (100), the second CN node (132) providing a service for the second RAN node (112), the second CN node (132) being further configured to: receiving a first indication first filtered by the first CN node (131) sent from the first RAN node (111) to the second RAN node (112) via a first CN node (131) serving the first RAN node (111), the first indication first filtered being adapted to indicate whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support one or more first IEs as part of the procedure during the procedure, further filtering the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication based on whether the one or more first IEs are supported by the second CN node (132), and A first indication further filtered by the second CN node (132) is sent to the second RAN node (112), the further filtered first indication indicating whether the first RAN node (111), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) support the one or more first IEs during the process.

36. The second CN node (132) according to claim 35, wherein: The first filtered first indication further indicates whether both the first RAN node (111) and the first CN node (131) support one or more first functions associated with the corresponding one or more first IEs during the process, and the second CN node (132) is further configured to perform any one or more of the following steps: further filtering by filtering the one or more first IEs included in the received first filtered first indication further based on whether the second CN node (132) supports the one or more first functions, and Sending a further filtered first indication to the second RAN node (112), the further filtered first indication being adapted to indicate whether the first RAN node (112), the first CN node (131) and the second CN node (132) support the one or more first functions associated with the respective one or more first IEs during the process.

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