Method for autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands, related radio network node and related wireless device

Abstract

A method performed by a radio network node for enabling autonomous uplink transmission switching between a plurality of frequency bands configured for a wireless device WD is disclosed. The method includes transmitting, to a WD, a signal indicating a rule set to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from a plurality of frequency bands.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, a method for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a wireless device, a related radio network node, a method for performing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a wireless device, and a related wireless device. Background Art

[0002] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Rel 18, up to four uplink (UL) frequency bands will be supported for uplink (UL) transmission switching at a wireless device (WD). However, it has not yet been decided how the WD should perform the frequency band selection. Different options are proposed and they have different pros and cons. Typically, a radio network node instructs the WD using high layer signaling and / or low layer signaling each time the WD has to switch the frequency band for UL transmission.

[0003] High-layer signaling is a slower method that may result in delays for rapidly changing channels and may not achieve the performance gains possible with up to four bands.

[0004] On the other hand, low layer signaling such as layer 1 (L1) signaling requires more margin and thus reduces the inherent capacity with up to four frequency bands. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for apparatus and methods for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a wireless device, which apparatus and methods can alleviate, mitigate or solve existing shortcomings and can provide overhead and dynamic behavior for switching between frequency bands.

[0006] A method for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a wireless device, performed by a radio network node, is disclosed. The method includes sending a signal to the wireless device indicating a set of rules to be used by the wireless device to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from the multiple frequency bands.

[0007] Furthermore, a radio network node is provided, the radio network node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein the radio network node is configured to perform any method disclosed herein and relating to a radio network node.

[0008] An advantage of the present disclosure is that a radio network node can enable a WD to autonomously select one or more frequency bands from a plurality of frequency bands for transmission in the UL based on a set of rules transmitted from the radio network node. Therefore, the radio network node no longer needs to instruct the WD to perform each switch between frequency bands, which reduces signaling overhead. This further enables the WD to autonomously and dynamically switch between frequency bands based on a set of rules transmitted by the radio network node. This can reduce the amount of resources associated with switching, thereby reducing latency in a wireless communication network.

[0009] A method for performing autonomous uplink transmission switching between a plurality of frequency bands configured for use with the wireless device, performed by a wireless device, is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal from a radio network node indicating a set of rules to be used by the wireless device to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from the plurality of frequency bands. The method includes transmitting an uplink transmission on one or more of the plurality of frequency bands based on the set of rules.

[0010] Furthermore, the wireless device comprises a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein and relating to the wireless device.

[0011] An advantage of the present disclosure is that the WD can autonomously select one or more frequency bands from a plurality of frequency bands for transmission in the UL based on a rule set sent from a radio network node. Therefore, the WD no longer has to wait for an instruction from the radio network node that explicitly instructs the WD to perform each switch between frequency bands. Thus, signaling overhead can be reduced. This further enables the WD to autonomously and dynamically switch between frequency bands based on a rule set transmitted by a radio node, which can reduce the amount of resources associated with the switch, thereby reducing latency in a wireless communication network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system including an example network node and an example wireless device according to the present disclosure,

[0014] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example method performed in a radio network node for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a wireless device according to the present disclosure,

[0015] Figure 3is a flow chart illustrating an example method performed in a wireless device of a wireless communication system for performing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a WD according to the present disclosure,

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example radio network node according to the present disclosure, and

[0017] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following, various examples and details are described with reference to the accompanying drawings when relevant. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or may not be drawn to scale, and in all drawings, elements of similar structure or function are represented by the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the present disclosure or to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the examples shown do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a specific example are not necessarily limited to that example, and may be practiced in any other example, even if not shown or not so explicitly described.

[0019] The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they only show details that aid understanding of the present disclosure, while other details are omitted. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0020] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 1 including an example core network node 600 , an example radio network node 400 , and example wireless devices (WDs) 300 , 300A according to the present disclosure.

[0021] As discussed in detail herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 including a cellular system (eg, a 3GPP wireless communication system).

[0022] The radio network node disclosed herein may refer to a radio access network (RAN) node operating in a radio access network, such as a base station, an evolved Node B, an eNB, a gNB in ​​a NR. In one or more examples, a RAN node is a functional unit that may be distributed in several physical units.

[0023] The core network (CN) node disclosed in this article refers to a network node working in a core network, such as an evolved packet core network (EPC) and / or a 5G core network 5GC. Examples of CN nodes in EPC include a mobility management entity MME.

[0024] In one or more examples, a RAN node is a functional unit that may be distributed among several physical units.

[0025] The wireless communication system 1 described herein may include one or more wireless devices 300, 300A and / or one or more network nodes 400, such as one or more of the following: a base station, an eNB, a gNB and / or an access point.

[0026] A wireless device may be referred to as a mobile device and / or user equipment UE.

[0027] The radio network node 400 may be configured to communicate with a core network node 600 via a link 12 (eg a wired link).

[0028] The wireless device 300, 300A may be configured to communicate with the network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10, 10A. When the wireless device 300, 300A transmits to the radio network node 400 via the wireless link 10, it transmits in an uplink (UL). When the radio network node 400 transmits to the wireless device 300, 300A via the wireless link 10, it transmits in a downlink (DL).

[0029] In 3GPP Rel 18, up to four frequency bands (such as frequency bands, such as carriers) will be supported for UL transmission switching at the WD. In other words, the WD can be configured with up to four frequency bands, and the WD can switch between these frequency bands for UL transmission. In 3GPP Rel 17, the radio network node configures the WD to switch between two frequency bands configured for UL communication. However, the increase in the number of frequency bands may dramatically increase the number of resources associated with performing frequency band shifting, and therefore increase the latency of communication. There is also the possibility that the number of supported frequency bands may increase in the future, which may lead to a further increase in latency.

[0030] To support dynamic uplink transmission switching among multiple frequency bands in a predictive manner, the present disclosure provides a solution in which a radio network node transmits a rule set to a WD, which defines what frequency carriers or carrier characteristics the WD should prioritize when switching frequency bands.

[0031] The mobile communication network (e.g., a radio network node) may define a rule set (e.g., one or more rules) and may configure the WD to apply the rule set to select a frequency band for sending UL transmissions. The radio network node may provide (e.g., send) the rule set to the WD using high-level signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling) while still achieving dynamic switching because the switching timing may be defined by the rule set. The WD may then autonomously decide when to switch and to which frequency band to switch based on the rule set.

[0032] In one or more example methods, each frequency band is associated with one or more attributes. The attribute may be one or more of the carrier frequency of the frequency band, the bandwidth of the frequency band, and the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) capability of the frequency band. The MIMO capability may be considered herein as the ability to support MIMO communications. MIMO may be used to increase the total bit rate of a transmission by transmitting multiple different data streams over multiple different antennas. Multiple different data streams may use the same resources in both frequency and time, separated only by using different spatial attributes.

[0033] Different frequency bands may have available UL resources in different time slots. In other words, not all frequency bands may have available UL resources in a specific time slot.

[0034] As mentioned above, in 3GPP Rel 18, a WD may be configured with multiple frequency bands (e.g., four frequency bands), and the WD may switch between these frequency bands for UL transmission. Each of these frequency bands may be associated with a set of attributes. The set of attributes may include one or more attributes. These attributes may be, for example, one or more of carrier frequency, bandwidth, and MIMO capability. A WD or a frequency band with MIMO capability may be considered herein as a WD and / or frequency band supporting MIMO communication. The four frequency bands may differ from each other due to at least one attribute in the set of attributes.

[0035] For example, a WD may be configured with four frequency bands A, B, C, D having the properties shown in Table 1:

[0036] frequency band Carrier frequency bandwidth MIMO Capability A 2.3GHz 50MHz Y B 2.6GHz 100MHz N C 900MHz 20MHz N D 4.2GHz 100MHz Y

[0037] As can be seen from the examples shown in Table 1, the attributes of the frequency bands may differ in terms of carrier frequency and may or may not have the same bandwidth. One or more of the frequency bands may support MIMO communications. In one or more exemplary methods, two frequency bands may have the same carrier frequency but may differ in bandwidth and / or MIMO capabilities.

[0038] In one or more example methods, if the WD is configured for dual carriers (e.g., MIMO operation), the WD may transmit on both bands simultaneously, e.g., one carrier in each band. For example, this may be the case when high carrier frequencies are to be prioritized and there are available UL resources in Band A and Band B. Since only one layer is available in Band B (indicated by Band B not having MIMO capabilities), the WD may transmit one carrier in each of Band A and Band B. In one or more example methods, the rule set may define that any UL opportunity (e.g., a symbol configured with UL resources) in any band will be used in a priority order. In one or more examples, the priority order may be the highest / lowest possible carrier frequency, MIMO capability, and bandwidth, e.g., the highest / lowest bandwidth.

[0039] In one or more example methods, the priority order may be the lowest possible carrier frequency, MIMO capability, and bandwidth, such as the highest bandwidth. This means that the WD transmits first on the band with the lowest carrier frequency among the bands with available UL resources. In this case, this would be Band C. Since all bands in this example have different carrier frequencies, the priority order of the bands would follow the frequency order of the bands from lowest to highest. This example set of rules would result in the following band priority order:

[0040] C, A, B and D.

[0041] In one or more example methods, a rule set may define that bandwidth (e.g., highest bandwidth) has the highest priority, followed by MIMO capability, and then carrier frequency. The WD will look for the band with the highest bandwidth, in this case, either Band B or Band D, both with a bandwidth of 100 MHz. Since MIMO capability has the second highest priority, the WD will look for a band from Bands B and D that has MIMO capability, in this case, it will be Band D. Therefore, Band D will have a higher priority than Band B. This example rule set will result in the following order of band priority:

[0042] D, B, A and C.

[0043] In one or more example methods, the rule set may define the priority order as bandwidth (e.g., highest bandwidth), lowest frequency, and MIMO capability. This example rule set will result in the following frequency band priority order:

[0044] B, D, A and C.

[0045] In one or more example methods, a rule set may explicitly define a priority order of frequency bands, such as a combination of multiple frequency bands, such as frequency bands (A, A), (A, B), (B, C), etc., where each letter within the brackets (e.g., (A, A)) represents a frequency band allocation (e.g., carrier allocation) (for (in this example) up to two transmission channels). To support single-input single-output (SISO) operation on a single frequency band (e.g., frequency band "A"), the rule set may indicate a single-band allocation by setting one of the positions within the brackets to "0" (e.g., (A, 0)).

[0046] In one or more example methods, the WD may confirm the priority order based on the capabilities and / or limitations of the WD (eg, if the WD does not support MIMO in one of the frequency bands), such as by sending a confirmation message confirming the priority order.

[0047] In one or more example methods, the radio network node may continuously update the rule set, for example based on current network conditions.When updating the rule set, the radio network node may send the updated rule set to the WD, for example via higher layer signaling.

[0048] Figure 2 A flow chart of an example method 100 for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured (eg, preconfigured) for a WD, performed by a radio network node according to the present disclosure, is shown. The radio network node is a radio network node disclosed herein, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 The method 100 comprises: sending S101 a signal to the WD indicating a set of rules to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from a plurality of frequency bands. The WD may, for example, be configured to transmit in the UL on a first frequency band and may switch to transmitting in the UL on a second frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands for UL transmission based on the set of rules.

[0049] In this context, autonomous may be considered as WD switching, e.g., switching between multiple frequency bands based on a set of rules received from a radio network node without explicit signaling from the radio network node for each switch. In this context, uplink transmission switching may be considered as WD switching of the frequency used for transmission in the UL, e.g., switching from a first frequency band of multiple frequency bands to a second frequency band.

[0050] In one or more example methods, the rule set indicates a priority order for the plurality of frequency bands. For SISO operation and / or MIMO operation, the priority order for the frequency bands may be indicated, such as a single frequency band for SISO or a combination of frequency bands for MIMO. For SISO, the rule set may indicate the priority order, for example, in the form of (A, 0), (C, 0), (D, 0), (B, 0), etc., where 0 indicates that there is no second frequency band allocation.

[0051] In one or more example methods, the rule set indicates a priority order for combinations of multiple frequency bands. The rule set may, for example, indicate combinations of frequency bands, such as carrier allocations for up to two transmission channels, such as for MIMO operations. For MIMO operations, the rule set may, for example, indicate a priority order in the form of (A, A), (C, B), (D, D), (B, A), etc.

[0052] In one or more example methods, a rule set indicates a priority order of multiple frequency bands based on a set of attributes associated with each frequency band. The attribute set may include one or more attributes. The attribute may be, for example, one or more of carrier frequency, bandwidth, and MIMO capability. The rule set may indicate a priority order of attributes in the attribute set, such as whether carrier frequency takes precedence over bandwidth, which in turn may take precedence over MIMO capability.

[0053] In one or more example methods, the signal indicates activation of the rule set. In one or more example methods, the activation is one or more of a trigger or a duration. The signal may, for example, indicate that the WD will begin transmitting in the UL using one or more of the frequency bands based on the rule set. In one or more example methods, the signal may indicate that the WD will transmit in the UL using one or more of the frequency bands based on the rule set for a duration (e.g., for a specific time and / or a specific number of time domain resources (e.g., time slots or frames)). At the end of the duration, the WD may revert to a non-priority-based allocation method, such as reverting to transmitting in the UL according to a standard configuration and / or frequency band.

[0054] In one or more example methods, the signal may indirectly indicate that the rule set is to be activated. In one or more example methods, the signal may indicate that the rule set is to be effective from the receipt of the signal, for example, as soon as possible after the receipt of the signal, or within a number of time units (such as symbols or frames) from the receipt of the signal.

[0055] In one or more example methods, the signal is directed to a database containing a set of rules. The set of rules (such as a limited set of rules) may, for example, be predetermined (e.g., specified) and stored in the database. The signal may include a reference (e.g., an indication) to a rule in the predefined set of rules, which may be signaled (e.g., configured) to the WD from the radio network node.

[0056] In one or more example methods, the signal itself contains a set of rules. The radio network node may, for example, define a rule or set of rules (such as a priority order of frequency bands). The radio network node may then explicitly share and / or configure the defined rule or set of rules to the WD.

[0057] In one or more example methods, the signal may be transmitted using higher layer signaling (eg, using RRC signaling).

[0058] Figure 2 Send 101 in corresponds to Figure 3 Receiving S201 in.

[0059] In one or more example methods, the method comprises determining S103 a frequency band to be used for uplink reception from a plurality of frequency bands based on a rule set. In one or more example methods, the radio network node may apply the rule set to a plurality of frequency bands configured for uplink transmission to determine on which frequency band the UE will transmit, and thus determine the frequency band to be used for reception.

[0060] In one or more example methods, the method comprises receiving S105 an uplink transmission on one or more of a plurality of frequency bands based on a rule set.The radio network node may receive in uplink on one or more of a plurality of frequency bands configured for uplink transmissions received from a WD.

[0061] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart showing an example method 200 for performing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured (eg, preconfigured) for the WD according to the present disclosure. The WD is a WD disclosed herein, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 The method 200 comprises receiving S201 a signal from a radio network node indicating a set of rules to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from a plurality of frequency bands.

[0062] In this context, autonomy may be considered as WD switching, e.g., switching between multiple frequency bands based on a set of rules received from a radio network node without receiving dedicated signaling from the radio network node for each switch. In this context, uplink transmission switching may be considered as WD switching the frequency used for transmission in the UL. The WD may, for example, be configured to transmit in the UL on a first frequency band, and may be switched to transmit in the UL on a second frequency band of multiple frequency bands used for UL transmissions based on a set of rules.

[0063] In one or more example methods, the rule set indicates a priority order for the plurality of frequency bands. For SISO operation and / or MIMO operation, the priority order of the frequency bands may be indicated, such as a single frequency band for SISO or a combination of frequency bands for MIMO. For SISO, the rule set may indicate the priority order, for example, in the form of (A, 0), (C, 0), (D, 0), (B, 0), etc., where 0 indicates that there is no frequency band allocation for the second carrier.

[0064] In one or more example methods, a rule set indicates a priority order for combinations of multiple frequency bands. The rule set may, for example, indicate combinations of frequency bands, such as carrier allocations for up to two transmit channels, such as for MIMO operations. For MIMO operations, the rule set may, for example, indicate a priority order in the form of (A, A), (C, B), (D, D), (B, A), etc.

[0065] In one or more example methods, a rule set indicates a priority order of multiple frequency bands based on a set of attributes associated with each frequency band. The attribute set may include one or more attributes. The attribute may be, for example, one or more of carrier frequency, bandwidth, and MIMO capability. The rule set may indicate a priority order of attributes in the attribute set, such as whether carrier frequency takes precedence over bandwidth, which in turn may take precedence over MIMO capability.

[0066] In one or more example methods, the signal indicates activation of a rule set. In one or more example methods, activation is one or more of a trigger or duration of a rule set. The signal may, for example, indicate that the WD will begin transmitting in the UL using one or more of the frequency bands based on the rule set. In one or more example methods, the signal may indicate that the WD will transmit in the UL using one or more of the frequency bands based on the rule set for a duration (e.g., for a specific time and / or a specific number of time domain resources (e.g., time slots or frames)). At the end of the duration, the WD may revert to a non-priority-based allocation method, such as reverting to transmitting in the UL according to a standard configuration and / or frequency band.

[0067] In one or more example methods, the signal may indirectly indicate that the rule set is to be activated. In one or more example methods, the signal may indicate that the rule set is to take effect from the time the signal is received, such as as soon as possible after receipt of the signal, or within a number of time units (such as symbols or frames) from the time the signal is received.

[0068] In one or more example methods, the signal points to a database including a set of rules. The set of rules (e.g., a finite set of rules) may, for example, be predefined (e.g., specified) and stored in the database. The signal may include a reference (e.g., an indication) to a rule in the predefined set of rules, which may be signaled (e.g., configured) from the radio network node to the WD.

[0069] In one or more example methods, the signal itself contains a set of rules. The radio network node may, for example, define a rule or set of rules (such as a priority order of frequency bands). The radio network node may then explicitly share and / or configure the defined rule or set of rules to the WD.

[0070] In one or more example methods, the signal may be transmitted using higher layer signaling (eg, using RRC signaling).

[0071] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining S203 a frequency band to be used for uplink transmission from a plurality of frequency bands based on a rule set. In one or more example methods, the WD may apply the rule set to a plurality of frequency bands configured for uplink transmission to determine a frequency band to be used for transmission.

[0072] The method 200 comprises transmitting S205 uplink transmission on one or more of the plurality of frequency bands based on the rule set.The WD may transmit in uplink on one or more of the plurality of frequency bands configured for uplink transmission by autonomously applying the rule set received from the radio network node.

[0073] Figure 4 4 shows a block diagram of an example radio network node 400 according to the present disclosure. The radio network node 400 comprises a memory circuit 401, a processor circuit 402 and a wireless interface 403. The radio network node 400 may be configured to perform Figure 2 In other words, the radio network node 400 may be configured to implement autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for WD.

[0074] The radio network node 400 is configured to communicate with a WD (such as the WD disclosed herein) using a wireless communication system.

[0075] The wireless interface 403 is configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication system such as a 3GPP system, the 3GPP system, for example, supporting one or more of: New Radio NR narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Long Term Evolution enhanced machine type communication (LTE-M) millimeter wave communication, such as millimeter wave communication in a licensed band, such as device-to-device millimeter wave communication in a licensed band.

[0076] The radio network node 400 is configured to send a signal to the WD, eg via the wireless interface 403, indicating a set of rules to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band (eg one or more frequency bands) for uplink transmission from a plurality of frequency bands.

[0077] Processor circuit 402 is optionally configured to perform Figure 2 The operations of the radio network node 400 may be embodied in the form of an executable logic routine (eg, lines of code, software program, etc.) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (eg, memory circuit 401) and executed by the processor circuit 402.

[0078] Furthermore, the operations of the radio network node 400 may be considered as methods that the radio network node 400 is configured to perform. Furthermore, although the functions and operations described may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0079] The memory circuit 401 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory circuit 401 may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the processor circuit 402. The memory circuit 401 may exchange data with the processor circuit 402 via a data bus. There may also be control lines and an address bus ( Figure 4 Memory circuit 401 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0080] The memory circuit 401 may be configured to store information in a portion of the memory, such as information indicative of a rule set.

[0081] Figure 5 300 according to the present disclosure. The wireless device 300 includes a memory circuit 301, a processor circuit 302, and a wireless interface 303. The wireless device 300 may be configured to perform Figure 3In other words, the wireless device 300 may be configured to perform autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for the WD.

[0082] The wireless device 300 is configured to communicate with a radio network node (eg, a radio network node disclosed herein) using a wireless communication system.

[0083] The wireless device 300 is configured to receive (eg via the wireless interface 303 ) a signal from a radio network node indicating a set of rules to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band (eg one or more frequency bands) for uplink transmission from a plurality of frequency bands.

[0084] The wireless device 300 is configured to transmit (such as via the wireless interface 303) uplink transmissions on one or more of the plurality of frequency bands based on a set of rules.

[0085] The wireless interface 303 is configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication system such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio NR narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Long Term Evolution enhanced machine type communication (LTE-M) millimeter wave communication, such as millimeter wave communication in a licensed band, such as device-to-device millimeter wave communication in a licensed band.

[0086] The wireless device 300 is optionally configured to perform Figure 3 The operations disclosed in the wireless device 300 (such as any one or more of S201, S203, S205) may be embodied in the form of an executable logic routine (e.g., a line of code, a software program, etc.) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory circuit 301) and executed by processor circuit 302.

[0087] Furthermore, the operations of the wireless device 300 may be considered as methods that the wireless device 300 is configured to perform. Furthermore, although the functions and operations described may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0088] The memory circuit 301 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory circuit 301 may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the processor circuit 302. The memory circuit 301 may exchange data with the processor circuit 302 via a data bus. There may also be control lines and an address bus ( Figure 5 Memory circuit 301 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0089] The memory circuit 301 may be configured to store information in a portion of the memory, such as information indicative of a rule set.

[0090] Examples of methods and products (network nodes and wireless devices) according to the present disclosure are set forth in the following items:

[0091] Item 1. A method performed by a radio network node for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between multiple frequency bands configured for a wireless device WD, the method comprising:

[0092] - sending (S101) a signal to the WD indicating a set of rules to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from among the plurality of frequency bands.

[0093] Item 2. A method according to Item 1, wherein the rule set indicates a priority order of the multiple frequency bands.

[0094] Item 3. A method according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the rule set indicates a priority order of combinations of the multiple frequency bands.

[0095] Item 4. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the rule set indicates a priority order of the multiple frequency bands based on a set of attributes associated with each frequency band.

[0096] Item 5. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal indicates activation of the rule set.

[0097] Item 6. The method of Item 5, wherein the activation is one or more of a trigger or a duration.

[0098] Item 7. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal points to a database containing the rule set.

[0099] Item 8. A method according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the signal itself contains the rule set.

[0100] Item 9. A method performed by a wireless device WD for performing autonomous uplink transmission switching between a plurality of frequency bands configured for the WD, the method comprising:

[0101] - receiving (S201) from a radio network node a signal indicating a set of rules to be used by said WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from said plurality of frequency bands, and

[0102] - Based on the set of rules, transmitting (S205) an uplink transmission on one or more frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands.

[0103] Item 10. The method according to Item 9, wherein the rule set indicates a priority order of the multiple frequency bands.

[0104] Item 11. A method according to Item 9 or 10, wherein the rule set indicates a priority order of combinations of the multiple frequency bands.

[0105] Item 12. A method according to any one of Items 9 to 11, wherein the rule set indicates a priority order of the multiple frequency bands based on a set of attributes associated with each frequency band.

[0106] Item 13. A method according to any one of Items 9 to 12, wherein the signal indicates activation of the rule set.

[0107] Item 14. The method of Item 13, wherein the activation is one or more of a trigger or a duration.

[0108] Item 15. The method according to any one of Items 9 to 14, wherein the method comprises:

[0109] - Based on the set of rules, determining (S203) a frequency band for uplink transmission from the plurality of frequency bands.

[0110] Item 16. A method according to any one of Items 9 to 15, wherein the signal points to a database containing the rule set.

[0111] Item 17. A method according to any one of Items 9 to 15, wherein the signal itself contains the set of rules.

[0112] Item 18. A radio network node, comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein the radio network node is configured to perform any one of the methods according to any one of items 1 to 8.

[0113] Item 19. A wireless device, comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any one of the methods according to any one of items 9 to 17.

[0114] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc., does not imply any particular order, but is included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc., does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc., are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "secondary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc., are used here and elsewhere for labeling purposes only and are not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal order. Furthermore, the labeling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0115] Understandably, Figures 1 to 5 Including some circuits or operations shown with solid lines and some circuits, components, features or operations shown with dotted lines. The circuits or operations included in the solid lines are the circuits, components, features or operations included in the most extensive examples. The circuits, components, features or operations included in the dotted lines are examples that can be included in or as part of other circuits, components, features or operations that can be taken in addition to the circuits, components, features or operations of the solid line examples, or other circuits, components, features or operations that can be taken in addition to the circuits, components, features or operations of the solid line examples. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. In addition, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. The example operations can be performed in any order and in any combination. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. The circuits, components, features or operations included in the dotted lines can be considered optional.

[0116] Other operations not described herein may be incorporated into the example operations. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the described operations.

[0117] Certain features discussed above as separate implementations may also be implemented in combination as a single implementation. Conversely, features described as a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, either individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases one or more features from a claimed combination may be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

[0118] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0119] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0120] It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that examples may be implemented at least partially by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0121] Various example methods, devices, nodes, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer executable instructions, such as program code, executed by a computer in a networked environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc. In general, program circuits may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuits represent examples of program codes for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0122] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A method, performed by a radio network node, for implementing autonomous uplink transmission switching between a plurality of frequency bands configured for a wireless device WD, the method comprising: - sending (S101) a signal to the WD indicating a set of rules to be used by the WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from among the plurality of frequency bands.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The rule set indicates a priority order of the plurality of frequency bands.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rule set indicates a priority order of combinations of the plurality of frequency bands.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rule set indicates a priority order of the plurality of frequency bands based on a set of attributes associated with each frequency band.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The signal indicates activation of the rule set.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The activation is one or more of a trigger or a duration.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The signal points to a database containing the set of rules.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The signal itself contains the rule set.

9. A method performed by a wireless device WD for performing autonomous uplink transmission switching between a plurality of frequency bands configured for the WD, the method comprising: - receiving (S201) from a radio network node a signal indicating a set of rules to be used by said WD to determine a frequency band for uplink transmission from said plurality of frequency bands, and - Based on the set of rules, transmitting (S205) an uplink transmission on one or more of the plurality of frequency bands.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The rule set indicates a priority order of the plurality of frequency bands.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The rule set indicates a priority order of combinations of the plurality of frequency bands.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The rule set indicates a priority order of the plurality of frequency bands based on a set of attributes associated with each frequency band.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The signal indicates activation of the rule set.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The activation is one or more of a trigger or a duration.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The method comprises: - Based on the set of rules, determining (S203) a frequency band for uplink transmission from the plurality of frequency bands.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The signal points to a database containing the rule set.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The signal itself contains the rule set.

18. A radio network node, the radio network node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein: The radio network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 1 to 8.

19. A wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein: The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 9 to 17.

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