Radio resource control (RRC) configuration

Abstract

Various example embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for radio resource control (RRC) configuration in a wireless communication network. According to various, but not necessarily all example embodiments, there is provided a device configured to implement a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network, the device comprising a Radio Resource Control kernel configured to implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network. The radio resource control kernel is configured to implement a radio processing unit associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the other device and a further radio processing unit, the further radio processing unit is associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that supports radio communication between the device and the further device; wherein the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit can be implemented concurrently by a radio resource control kernel, and wherein upon detecting one or more radio configuration events, the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit are configured. A radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit is reserved by a radio resource control kernel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments are directed to apparatus and methods for Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration in a wireless communication network. Background Art

[0002] Communication between user equipment (UE) can be supported by provisioning a radio access communication network. Network access nodes (e.g., base stations) are geographically distributed and support one or more radio coverage cells and together form part of the network side of the communication network. User equipment in an area served or covered by a network access node is configured to establish communication with the radio access network via one or more radio links with the network access node.

[0003] The user equipment and the network nodes are configured to be able to establish and maintain functional radio links to support communications within the network. Establishing and maintaining such radio links requires signaling between the user equipment and the network. After such links are established, the radio links can be used to support information transmission between nodes of the network, such as between user equipment, or between user equipment and the network side.

[0004] Methods and apparatus are needed to support radio communications within a radio access network. Summary of the invention

[0005] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out in the independent claims. Examples and features described in this specification that do not belong to the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be construed as examples that aid in understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0006] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a device is provided, the device being configured to implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network, the device comprising a radio resource control core, the radio resource control core being configured to implement a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit being associated with the radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device, the additional radio processing unit being associated with the radio resource control (RRC) configuration that supports radio communication between the device and the other device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control core, and wherein upon detection of one or more radio configuration events, the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit is retained by the radio resource control core.

[0007] In some example embodiments, the device comprises a user equipment.In some example embodiments, the other device comprises a network access node.

[0008] In some example embodiments, the radio processing unit is configured to support control plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0009] In some example embodiments, the further radio processing unit is configured to support user plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the RRC configuration includes instructing or setting a plurality of radio parameters of how the device should operate during radio communications in the wireless communication network.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the core is configured to implement a plurality of further radio processing units.

[0012] In some example embodiments, the plurality of further radio processing units are implementable concurrently to support parallel radio communications between the device and the other device using at least two further radio processing units of the plurality of further radio processing units.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the plurality of further radio processing units are independently implementable to support parallel radio communications between the device and the other device using at least two further radio processing units of the plurality of further radio processing units.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the RRC configuration associated with the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit may be independently modifiable.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the device is configured to determine that a condition associated with use of the further radio processing unit is satisfied, and to initiate radio resource control connection establishment with the other device using a radio resource connection configuration associated with the further processing unit.

[0016] In some example embodiments, the one or more radio configuration events include the device exiting a connected mode and entering an idle mode.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the one or more radio configuration events include one or more of: radio link failure between the device and the other device; radio connection failure between the device and the other device; radio resource control (RRC) state transition; handover; handover failure.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the one or more radio configuration events comprise events experienced by a communication link supported by the further radio processing unit.

[0019] In some example embodiments, if a radio configuration event is detected, the device is configured to: select a radio processing unit or a further radio processing unit and initiate communication between the device and the other device using an associated radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device.

[0020] In some example embodiments, if a radio configuration event is detected, the device is configured to select a radio processing unit or a further radio processing unit for communication between the device and the other device, and to transmit an indication of the selection to the other device.

[0021] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a method of implementing a radio resource control (RRC) configuration at a device to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network is provided, the method comprising: providing a radio resource control kernel for the device, and configuring the kernel to implement: a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and wherein upon detecting one or more radio configuration events, the kernel is configured to retain the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the method is performed by a user device. In some example embodiments, the device comprises a user device. In some example embodiments, the other device comprises a network access node.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring a radio processing unit to support control plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the further radio processing unit to support user plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the RRC configuration includes instructing or setting a plurality of radio parameters of how the device should operate during radio communications in the wireless communication network.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the core to implement a plurality of further radio processing units.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the method comprises concurrently implementing the plurality of further radio processing units to support parallel radio communications between the device and the other device using at least two further radio processing units of the plurality of further radio processing units.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the method comprises implementing a plurality of independent further radio processing units to support parallel radio communications between the device and the other device using at least two further radio processing units of the plurality of further radio processing units.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the method comprises independently modifying an RRC configuration associated with the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the method comprises determining that a condition associated with use of the further radio processing unit is satisfied, and initiating a radio resource control connection establishment with the other device using a radio resource connection configuration associated with the further processing unit.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the one or more radio configuration events include the device exiting a connected mode and entering an idle mode.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the one or more radio configuration events include one or more of: radio link failure between the device and the other device; radio connection failure between the device and the other device; radio resource control (RRC) state transition; handover; handover failure.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the one or more radio configuration events comprise events experienced by a communication link supported by the further radio processing unit.

[0034] In some example embodiments, if a radio configuration event is detected, the method comprises selecting a radio processing unit or a further radio processing unit and initiating communication between the device and the other device using an associated radio resource control (RRC) configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the other device.

[0035] In some example embodiments, if a radio configuration event is detected, the method comprises selecting a radio processing unit or a further radio processing unit for communication between the device and the other device, and transmitting an indication of the selection to the other device.

[0036] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention, there is provided a computer program product operable when executed by a processor on a device to control the device to perform an embodiment or a further embodiment.

[0037] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a network device is provided, the network device being configured to implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between a device and a network device in a wireless communication network, the network device comprising: a radio resource control circuit system configured to determine whether the device comprises a radio resource control kernel configured to implement a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the network device, the additional radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that supports radio communication between the device and the network device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and if so, storing an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit, and retaining an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit upon detecting one or more radio configuration events.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the device comprises a user equipment.In some example embodiments, the other device comprises a network access node.

[0039] In some example embodiments, the radio processing unit is configured to support control plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the further radio processing unit is configured to support user plane communications between the device and the further device.

[0041] In some example embodiments, a network device is configured to determine the capabilities of the device by requesting an indication of kernel capabilities.

[0042] In some example embodiments, the indication of kernel capabilities comprises a kernel version number.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the network device is configured to send an indication of a default Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration to the device, the default RRC configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the network device for the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the network device is configured to store, for the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit associated with the device, an indication of a default Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration.

[0045] In some example embodiments, the network device is configured to receive a connection request from the device, the connection request comprising an indication of the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit to be used for communication between the device and the network device.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the network device is configured to update a Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the network device is configured to update a Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit in response to an indication of a radio link failure associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit.

[0048] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a method of implementing a radio resource control (RRC) configuration at a network device to support radio communication between a device and a network device in a wireless communication network is provided, the method comprising: determining whether the device includes a radio resource control kernel configured to implement a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the network device, and the additional radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that supports radio communication between the device and the network device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and if so, storing an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit; and retaining an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit upon detecting one or more radio configuration events.

[0049] In some example embodiments, the method is performed by a network node. In some example embodiments, the device comprises a user equipment. In some example embodiments, the other device comprises a network access node.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring a radio processing unit to support control plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the further radio processing unit to support user plane communications between the device and the other device.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the method includes configuring the network device to determine capabilities of the device by requesting an indication of kernel capabilities.

[0053] In some example embodiments, the indication of kernel capabilities comprises a kernel version number.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the network device to send an indication of a default Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration to the device, the default RRC configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the network device for the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the network device to: store, for the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit associated with the device, an indication of the default radio resource control, RRC, configuration.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the network device to receive a connection request from the device, the connection request comprising an indication of the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit to be used for communication between the device and the network device.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the network device to update a Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the method comprises configuring the network device to update a radio resource control, RRC, configuration associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit in response to an indication of a radio link failure associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit.

[0059] According to various but not necessarily all exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, which, when executed by a processor on a device, is operable to control a network device to perform an embodiment or another embodiment. According to various but not necessarily all exemplary embodiments, a device is provided, which is configured to implement a radio resource control RRC configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network, the device comprising: a circuit system, the circuit system is configured to provide a radio resource control kernel for the device, and the kernel is configured to implement: a radio processing unit and another radio processing unit, the radio processing unit and the other radio processing unit are associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device; wherein the radio processing unit and the other radio processing unit can be implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and wherein when one or more radio configuration events are detected, the kernel is configured to retain the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the other radio processing unit.

[0060] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network; and providing a radio resource control kernel for the device, and configuring the kernel to implement: a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and wherein upon detecting one or more radio configuration events, the kernel is configured to retain the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit.

[0061] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, a network device is provided, the network device being configured to implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between a device and a network device in a wireless communication network, the network device comprising: a circuit system configured to determine whether the device comprises a radio resource control kernel, the radio resource control kernel being configured to implement a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the network device, the additional radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration that supports radio communication between the device and the network device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and if so, storing an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit; and retaining an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit upon detection of one or more radio configuration events.

[0062] According to various but not necessarily all example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration at a network device to support radio communication between a device and a network device in a wireless communication network, the apparatus being caused to at least implement: determining whether the device comprises a radio resource control kernel as follows, the radio resource control kernel being configured to implement a radio processing unit and an additional radio processing unit, the radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the network device, the additional radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration supporting radio communication between the device and the network device; wherein the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and if so, storing an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit; and retaining an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the additional radio processing unit upon detecting one or more radio configuration events.

[0063] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and in other combinations than those explicitly listed in the claims.

[0064] Where an apparatus feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it will be understood that this includes apparatus features that provide that function or that are adapted or configured to provide that function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

[0067] Figures 2 to 5 schematically illustrates various signaling procedures that may be used in example embodiments of the subject matter described herein;

[0068] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a feature matrix that may be used to exchange information within a network regarding features supported by devices having capabilities consistent with the subject matter described herein;

[0069] Figure 7 An apparatus in a communication system according to an example embodiment is shown; and

[0070] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating steps in a method performed at a network node according to some example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Cellular wireless communication systems are built on protocols that control how data is sent between user equipment within the system and the nodes of the operator network that forms the system. These protocols are usually divided into a user plane (UP) and a control plane (CP). Typically, user plane protocols are for data transmission between user equipment and the nodes that form the network. Control plane protocols are usually aimed at ensuring that the user plane is operational. That is, CP is used to establish UP, and the main purpose of CP is to enable the functions of UP.

[0072] The main protocol of CP in UMTS / LTE / NR is Radio Resource Control (RRC), whose specifications can be found in TS25.331 (UMTS), TS 36.331 (LTE), and TS 38.331 (NR), respectively. The RRC specification defines the mechanisms for establishing a connection between a user equipment (UE) and a network, establishing user plane and control plane protocol layers, and reconfiguring parameters of such protocol layers, as well as various procedures intended to keep both UP and CP running.

[0073] The first establishment of a connection between a UE and a network may be based on the reception at the UE of system information (SI) messages of the network, which are typically sent by the network as system information blocks (SIBs). The SI sent within the network informs UEs within the network of information about the network, including information on how to connect to the network. Establishing a connection to the network may also be based on UE capabilities, which the UE may indicate to the network when first connecting to the network. This exchange of information allows the establishment of an appropriate connection to support UE operation based on UE capabilities.

[0074] The establishment of a connection requires a common understanding of a "starting configuration" (which is sometimes also referred to as a "default configuration", but will be referred to here as a "fixed configuration"), which determines the "default" configuration parameters that all UEs should apply in the absence of any other information (e.g., SI). This configuration is static, i.e., cannot be changed, because it is specified in the RRC specification. When the UE first starts a connection, the network knows that the UE configuration is based on a fixed configuration, and can use this knowledge to signal only values ​​that differ from the fixed configuration when providing the RRC configuration. This is called incremental signaling, where the network minimizes signaling overhead by only providing values ​​that differ from the UE's stored configuration.

[0075] In UMTS, various fixed configurations are available, as detailed in TS25.331 clause 13.7. These can be referenced by identification numbers, but they remain fixed in specification TS25.331. This provision of multiple fixed configurations has the potential to provide greater adaptability and reduce signalling overhead, but has caused problems due to errors in some specification versions that prevented such configurations from being used in practice. To avoid such errors, LTE adopted a single, very "lite" fixed configuration detailed in TS 36.331 clause 9, and NR has adopted an approach very similar to LTE Lite as specified in TS 38.331 clause 9.

[0076] In a network adopting Long Term Evolution LTE defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project 3GPP, a user equipment can operate in a connected mode, an inactive mode, or an idle mode. In connected mode, the user equipment exchanges data with the network, and when it is in idle mode, the user equipment monitors various information and messages sent from the network. In inactive mode, the user's operation is the same as in idle mode, but the configuration provided by the network is stored. If connected, a protocol called Radio Resource Control (RRC) is adopted. Whenever a user equipment enters connected mode and becomes connected to the network to perform radio communications, the network operates to send (multiple) control messages (control plane communications) to the user equipment. The control plane interaction contains the RRC configuration to be used by the user equipment to establish and maintain communication with the network. The RRC configuration includes a plurality of radio parameters, and the user equipment is instructed to apply these radio parameters in the radio communication with the network.

[0077] When the user equipment is in connected mode, the RRC configuration with the network is maintained. Some RRC configurations may include static RRC-related radio parameters that apply to most user equipment operating within the network, and some parameters may be related to specific user equipment. Such dedicated RRC configuration parameters may be sent to a specific user equipment, for example, at RRC reconfiguration, or at RRC connection establishment when the user equipment switches from idle mode to connected mode.

[0078] Such configuration messages can be very large, containing a large number of information elements that consume radio resources when being transmitted to the user equipment. This can also cause delays, as sending the configuration to the user equipment may require the network to use multiple messages, all of which the UE may need to receive before applying the entire configuration.

[0079] Therefore, the capacity and performance of the network related to pure data communication (in the user plane) may be greatly affected due to the need to transmit the appropriate RRC configuration to the user equipment (in the control plane), which may require the use of considerable bandwidth. User plane operation is inherently associated with the RRC configuration, and the RRC configuration sets all radio connection parameters, including those of the user plane. The configuration is a large and single (monolithic) "chunk" that contains everything and is verified at once, that is, when the UE receives the entire configuration, the entire configuration must be applied immediately. If there is an error in any part, the entire configuration will usually fail. This means that the size of the RRC configuration usually increases as more features are introduced with each 3GPP release. This makes the scalability of RRC worse with each added feature. Implementing the RRC configuration in a known manner does not provide real scalability or flexibility. For example, the monolithic configuration does not support any dynamic control of the amount of resources used to support energy-saving operation. It is therefore understandable that the implementation of the standard large and single (monolithic) RRC configuration will limit various aspects of network operation, for example, leading to bottlenecks in connection robustness and difficulties in user plane scalability.

[0080] In addition, the RRC failure mechanism in cellular systems is still in its infancy. When most RRC errors occur, the UE considers that a radio link failure (RLF) has occurred and discards most of its RRC configuration, partially falling back to the "fixed" RRC configuration defined in the specification. In order to resume communication with the network, the UE triggers a re-establishment procedure. This process may require the network to signal the entire UE configuration again, using only the (default) fixed configuration as a reference point, which may require sending a large number of RRC messages. Invoking the re-establishment procedure takes time and signaling resources. Since RRC errors also occur from time to time in every wireless communication network, all UMTS / E-UTRAN / NR systems (i.e., 3G / 4G / 5G) suffer from system inefficiencies.

[0081] The arrangements and methods described herein are intended to provide alternative ways for supporting radio communications within a radio access network.Before discussing example embodiments in more detail, an overview will first be provided.

[0082] Specifically, a user equipment is provided, which is configured to implement a radio resource control RRC configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network. The user equipment includes a radio resource control core configured to implement a radio processing unit. The radio processing unit is associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device. The device includes another radio processing unit, which is associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration that supports radio communication between the device and the other device. The radio processing unit and the other radio processing unit can be implemented concurrently by the radio resource control core. When one or more radio configuration events are detected, the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the other radio processing unit is retained by the radio resource control core.

[0083] Similarly, on the network side, a network device is arranged to implement a radio resource control RRC configuration to support radio communication between a user equipment and the network device in a wireless communication network. The network device includes a radio resource control circuit system, and the radio resource control circuit system is configured to determine whether the device includes a radio resource control kernel as described above. If the network device determines that the device has such a capability, the network device operates to store an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit, and retains an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit when one or more radio configuration events are detected.

[0084] The arrangement provides a scalable protocol architecture in which the UE supports an "RRC Kernel" (RK) entity and one or more user plane "Radio Processing Unit" (RPU) entities. The RK entity is configured to handle control plane operations, while the (multiple) RPUs are configured to handle user plane operations. Since RK still requires a user plane, the RPU can also be configured for RK operations.

[0085] According to the arrangement, the RK entity configures (multiple) RPUs, and the RK entity holds the RPU configurations so that the RPU configurations are stored by the UE even when the RPUs are not configured to operate in RRC_CONNECTED mode. The RK may also configure one or more RPUs to operate in RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_IDLE mode.

[0086] In a connection, at least one RPU is always configured to allow the sending of messages related to RK operations.

[0087] If an RPU fails, the UE may fall back to using the stored RK configuration for the RPU and may indicate to the network that it is using the RK configuration for the RPU, thereby ensuring that both the UE and the network know that the indicated RPU uses the "fallback" RK configuration. If all RPUs fail, the UE will fall back to the RK configuration for the CP only and attempt to reestablish the connection using that configuration.

[0088] By provisioning more than one RPU, the arrangement supports scalable operation.The arrangement enables user plane operation to be scaled by adding additional RPUs to the configuration.

[0089] Furthermore, in the event of a link failure, rather than starting from scratch, a mechanism is considered where the UE and network are capable of supporting an "always-on" configuration depending on the arrangement, supporting fallback to basic RPU operation using the stored RK configuration if an error causes the configuration of (multiple) RPUs to fail or be discarded.

[0090] Although the arrangement may be such that the RPUs rely on the same radio resources, the arrangement may be such that the overlap between the protocol, the actual hardware, and the configuration of each RPU is minimized to ensure that RPUs may be added and removed without disrupting other RPUs. This "fault-tolerant" arrangement implementation allows for a fine granularity that can be used to isolate failures. In other words, the failure of an RPU may be localized and may not have a catastrophic effect on (multiple) other RPUs.

[0091] Figure 1 Schematically illustrated are example embodiments of the subject matter described herein. According to one arrangement, a user equipment in a wireless communication network is provided with an RRC kernel (RK) entity 100. The RRC kernel supports one 200 or more 300 radio processing units (RPUs), each RPU being mapped to an RRC configuration supporting communication or communication establishment with a network node of the wireless communication network.

[0092] The following describes the operation of RK in more detail:

[0093] According to a general arrangement, the UE may have one "RRC core" 100 configuration. When first registering or establishing communications with the network, the UE starts with a fixed radio configuration according to a fixed radio configuration set by current standards. After the initial registration, the network has provided the UE with one or more RRC configurations, which are stored for use by the UE even in the event of an RRC connection failure, each of which (multiple) RRC configurations is represented by a radio processing unit (RPU) 300 and initialized by the RRC core 100 running the radio processing unit 200. Some arrangements provide that the RK is independent and attached to (multiple) UP RPUs. Other arrangements provide a separate RPU and (multiple) additional UP RPUs for the CP.

[0094] The (multiple) RRC configurations stored by the UE include at least one RPU configuration that can be used in several RRC states. The (multiple) RRC configurations associated with each RPU may optionally include an indication of the configuration of one or more radio bearers; the configuration of the radio protocol (e.g., RLC mode, SN length), and similar configuration information. The configuration information associated with each RPU 300 may be stored and kept available for selection when the UE registers with the network, including when the UE changes RRC states.

[0095] According to some arrangements, the RK 100 is always associated with at least one core RPU 200, referred to as RPU(0), and always operates via the associated RPU 200. The operation of the RK 100 is such that in the event of an RRC failure (e.g., a radio link failure (RLF) or a handover failure (HOF)), it is configured to fall back to one of the stored configurations associated with the RPU 200 or RPU 300. In other words, the RK stores (multiple) RRC configurations; the RPU allows UP or CP transmission; and if the RPU fails, the UE is configured to fall back to the RK configuration for that RPU. The fallback configuration may include the core RPU (RPU(0)) 200. The arrangement is such that the RK can maintain or fall back to the RRC configuration saved by the UE, rather than invoking the need to refresh the current configuration and start the RRC reestablishment process. This approach can support overall network robustness.

[0096] In other words, a UE with RK 100 and associated RPU 200, 300 is configured to retain at least one RRC configuration after a radio link failure and fall back to the RRC configuration. According to some arrangements, a UE including an RK 100 with associated functionality may be configured to indicate to the network which of the (multiple) possible retained RRC configurations have been selected for use. It should be understood that the indication may take various forms, such as: an RK version number; a specific identifier of a stored RK configuration; a specific message or message type associated with the RK. Where appropriate, the network may use the identified stored (multiple) RK configurations as needed to implement appropriate RRC signaling, such as incremental signaling based on the stored RK configurations.

[0097] According to some implementations, the RK may have an associated version number. The RK version number may indicate the specified capabilities supported by the RK. For example, the version number may indicate the default number of RPUs supported by the RK. The version number may indicate the RRC configuration supported by each RPU associated with the RK.

[0098] According to some implementations, each RPU supported by the RK is configured by the RK. The RK configures the RPU to handle user plane transmissions toward the UE, including encapsulation of control plane messages. This operation is similar to, for example, NR RRC configuration of the protocol layers (e.g., SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY).

[0099] Depending on the implementation, when the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state, the UE will always have at least one RPU configured by the RK for operation. When the UE falls back to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, the RPU configured for use in the RRC_CONNECTED state may be released and the RPU may fall back to using the RK to set the stored or default RPU configuration.

[0100] According to some implementations, the RPU may be configured to process one or more serving cells. According to some implementations, the RPU may be configured to process one or more configured features (eg, one or more MIMO layers).

[0101] The implementation may be such that the UE always has at least one RK and at least one RPU, and the RK may have at least one stored RPU configuration.

[0102] Figure 1The schematic diagram assumes that the same RPU RPU (0) 200 is always associated with RK 100. However, according to alternative implementations, the RPU used to support RK operation, support kernel configuration or kernel configuration update version may change. For example, such a change can be implemented when the UE is operating in the RRC_CONNECTED state and can be changed by configuration. Therefore, it can be understood that according to implementation selection, the RPU used to send control plane messages can be freely switched.

[0103] Typically, an arrangement according to the present disclosure enables a device such as a UE to be equipped with a radio core (RK) entity. The RK may be configured to receive and store one or more radio processing unit (RPU) configurations. According to the arrangement, the radio processing unit (RPU) configuration supported by the RRC core includes a user plane configuration that allows data to be exchanged between a user equipment and a network node. In other words, each RPU is a user plane configuration that supports sending data to and / or receiving data from a network node and a user equipment in a wireless communication network.

[0104] The RK and (multiple) related RPU configurations at the UE may be stored even when a configured radio protocol event occurs. If such an event occurs, the arrangement may be such that the device may select one of the stored RPU configurations and send an indication to a second device (e.g., a network node) to indicate which of the stored RPU configurations has been applied. The configured radio protocol event (according to which the RK and (multiple) related RPUs may provide specific utility to the UE and the network) may include one or more of the following: handover; handover failure; RRC state transition; radio link failure or radio connection failure.

[0105] Consider the following possible representation where a UE within the network supports one RK with 8 associated RPUs as shown in the following table:

[0106]

[0107] At the factory, the UE device may be configured to support V1.0 of the RRC kernel and 8 associated radio processing units. After attaching to a communications network, the default kernel configuration may be changed to V1.2, and the RPU0 may be configured to handle both idle and small data transfers, as well as a "default" transfer for recovery from error conditions (see, for example, Figure 4signaling). For services that require higher throughput, RPU0 can be switched to connected mode and additional RPUs can be activated for possible data transmission. In the example shown in the table above, RPUs that are ready to transmit but have not yet sent are depicted as being in standby, while RPUs that are actively involved in data transmission are depicted as connected. The higher the maximum bit rate required to support user plane operation, the higher the total number of RPUs in use. Since RPUs in standby mode increase energy savings but also increase latency when entering connected mode, the network can change the ratio between RPUs in connected and RPUs in standby depending on the ideal balance between energy savings and latency. According to the arrangements and methods described in more detail, if any configured RPU remains in standby or connected mode, the UE does not need to trigger a complete radio link failure, and some communications between the UE and the network can be maintained.

[0108] Figures 2 to 5 is a signaling diagram schematically illustrating various methods for implementing the arrangement.

[0109] Figure 2 is a signaling diagram illustrating the main steps of one possible implementation of an RRC core and related radio processing unit(s) provided at a user equipment of a wireless communication network for the first time initialization and configuration.

[0110] Figure 2 Origination signalling according to an arrangement between user equipment 10 and network 20 is shown.

[0111] S1: The UE 10 is powered on and operates to use the fixed configuration and System Information Block (SIB) information set in the standard.

[0112] S2: Based on the information determined in S1 and the fixed configuration, the UE 10 and the network 20 exchange information over a radio link. The UE and the network perform an RRC connection establishment procedure to register with the network.

[0113] S3: UE 10 has established a communication link with network 20 in RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0114] S4: After establishing the RRC_CONNECTED link with the UE 10, the network 20 operates to send information to the UE 10 to enable the UE to establish and store the RRC kernel configuration.

[0115] S5: The network may release the RRC connection.

[0116] S6: The UE 10 is configured to retain the stored RRC kernel configuration set by the network 20 even when not in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0117] S7: The UE 10 may be in RRC_IDLE mode using the stored RRC kernel configuration.

[0118] S8: If the UE needs to transition to a more connected state to operate, then according to the arrangement the UE 10 is configured to perform an RRC connection establishment using the stored RRC kernel configuration.

[0119] S9: The network 20 receives the UE connection request and establishes a connection using the stored RRC kernel configuration associated with the UE 10.

[0120] S10: The UE 10 then operates in connected mode using the stored RRC kernel configuration.

[0121] As a result of these steps S1 to S10, in combination with information obtained from the system information block (as required upon initialization in steps S1 to S3), a communication link can be established between the UE 10 and the network 20 without falling back to a fixed configuration set in the standard.

[0122] S11: The network may adapt or reconfigure the RRC kernel configuration associated with the UE 10. If so, both the network 20 and the UE 10 may be operable to store the reconfiguration. The reconfiguration may occur while the UE 10 is in connected mode.

[0123] S12: The RRC connection between UE 10 and network 20 may be released.

[0124] S13: UE 10 may be in RRC_IDLE mode using the stored updated RRC kernel configuration.

[0125] Figure 3 is a signaling diagram showing the main steps of a possible implementation, wherein for example according to Figure 2 The UE 10, with the configured RRC core and associated radio processing unit(s), experiences a radio link failure.

[0126] Figure 3 The signaling according to the arrangement between the user equipment 10 and the network 20 is shown in case of RRC connection failure.

[0127] F1: UE 10 has established a communication link with network 20 and is operating in RRC_CONNECTED state using one or more RPUs configured by the stored RRC kernel.

[0128] F2: RRC failure occurs, for example, radio link failure (RLF), handover failure (HOF) or reconfiguration error, which causes one or more RPUs to fail.

[0129] F3: The UE detects an RPU failure and is operable to apply a stored RRC kernel configuration rather than initiating radio link reestablishment according to first principles ( Figure 2 Steps S1 to S3).

[0130] F4: The UE 10 operates to initialize an RRC connection re-establishment based on the stored RRC kernel configuration. As part of the re-establishment process, the UE 10 is configured to indicate to the network 20 the RRC kernel configuration used.

[0131] F5: The network 20 receives the RRC re-establishment request from the UE 10, records the indication of the RRC kernel configuration used and the stored RRC kernel configuration associated with the UE 10, and operates to establish the connection using the appropriate stored RRC kernel configuration.

[0132] F6: The UE 10 may then communicate with the network 20 in connected mode using the stored RRC kernel configuration.

[0133] Figure 4 is a signaling diagram showing the main steps of a possible implementation, wherein for example according to Figure 2 The UE 10, with the configured RRC core and associated radio processing unit(s), experiences an RPU failure.

[0134] Figure 4 The signaling according to the arrangement between the user equipment 10 and the network 20 is shown in case of RPU connection failure.

[0135] R1: UE 10 has established a communication link with network 20 and is operating in RRC_CONNECTED state using one or more RPUs configured by the stored RRC kernel.

[0136] R2: The UE 10 is configured with an RRC core having an associated radio processing unit RPU0 and two further RPUs (RPU1 and RPU2). At step R2, the network 20 and the UE 10 are reconfiguring the RPUs.

[0137] R3: RRC failure occurs, for example, a conditional reconfiguration error that causes RPU2 to fail.

[0138] R4: UE 10 detects RPU2 failure and is operable to initiate RPU recovery via RPU0.

[0139] R5: UE 10 initiates RPU recovery using RPU0 and sends an error tracking indication to the network 20.

[0140] R6: The network may handle RPU recovery based on information provided by the UE 10 and in the example shown the network is configured to provide the UE 10 with an alternative RPU2 configuration.

[0141] R7: The network 20 sends an RPU reconfiguration to the UE 10. The reconfiguration provided is related to the updated RPU2 configuration.

[0142] R8: The UE 10 operates in connected mode using the stored updated RRC kernel configuration.

[0143] In other words, according to some implementations of the arrangement, the failure of RPU2 may not result in a complete failure of user plane operations. The UE 10 is configured to continue to operate using RPU0 and RPU1 even when RPU2 fails. Operation continues in connected mode using RPU0 and RPU1, supporting the adaptation of RPU2 and the eventual reintroduction of operation.

[0144] Figure 4 The reconfiguration failure of the RPU shown (e.g., a conditional RRC reconfiguration execution error or a normal reconfiguration error during activation of a stored configuration) does not require the UE 10 to perform an RRC reestablishment procedure, and the implementation supports a method by which the UE 10 can report the failure to the network 20. The network 20 supports operations in which the failed RPU can be restarted by providing an updated (re)configuration of the RPU for which both the network 20 and the UE 10 are aware of the stored configuration. Figure 4 In , UE 10 and network 20 are configured to use RPU0 (fallback) to recover RPU2 from the error it experienced.

[0145] Figure 5 is a signalling diagram illustrating the main steps of one possible implementation, where a UE 10 having RRC core capability and associated radio processing unit(s) capability may indicate this capability to the network.

[0146] Figure 5 Signalling according to an arrangement between the user equipment 10 and the network 20 is shown to support RRC core and RPU capability discovery.

[0147] C1: The UE 10 is powered on and operates to use the fixed configuration and System Information Block (SIB) information set in the standard.

[0148] C2: Based on the information determined in S1 and the fixed configuration, the UE 10 and the network 20 exchange information over a radio link. The UE and the network perform an RRC connection establishment procedure to register with the network.

[0149] C3: UE 10 has established a communication link with network 20 in RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0150] C4: The network 20 may query the UE 10 to provide information about RK and RPU capabilities.

[0151] C5: The UE 10 compiles or accesses a matrix of RPU capabilities and combinations that the UE can support.

[0152] C6: UE 10 reports the allowed RPU capabilities and combinations to the network 20.

[0153] C7: The network 20 is configured to store the RPU capabilities and combinations associated with the UE 10 and use this information when configuring the RPU(s) related to the UE 10.

[0154] Figure 5 The signaling process of the network 20 when retrieving an indication of the UE capabilities associated with (multiple) RPUs of the UE 10 is illustrated. The UE 10 may advertise such RPU capabilities based on a received filter that allows the UE to prune the reported capabilities according to the filter. For example, the UE 10 may report RPU capabilities in a matrix format that allows capabilities to be reported on a per-RPU basis in a first dimension and supports reporting of allowed combinations of (multiple) RPUs using a second dimension.

[0155] Figure 6 One possible construction of a feature matrix for reporting the capabilities of an RPU 200, 300 to the network is schematically illustrated. In order to function as an RPU, it is necessary to have an RPU capability 1000. In addition to this capability, each RPU may also have an extended RPU capability 2000. These capabilities and the allowed combinations of feature sets on the RPU may be indicated in the matrix 3000. The capabilities 2000 supported by the RPU 200, 300 may include, for example, MIMO capabilities, carrier aggregation levels in the downlink or uplink, etc.

[0156] Figure 7 An apparatus in a communication system according to an example embodiment is shown. Specifically, Figure 7A wireless communication network 7000 is illustrated, wherein a network node 7020 is configured to communicate with a user equipment 7010. The user equipment and the network are configured to implement a radio resource control RRC configuration to support radio communication between the user equipment 7010 and the network node in the wireless communication network. According to an example embodiment, the user equipment 7010 may include: a radio resource control kernel 7030, the radio resource control kernel being configured to implement a radio processing unit 7040 and a further radio processing unit 7050, the radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration enabling radio communication between the user equipment and another network access node, the further radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration supporting radio communication between the user equipment and the network node. In the illustrated example, the radio processing unit 7040 and the further radio processing unit 7050 can be implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel 7030, and upon detection of one or more radio configuration events, the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit 7040 and the further radio processing unit 7050 is retained by the radio resource control kernel.

[0157] The network access node 7020 (e.g., a base station) may include a radio resource control circuit system 7060, which is configured to determine whether the user equipment 7010 has radio resource control capabilities as described above, and if so, the circuit system 7060 may be configured to store an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit 7040 and the further radio processing unit 7050, and to retain an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit 7040 and the further radio processing unit 7050 when one or more radio configuration events are detected.

[0158] Figure 8 The diagram shows Figure 7 A flow chart of steps in a method performed at a network node of an example embodiment is shown.

[0159] Specifically, the user equipment 7010 may be configured to perform the following steps:

[0160] Z100: providing a radio resource control kernel, the radio resource control kernel being configured to implement a radio processing unit and a further radio processing unit, the radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration enabling radio communication between a user equipment and another network access node, the further radio processing unit being associated with a radio resource control RRC configuration supporting radio communication between a user equipment and a network node;

[0161] Z200: concurrently implementing the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit; and

[0162] Z300: Upon detecting one or more radio configuration events, retain or store a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

[0163] Similarly, the base station 7020 may be configured to perform the following steps:

[0164] Y100: Determine whether the user equipment 7010 has the radio resource control capability as described above, and if so,

[0165] Y200: Storing an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit; and

[0166] Y300: Upon detecting one or more radio configuration events, retain an indication of a radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the steps of various above-mentioned methods can be performed by a programmed computer.Here, some embodiments are also intended to encompass program storage devices (e.g., digital data storage media), which are machine or computer readable, and encode machine executable or computer executable instruction programs, wherein the above-mentioned instructions perform some or all steps of the above-mentioned methods.The program storage device can be, for example, a digital memory, a magnetic storage medium such as a disk and a tape, a hard drive, or an optically readable digital data storage medium.Embodiments are also intended to encompass computers programmed to perform the above-mentioned steps of the above-mentioned methods.The non-transient state used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0168] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0169] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only) and

[0170] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0171] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0172] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions), and

[0173] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but in which the software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0174] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0175] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0176] Features described in the preceding description may be used in other combinations than the combinations explicitly described.

[0177] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0178] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0179] While an effort has been made in the foregoing description to call attention to those features of the present invention regarded as particularly important, it is to be understood that the Applicant claims protection for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, whether or not specifically emphasized.

Claims

1. A device configured to implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network, the device comprising: The Radio Resource Control core is configured to implement: a radio processing unit associated with a radio resource control, RRC, configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the other device; as well as a further radio processing unit associated with a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration supporting radio communication between the device and the further device; wherein the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and wherein upon detection of one or more radio configuration events, the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit is retained by the radio resource control kernel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment; and wherein the another apparatus comprises a network access node.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the radio processing unit is configured to support control plane communications between the device and the other device.

4. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the further radio processing unit is configured to support user plane communications between the device and the further device.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the RRC configuration comprises: A plurality of radio parameters indicative of how the device should operate during radio communications in the wireless communication network.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the core is configured to implement a plurality of further radio processing units.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of further radio processing units are concurrently implementable to support parallel radio communications between the device and the other device using at least two of the plurality of further radio processing units.

8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of further radio processing units are independently implementable to support parallel radio communications between the device and the other device using at least two of the plurality of further radio processing units.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the RRC configuration associated with the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit can be modified independently.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to: determine that a condition associated with the use of the further radio processing unit is satisfied, and to start establishing a radio resource control connection with the other device using the radio resource connection configuration associated with the further processing unit.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more radio configuration events comprise: The device exits connected mode and enters idle mode.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more radio configuration events include one or more of the following: failure of a radio link between the device and the other device; failure of a radio connection between the device and the other device; a radio resource control (RRC) state transition; a handover; a handover failure.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more radio configuration events comprise events experienced by a communication link supported by a further radio processing unit.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein if a radio configuration event is detected, the device is configured to: select a radio processing unit or another radio processing unit and initiate communication between the device and the other device using an associated radio resource control (RRC) configuration that enables radio communication between the device and the other device.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein if a radio configuration event is detected, the apparatus is configured to select a radio processing unit or a further radio processing unit for communication between the apparatus and the further device and to transmit an indication of the selection to the further device.

16. A method of implementing a radio resource control (RRC) configuration at a device to support radio communication between the device and another device in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: A radio resource control kernel is provided for the device, and the kernel is configured to implement: a radio processing unit and a further radio processing unit, the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit being associated with a Radio Resource Control, RRC, configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the further device; wherein the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and wherein upon detecting one or more radio configuration events, the kernel is configured to: retain the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

17. A network device configured to implement a radio resource control (RRC) configuration to support radio communication between a device in a wireless communication network and the network device, the network device comprising: A radio resource control circuit system is configured to determine whether the device includes a radio resource control kernel configured to implement the following: a radio processing unit associated with a radio resource control, RRC, configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the network device; as well as a further radio processing unit associated with a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration supporting radio communications between the device and the network device; wherein the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and if so, storing an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit, and retaining the indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit upon detecting one or more radio configuration events.

18. The network device of claim 17, wherein the network device is configured to determine the capabilities of the device by requesting an indication of kernel capabilities.

19. The network device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the network device is configured to: send an indication of a default radio resource control (RRC) configuration to the device, the default RRC configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the network device for the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit.

20. A network device according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the network device is configured to store an indication of the default Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration for the radio processing unit and the further radio processing units associated with the device.

21. The network device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the network device is configured to receive a connection request from the device, the connection request comprising: An indication of the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit to be used for communication between the device and the network device.

22. The network device according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the network device is configured to update a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit.

23. A network device according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the network device is configured to: update a radio resource control (RRC) configuration associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit in response to an indication of a radio link failure associated with the radio processing unit or the further radio processing unit.

24. A method of implementing a radio resource control (RRC) configuration at a network device to support radio communications between a device in a wireless communication network and the network device, the method comprising: determining whether the device includes a radio resource control kernel configured to: a radio processing unit associated with a radio resource control, RRC, configuration enabling radio communication between the device and the network device; as well as a further radio processing unit associated with a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration supporting radio communications between the device and the network device; wherein the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit are capable of being implemented concurrently by the radio resource control kernel, and if so, storing an indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit; as well as Upon detection of one or more radio configuration events, the indication of the radio resource configuration associated with each of the radio processing unit and the further radio processing unit is retained.

25. A computer program product operable, when executed on a computer, to perform the method of claim 16 or claim 24.

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