Dynamic BSR table for uplink buffer size estimation

Abstract

An apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a signal comprising information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples and non-limiting embodiments generally relate to wireless communication, and more particularly to buffer status report tables. Background Art

[0002] It is known to use buffer status report (BSR) tables with wireless communication. Optimizing the UL resource usage of the network is supported in both the LTE standard and the NR standard. This mechanism allows the network to allocate UL resources (UL grants) only when the UE has something to transmit and attempts to limit the amount of over-allocation.

[0003] Examples of UL traffic models for extended reality (XR) services are defined in TR 38.838. Examples of the formats for BSR reports by the UE are specified in section 6.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS38.321. As stated in this section: Buffer size: The buffer size field identifies the total amount of data available across all logical channels of a logical channel group after an established MAC PDU (i.e., after the logical channel prioritization procedure, which may result in the value of the buffer size field being zero), calculated according to the data volume calculation procedures in TS 38.322 [3] and 38.323 [4]. The data volume is indicated by the number of bytes. The sizes of the RLC header and the MAC header are not considered in the buffer size calculation. The length of this field for the short BSR format and the short truncated BSR format is 5 bits. The length of this field for the long BSR format and the long truncated BSR format is 8 bits. The values of the 5-bit buffer size field and the 8-bit buffer size field are shown in Table 6.1.3.1-1 and Table 6.1.3.1-2, respectively. For the long BSR format and the long truncated BSR format, the buffer size fields are included in ascending order based on LCGi. For the long truncated BSR format, the number of buffer size fields included is maximized without exceeding the number of padding bits. Note: The number of buffer size fields in the long BSR format and the long truncated BSR format can be zero. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summary is only intended as an example. The summary of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided an example apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0006] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a signal, the signal including parameters configured to create a variable buffer status report table, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning pattern for the variable buffer status report table; and creating a variable buffer status report table at least partially based on the received signal.

[0007] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold.

[0008] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold.

[0009] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; creating a plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

[0010] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including 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 perform: transmitting a signal to a user equipment via a MAC control element, the MAC control element having information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0011] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including 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 perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a bin pattern for a variable buffer status report table; using the plurality of parameters to create a variable buffer status report table.

[0012] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including 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 perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a bin pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and sending the parameters, together with a radio resource control message, to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

[0013] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus, the example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including 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 perform: receiving a signal from a user equipment indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; and based on the reception of the signal, sending information to the user equipment, the information being configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0014] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; and selectively using one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables for first information buffered and transmitted by a user equipment.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided an example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: selecting a plurality of buffer status reports such that a sum of buffer sizes reported for the plurality of buffer status reports is more accurate than a buffer size indicated by a single buffer status report among the buffer status reports. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0018] Figure 2 is a figure from Section 6.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321;

[0019] Figure 3 is a figure from Section 6.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321;

[0020] Figure 4 is a figure from Section 6.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321;

[0021] Figure 5A to Figure 5B (collectively referred to as Figure 5) is a figure from Section 6.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321;

[0022] Figure 6 is a figure showing how a traffic model is mapped onto a BSR table bin for a table shown Figure 4 in the table;

[0023] Figure 7 is a figure showing how a traffic model is mapped onto a BSR table bin for the tables shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown in the table;

[0024] Figure 8 is a figure showing an example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 6 and shows how a traffic model is mapped onto a BSR table bin of a range - limited function with a 5 - bit BSR;

[0026] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 7 and shows how a traffic model is mapped onto a BSR table bin of a range - limited function with an 8 - bit BSR;

[0027] Figure 11 is similar to Figure 9 and shows how a traffic model is mapped onto a BSR table bin of a probability function with a 5 - bit BSR;

[0028] Figure 12 is similar to Figure 10 and shows how a traffic model is mapped onto a BSR table bin of a probability function with an 8 - bit BSR;

[0029] Figure 13 is a figure showing the CDF of quantization errors of a 5 - bit BSR table including reference, truncated uniform linear, and truncated probability;

[0030] Figure 14 is a figure showing the CDF of quantization errors of an 8 - bit BSR table including reference, truncated uniform linear, and truncated probability;

[0031] Figure 15 and Figure 16 collectively show that buffer state report tables of different sizes can exist created by different parameters;

[0032] Figure 17 and Figure 18 collectively show that values in different buffer state report tables can have different shapes, such as linear and non - linear;

[0033] Figure 19 shows that a UE can have multiple different buffer state report tables that can be selected and selectively used;

[0034] Figure 20 is a figure showing an example method;

[0035] Figure 21 is a figure showing an example method;

[0036] Figure 22 is a figure showing an example method;

[0037] Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example method;

[0038] Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example method;

[0039] Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example method;

[0040] Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example method;

[0041] Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example method;

[0042] Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example method;

[0043] Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example method. Detailed Description

[0044] The following abbreviations that can be found in the specification and / or drawings are defined as follows: 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project 5G Fifth Generation 5GC 5G Core Network AMF Access and Mobility Management Function AR Augmented Reality BSR Buffer Status Report CDF Cumulative Distribution Function CE Control Element CN Core Network CU Central Unit DC Dual Connectivity DL Downlink DU Distributed Unit eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity en-gNB or En-gNB A node that provides the NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and serves as the secondary node in EN-DC E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, i.e., LTE radio access technology fps Frames per Second gNB (or gNodeB) A base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node that provides the NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface I / F Interface KPI Key Performance Indicator LCG Logical Channel Group LCH Logical Channel LTE Long Term Evolution MAC Medium Access Control MME Mobility Management Entity MR Mixed Reality ng or NG Next Generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB Next Generation eNB NR New Radio N / W or NW Network PDB Packet Delay Budget PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PDU Protocol Data Unit PHY Physical Layer QoS Quality of Service RAN Radio Access Network Rel Release RLC Radio Link Control RRC Radio Resource Control RU Radio Unit Rx Receiver SI Study Item SID Study Item Description SGW Serving Gateway SMF Session Management Function TS Technical Specification TTI Transmission Time Interval Tx Transmitter UE User Equipment (e.g., wireless, typically mobile device) UPF User Plane Function UL Uplink VR Virtual Reality WI Work Item XR Extended Reality

[0045] Go to Figure 1 , which shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the example may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, a radio access network (RAN) node 170, and a network element 190 are shown. In Figure 1In the example, user equipment (UE) 110 communicates wirelessly with wireless network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access wireless network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected by one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnect mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers, or other optical communication devices, etc. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes module 140, which includes one or both of part 140-1 and / or part 140-2, and which can be implemented in a variety of ways. Module 140 can be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, for example, as part of one or more processors 120. Module 140-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware (such as a programmable gate array). In another example, module 140 can be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 can be configured to cause user equipment 110 to perform one or more operations as described herein with one or more processors 120. UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via wireless link 111.

[0046] The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 by wireless devices such as UE 110. The RAN node 170 can be, for example, a base station for 5G, also known as New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 can be an NG-RAN node, which is defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., (one or more) network elements 190) via the NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface. The NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, which can also include a Central Unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and a Distributed Unit (DU) (gNB-DU), where the DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU can include or be coupled to and control a Radio Unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB or controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs and the RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference numeral 198, although reference numeral 198 also shows the link between the remote element and the central element of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, for example, as part of the RU, but some of its examples can have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, for example, under the control of the DU 195 and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 can also be an eNB (evolved Node B) base station for LTE (Long-Term Evolution) or any other suitable base station or node.

[0047] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected via one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor 152, the memory 155, and the network interface 161. Note that the DU 195 may also include its own one or more memories and processors and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0048] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, and the module 150 includes one or both of a part 150-1 and / or a part 150-2, which can be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 150 can be implemented in hardware as the module 150-1, for example, as a part of one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or implemented by other hardware (such as a programmable gate array). In another example, the module 150 can be implemented as the module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more operations as described herein together with the one or more processors 152. Note that the functionality of the module 150 can be distributed, such as distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or implemented only in the DU 195.

[0049] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate via a network, such as via link 176 and link 131. Two or more gNBs 170 can communicate using, for example, link 176. The link 176 can be wired or wireless or both, and can implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0050] One or more buses 157 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers 160 can be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 implemented for a gNB in 5G, where other elements of the RAN node 170 may physically be in a different location from the RRH / DU, and one or more buses 157 can be partially implemented as, for example, a fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference numeral 198 also indicates those suitable network links.

[0051] Note that the description herein indicates that a "cell" performs functions, but it should be clear that the devices forming the cell will perform the functions. A cell forms part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, there can be three cells, each covering one-third of a 360-degree area, such that the coverage area of a single base station covers an approximately elliptical or circular shape. Additionally, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, and a base station can use multiple carriers. Thus, if there are three 120-degree cells per carrier and two carriers, the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0052] The wireless network 100 can include one or more network elements 190, which can include core network functions and which provide a connection to other networks (e.g., a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet)) via one or more links 181. Such core network functions for 5G can include an access and mobility management function (AMF) and / or a user plane function (UPF) and / or a session management function (SMF). Such core network functions for LTE can include an MME (mobility management entity) / SGW (serving gateway) function. These are merely example functions that can be supported by the network element 190, and note that both 5G functions and LTE functions can be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled to the network element 190 via a link 131. The link 131 can be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 180 interconnected via one or more buses 185. One or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. One or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, together with one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0053] The wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization. Network virtualization is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization and is usually combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is classified as external, which combines many networks or parts of networks into virtual units, or internal, which provides network-like functions to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities generated by network virtualization still use hardware such as processor 152 or processor 175 and memory 155 and memory 171 at a certain level to be implemented, and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0054] The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 can be components for performing storage functions. As non-limiting examples, the processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The processors 120, 152, and 175 can be components for performing functions such as controlling the UE 110, the RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0055] Generally, various embodiments of the user equipment 110 may include, but are not limited to, cellular phones (e.g., smart phones), tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices (e.g., digital cameras with wireless communication capabilities), game devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, Internet devices that permit wireless Internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals incorporating combinations of such functions.

[0056] As described above, the BSR (Buffer Status Report) carries information on how much data is to be sent out from the user equipment (UE) buffer. Optimizing the UL resource usage of the network is supported in both the LTE standard and the NR standard. This mechanism allows the network to allocate UL resources (UL grants) only when the UE has something to transmit and attempts to limit the amount of over-allocation. The network can indicate how much resource is allocated. However, there is some uncertainty regarding how much resource the base station should allocate for more accurate resource allocation. This is because the buffer size of the BSR MAC CE is only 5 bits long or 8 bits long and does not report the actual bytes in the buffer, and the UE uses a predefined table (e.g., as Figure 4 shown in and Figure 5) to match the actual BSR size to the BSR range. Thus, the base station only works with the range. The format for the UE to perform BSR reporting is specified in section 6.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321, and 3GPP TS 38.321 includes Figure 2 and Figure 3 section 6.1.3.1 shown as Figure 6 .1.3.1-1 and Figure 6 .1.3.1-2, as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5A to Figure 5B (collectively Figure 5) Table 6.1.3.1-1 and Table 6.1.3.1-2 shown. Note that these figures and tables are shown and described only as examples and should not be considered restrictive.

[0057] The current standardized BSR solution for NR relies on a fixed common BSR table designed to cover a large number of use cases. This means a trade-off between the resolution of the BSR and the corresponding quantization error. If the reported BSR indicates too low a buffer amount (due to the resolution of the BSR table), the gNB will schedule too small a transport block size (TBS) for the UE, and thus will need to schedule the UE again later to transmit the remaining buffered data to the gNB. This results in lower uplink throughput and increased latency. High uplink throughput and low latency are critical for XR use cases. If the BSR indicates more buffered data than the actual buffered data in the UE, the UE may have to apply zero-padding if the gNB schedules the UE with a TBS consistent with the BSR. This maps to reduced spectral efficiency (from using zero-padding). The features described herein can be used to derive an enhanced BSR scheme where the impact of the quantization error from the BSR (table) is further minimized to improve the overall link and system-level performance of the uplink. A flexible approach applicable to different sets of use cases can be used, including a wide set of XR applications ranging from low uplink data rates to high uplink data rates, different packet arrival rates, etc.

[0058] In the following, we give some more examples of the BSR quantization error as additional background. In all cases, the truncated Gaussian distribution defined in Table 5.5.2.1-1 of TS 38.838 is followed, considering 10 Mbps at 60 frames per second. Some of the basic parameters of this traffic model are: · Average packet size: 20833 bytes · Minimum packet size: 10416 bytes · Maximum packet size: 31250 bytes · Standard deviation (since, to generate the model, the "shoulders" of the normal distribution will be higher or lower depending on the standard deviation) · 1 million packets have been used for evaluation

[0059] These simple numbers already indicate that the tables defined in TS 38.321 will be sub-optimally used, since only a small number of the defined bins will be used, resulting in large quantization over-estimation.

[0060] Example: Assuming reporting via the 5-bit BSR table from Table 6.1.3.1-1 in TS 38.321, the above traffic model results in only a few BSR table bins being used. Figure 6 Shows how the traffic model maps onto the BSR table bins. Note that for Figure 6 , only the bins from the table that are used for the given traffic model are shown. When plotting Figure 6 , the other bins (the bins not used for the given traffic model) are clipped or not included. The point 602 indicates the BSR table bin boundary. The X marks indicate the cumulative over-requested bytes (quantization error) for each bin. The shaded area under the traffic model curve indicates the probability. Clearly, most bins have a zero (0) probability of ever being used. Assuming a scheme where the UE always rounds up and uses padding to report larger BSR values, 16.7% of all the requested bytes are padding bytes. Table values that fall outside the traffic model packet size are not shown.

[0061] Using a larger, finer-grained 8-bit table improves the bits. The padding bytes are significantly lower at 3.1% of the total requested bytes. Figure 7 Shows the result of using the 8-bit BSR table with the same interpretation as Figure 6 . Figure 7 The X-axis is limited to the maximum value of the traffic model and all the unused bins above are not shown. The same is true for other similar plots with variable BSR tables; only the minimum value 0 is cut off. Of course, they are zero (0) probable and not used by the XR traffic model.

[0062] The step size used in the current BSR table can increase exponentially with the increase in buffer size (e.g., up to several MB). A large step size can have a negative impact on the system capacity of XR applications. XR applications and their traffic are inherently different from each other, and various XR services will evolve differently over time. Therefore, as is evident from this document, it would be more effective to introduce a mechanism where tables are created to address the needs of specific services. The importance of BSR enhancements has been discussed in 3GPP meetings.

[0063] Utilizing the features described herein, the introduction of a dynamic or variable BSR table can be provided. The network can signal parameters to the UE for the automatic generation of a BSR table consistent with the traffic characteristics of the UE. Additionally, signaling exchange in the BSR-Config field in the RRC message can be used to establish a new table type. Finally, a new MAC CE can also be introduced for high-speed BSR table adjustment without the need for LCG reconfiguration via RRC.

[0064] Utilizing the features described herein, the serving cell gNB of the UE can configure the UE with a minimum and maximum buffer size to be used in the BSR table. Additionally, the UE can also be configured with information related to the bin range of the BSR table. The bin mode or configuration or range can include, for example, notifying the UE whether the BSR table should be linear, exponential, or some other form (i.e., shape). Based on this configuration, the UE can be configured to automatically generate a BSR table. Thereby, the automatically generated BSR table can be suitable for the current traffic characteristics of the UE. This can be used to minimize the quantization error of BSR reporting compared to using a fixed general BSR table designed to cover multiple use cases. The network (NW) (e.g., gNb) can also automatically generate a BSR table so that both the UE and the NW have the same understanding.

[0065] Note that the gNB can have information from the core network (CN) regarding the traffic and QoS characteristics of the UE. Therefore, the gNB can appropriately select parameters, such as minimum, maximum, and shape, for the BSR table that is most suitable for configuring the UE. The gNB can, for example, base the parameters on 5QI information, information on average data rate, number of frames per second, jitter information, etc. For the XR case, signaling such information to the gNB has been discussed to facilitate better radio performance optimization consistent with the actual traffic characteristics. Utilizing the features disclosed herein, improved uplink performance can be provided as the gNb will have more accurate information to perform appropriate radio resource allocation for its users based on what is actually buffered for pending transmissions at the terminal.

[0066] Using the features disclosed herein, a new MAC CE (or bits in the BSR MAC CE) can be introduced for the UE to flag a reported BSR where the indicated value is not accurate enough (within a given or configured threshold). Using this information, the network can be configured to pay attention to resource allocation in the following grants and / or adjust the BS table according to the scheme explained above. In another exemplary embodiment, failing to meet a certain accuracy requirement in a TTI for the BSR can trigger another BSR in a subsequent transmission. As another exemplary embodiment, more than one BSR can be triggered for the same LCH / LCG in the same TTI such that the sum is as accurate as possible. For example, assume 80 bytes are buffered, but we can only indicate 10, 30, 50, 100; instead of signaling a BSR with 50, we can have two: one with 50 and the other with 30.

[0067] More details regarding the proposal are provided below, which correspond to the signaling exchange for enabling a dynamic or variable BSR table. There are multiple levels in the protocol stack where these steps can be implemented. For the following example, assume the existing MAC CE for the BSR is retained and the BSR table to be generated is 5 bits or 8 bits such that the existing BSR MAC CE signaling can remain unchanged. However, this does not preclude defining additional MAC CE with more or fewer bits in the future.

[0068] Figure 8 The example message signaling in shows some of the steps in one type of exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 An example of a BSR-CONFIG message 800 sent from gNB 170 to UE 110 is shown. In this message 800, additional parameters are added which are configured such that the UE has enough information to uniquely generate a new BSR table. As shown in step 9, an optional new MAC CE 802 configured to change one or more parameters sent in step 4 can also be used for faster BSR table adjustment or rewrite. Such RRC (layer 3) combined with MAC (layer 2) splitting is just one option. All signaling can also be done in MAC or RRC where various trade-offs need to be considered.

[0069] In step 1, the CN 190 can provide PDU session information, as shown at 804. The PDU session information can contain expected traffic information. The supply of PDU session information already exists in the current 5G specifications, but some traffic information details are not fully specified in the current 5G specifications yet. However, there are multiple tracks within SA2 when standardizing such aspects. This can be an exact traffic model similar to the traffic models used in XR research (e.g., 38.838), or a simple XR flag indicating that the PDU session is an XR session and certain periodic traffic is expected.

[0070] At step 2, the gNb can analyze the provided PDU session information and decide whether a dynamic BSR table should exist, as indicated by 806, for example, based on some identification or inference. At step 3, the gNB 170 can generate a set of parameters configured to generate a dynamic BSR table, as indicated by 808. These parameters include, for example: minimum buffer size, maximum buffer size, and the shape of the buffer, as described above. More or fewer parameters can be used. In step 4, the enhanced BSR-CONFIG message 800 can be sent via existing RRC signaling, for example, to notify the UE that a new BSR table can be defined or is being defined. The new fields in the BSR-CONFIG message 800 can carry the parameters required to generate the new BSR table.

[0071] In one example embodiment, the gNB 170 uses the parameters to generate a new BSR table, and the UE can also use the parameters from message 800 to generate the same BSR table and use it for future BSR reports. Thus, both the gNB and the UE can generate the same BSR table based on the parameters respectively. Another example embodiment contemplates that, in step 4, the gNB creates a new BSR table and transmits the new BSR table to the UE via RRC signaling, rather than just transmitting the parameters.

[0072] The UE 110 can wait for the next BSR report trigger (depending on the type of BSR) and measure the buffer size. The UE can report the index to the gNB via existing MAC CE.

[0073] Another embodiment that can be considered has MAC CE of different sizes and thus a larger table. The gNB can use the reported index to schedule radio resources for the UE.

[0074] As indicated in step 9, an alternative method faster than RRC signaling can be provided, including the possibility of changing the table parameters via a new MAC CE 802. Using this alternative or additional method, one or more parameters defining the table can be updated based on traffic attributes. Using the example of XR, this would be, for example, an L4S marking on the IP layer, thus reducing the data rate - the marking rate and the expected data rate, based on which is known at the gNb, and it may be beneficial to update, for example, the minimum / maximum parameters of the table. As shown in step 10, the gNB 170 can re-evaluate the traffic type (possibly based on local trigger, CN trigger, or UE trigger), as shown in 810. At step 11, the gNB 170 can signal 812 to the UE 110 the parameter change of the new MAC CE. At step 12, the UE 110 can be configured to use the information from the signal 812 to regenerate 814 the dynamic BSR table in the UE into a new partially different BSR table.

[0075] Example of table generation

[0076] Different strategies can be used to generate a new BSR table from several defined parameters. Two examples are described below; namely, the range-limited function and the probability function. However, these examples should not be considered restrictive. For these examples, the same expected traffic model as above is used. In these examples, it is assumed that the existing 5-bit BSR reporting field and 8-bit BSR reporting field are used to limit the number of table entries. Some basic considerations for the table are: · The first element is always 0 (zero) · The last element is always interpreted as greater than that value. · The penultimate element is the same as the last element, but is interpreted as less than that value. Note that the above is not technically required. It simply makes the table consistent with the existing table and provides some possibilities for scheduling traffic of any size, although with much larger quantization errors. The effect is that three table bins cannot be used for traffic adaptation.

[0077] Range-limited function

[0078] The range-limited function can use the following parameters: · min_size: The expected minimum size of the buffer · max_size: The expected maximum size of the buffer. This is mapped to the last 2 indices of the new BSR table. · std: The expected standard deviation of the distribution · lower_bound: This is the selected lower bound indicating the start of the linear finite range. This is defined according to the cumulative distribution function (CDF) probability that the buffer size is below a given value. · Upper limit: This is the selected upper limit indicating the stop of the linear finite range. This is defined based on the CDF probability that the buffer size is below a given value. · Mean: The expected average size of the buffer. · Distribution: The expected distribution for the traffic - a truncated Gaussian for XR in this example.

[0079] Procedure for calculating the BSR table: 1. Use min_size, max_size, mean, and std to generate the distribution 2. Calculate the value at the lower limit, and then assign the newly calculated lower_limit to element 1 of the BSR table. 3. Calculate the value at the upper limit, and then assign the newly calculated upper_limit to element N - 3 of the BSR table. 4. Calculate the BSR table step size as: where N is the total number of BSR table entries (32 for 5 bits, 256 for 8 - bit BSR field size) 5. Assign BSR table values to the remaining bins by incrementing in BSR starting from index 2 step increments.

[0080] For the 5 - bit BSR field Figure 9 and for the 8 - bit BSR field Figure 10 shows the performance of the scheme for lower limit = 0.1 and upper limit = 0.99 (all other parameters are according to the traffic model). Compared with 16.7% and 3.1% of the current BSR table, the corresponding error over - requests are 1.4% and 0.8% respectively. The figure also shows that a large number of over - requested bytes come from the first bin and the last bin. Therefore, the scheme can be adjusted by choosing a lower lower limit and a higher upper limit; increasing the over - request error in the middle, but reducing the total error rate.

[0081] Probability function

[0082] The probability function can use the following parameters: · min_size: The expected minimum size of the buffer. This is mapped to index 1 of the new BSR table. · max_size: The expected maximum size of the buffer. This is mapped to the last 2 indices of the new BSR table. · std: The expected standard deviation of the distribution. · Mean: The expected average size of the buffer. · Distribution: The expected distribution for the traffic - a truncated Gaussian for XR in this example.

[0083] Process for calculating the BSR table: 1. Use min_size, max_size, mean, and std to generate a distribution 2. Calculate N - 3 equal probability ranges and assign them to bins 2 to N - 3. The calculation can be performed using, for example, the quantile function.

[0084] The performance of this scheme is shown respectively in Figure 11 for the 5 - bit BSR field and in Figure 12 for the 8 - bit BSR field. Compared with 16.7% and 3.1% of the current BSR table, the corresponding error over - requests are 1.7% and 0.2% respectively. It is also shown in the figure that a large number of over - requested bytes come from the last bin. Therefore, the scheme can be adjusted by skewing the distribution upward or defining the ratio of range size to probability; such that the ranges are not equally likely, but equal in terms of probability weighted by the range size.

[0085] Figure 13 summarizes the improvements achieved in terms of the CDF of the quantization error for 5 bits, and Figure 14 summarizes the improvements achieved in terms of the CDF of the quantization error for 8 bits. Figure 13 and Figure 14 show the CDF versus the packet size. In Figure 13 , for 5 bits, 1302 is the reference, 1304 is the truncated uniform linear, and 1306 is the truncated probability. In Figure 14 , for 5 bits, 1402 is the reference, 1404 is the truncated uniform linear, and 1406 is the truncated probability.

[0086] Utilizing the features described herein, a new MAC CE can be provided to adjust the table. Additionally, a new MAC CE (or bits in the BSR MAC CE) can be introduced for the UE to flag the reported BSR for which the indicated value is not accurate enough (within a given or configured threshold); such that the network will carefully allocate the resources in the following grant and / or adjust the BSR table according to the scheme explained above. Furthermore, making the BSR fail to meet some accuracy requirements in a TTI can be a trigger to initiate another BSR in a subsequent transmission. A specific gNB - to - UE signaling procedure can be provided, for example, as Figure 8 shown. This can include the gNB signaling specific parameters (e.g., minimum, maximum, and shape) to the UE, after which the UE can automatically generate the BSR table accordingly and then use the BSR table.

[0087] The protocol data unit session information may include an indication of a variable buffer status report table. Thus, PDU session establishment may carry specific instructions for using a variable BSR. This is of course an option. However, with the features described herein, a PDU session may be established as it is now, and the context information included in that establishment may be used to detect opportunities for a variable BSR, and the gNB may be configured to make its own decision regarding the use of a variable BSR. Precise logic may be used for gNB implementation. Additional PDU session signaling to assist in that decision (or explicitly request it) is of course also an option. Finally, the gNB may also ignore all the information in the PDU session establishment and simply run statistical analysis on the data passing through and decide on an action based on actions regarding a possible variable BSR.

[0088] New MAC CE signaling may be provided in at least the following example specific situations: · Update variable table definition parameters (implicitly trigger table redefinition) · Send an indication of an inaccurate BSR report - for implementation based on remaining gNB actions · Send multiple BSR MAC CEs to establish more accurate BSR knowledge at the gNB. The simplest example is to first report a shortage and then fill it with a second BSR report such that the gNB uses the sum.

[0089] More than one BSR may be triggered for the same LCH / LCG in the same TTI such that the sum is as accurate as possible. For example, assume 80 bytes are buffered, but we can only indicate 10, 30, 50, 100; instead of signaling a BSR with 50, we can have two BSRs with 50 and 30.

[0090] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving a signal that includes information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0091] The information can be configured to partially change a variable buffer status report table. The information can include a parameter that is configured to change at least one value in the variable buffer status report table, or the size of the variable buffer status report table, or the shape of the values in the variable buffer status report table. The parameter can include information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value for a bin in the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value for a bin in the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The signal can include a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station. The variable buffer status report table can include a plurality of bins, and at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, in conjunction with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: create a variable buffer status report table such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins. The apparatus can perform: receiving a MAC control element that has additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table. The signal can include a MAC control element message.

[0092] According to an example embodiment, a method as shown in Figure 20 can be provided, the method including: receiving, by a user equipment, a signal that includes information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table, as shown in block 2002; and changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information, as shown in block 2004. The information can be used by the user equipment to only partially change the variable buffer status report table. The information can include a parameter for changing the variable buffer status report table. The parameter can include at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value for a bin in the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value for a bin in the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The signal can include a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station. The variable buffer status report table can include a plurality of bins, and the value in at least one of the bins is changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins. The method can further include: receiving a MAC control element that has additional information and using the additional information to partially change the variable buffer status report table. The signal can include a MAC control element message.

[0093] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device is provided that is readable by a device and tangibly embodies an instruction program executable with the device to perform operations, the operations including: receiving a signal that includes information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0094] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: means for receiving, by a user equipment, a signal that includes information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and means for changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0095] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving a signal that includes parameters configured to create a variable buffer status report table, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning mode for the variable buffer status report table; and creating the variable buffer status report table at least partially based on the received signal.

[0096] The creation of a variable buffer status report table can include creating a variable buffer status report table such that a portion of the variable buffer status report table is configured to be changed without changing another portion of the variable buffer status report table. Parameters can be configured to establish at least one value in the variable buffer status report table or the size of the variable buffer status report table or the shape of the values in the variable buffer status report table relative to each other. The parameters can include information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, a minimum value for bins of the variable buffer status report table, a maximum value for bins of the variable buffer status report table, a bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, a value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. A signal can include a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station. The variable buffer status report table can include a plurality of bins, and at least one memory and computer program code can be configured to, with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: create a variable buffer status report table such that a value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing a value in at least one other of the bins. At least one memory and computer program code can be configured to, with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: perform receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

[0097] According to one example embodiment, there is provided a method as Figure 21The method shown, the method comprising: receiving a signal, the signal including parameters configured to create a variable buffer status report table, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a bin pattern for the variable buffer status report table, as shown in block 2102; and creating a variable buffer status report table at least partially based on the received signal, as shown in block 2104. The creation of the variable buffer status report table may include creating the variable buffer status report table such that a portion of the variable buffer status report table is configured to be changed without changing another portion of the variable buffer status report table. The parameters may be configured to establish at least one value in the variable buffer status report table or the size of the variable buffer status report table or the shape of the values in the variable buffer status report table relative to each other. The parameters may include information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The signal may include a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station. The variable buffer status report table may include a plurality of bins, and wherein the variable buffer status report table is created such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins. The method may further include: receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

[0098] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device is provided, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations including: receiving, by a user equipment, a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0099] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: means for receiving, by a user equipment, a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and means for changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0100] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device including: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold.

[0101] Transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold may include a MAC control element transmitted by the device to a base station. Transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold includes bits in a buffer status report MAC control element. The threshold may be one of: a threshold received by the device or a threshold configured by the device. The threshold may be related to a transmission time interval (TTI). The transmitted information may be configured to trigger the sending of additional information to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

[0102] According to an example embodiment, a method as Figure 22 shown includes: determining, by a user equipment, that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, as shown in block 2202; and based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, transmitting, by the user equipment, information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, as shown in block 2404. Transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold may include a MAC control element transmitted by the device to a base station. Transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold may include bits in a buffer status report MAC control element. The threshold may be one of: a threshold received by the user equipment or a threshold configured by the user equipment. The threshold may be related to a transmission time interval (TTI). The transmitted information may be configured to trigger the sending of additional information to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

[0103] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device is provided, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations including: determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold, transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold.

[0104] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: means for determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and means for transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold.

[0105] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; creating a plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

[0106] The creation of multiple buffer status report tables may include creating at least one variable buffer status report table. The creation of multiple buffer status report tables may include receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including information configured to partially or fully change at least one variable buffer status report table; and the selective use of one or more of the created buffer status report tables includes changing at least one of the variable buffer status report tables in the variable buffer status report tables based on the received information. A parameter may be configured to change in at least one of the buffer status report tables in the buffer status report tables: at least one value in the buffer status report table, or the size of the buffer status report table, or the shape of the values in the buffer status report table relative to each other. The parameter may include information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The at least one signal may include a BSR-CONFIG message received from a base station. The variable buffer status report table may include multiple bins, and at least one memory and computer program code is configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: create the variable buffer status report table such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins. At least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: perform receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

[0107] According to one example embodiment, there is provided a method as Figure 23The method shown, the method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables, as shown in block 2302; creating, by the user equipment, a plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal, as shown in block 2304; and selectively using, by the user equipment, one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information, as shown in block 2306. The creation of the plurality of buffer status report tables may include creating at least one variable buffer status report table. The creation of the plurality of buffer status report tables may include the received at least one signal, the at least one signal including information configured to partially or fully change at least one variable buffer status report table; and the selective use of one or more of the created buffer status report tables includes changing at least one of the variable buffer status report tables in the variable buffer status report table based on the received information. The parameters may be configured to change in at least one of the buffer status report tables: at least one value in the buffer status report table, or the size of the buffer status report table, or the shape of the values in the buffer status report table relative to each other. The parameters include information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The at least one signal may include a BSR-CONFIG message received from a base station. The variable buffer status report table may include a plurality of bins, and at least one memory and computer program code is configured to, in conjunction with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: create the variable buffer status report table such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, in conjunction with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: execute receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

[0108] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device can be provided, which can be read by a device and tangibly embodies an instruction program for performing operations that can be executed with the device. The operations include: receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; creating the plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

[0109] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: means for receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; means for creating the plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and means for selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

[0110] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: transmitting a signal to a user equipment via a MAC control element, the MAC control element having information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table in the user equipment. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to: perform a determination that another variable buffer status report table in the device is to be changed. The information can be configured to only partially change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment. The information can be configured to change at least one parameter defining the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment. The information can be configured to trigger a recalculation of the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0111] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a Figure 24The method shown includes: determining at least one parameter to be sent to a user equipment, where the at least one parameter is configured to be used with the user equipment to at least partially change at least one variable buffer status report table in the user equipment, as shown in block 2402; and transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, where the MAC control element includes the at least one parameter, as shown in block 2402. The method may further include determining that another variable buffer status report table in the device is to be changed. The information may be configured to only partially change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment. The at least one parameter may at least partially define the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment. The information may be configured to trigger a recalculation of the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0112] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device may be provided, which can be read by a device and tangibly embodies an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations including: determining at least one parameter to be sent to a user equipment, where the at least one parameter is configured to be used with the user equipment to at least partially change at least one variable buffer status report table in the user equipment; and transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, where the MAC control element includes the at least one parameter.

[0113] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, which includes: means for determining at least one parameter to be sent to a user equipment, where the at least one parameter is configured to be used with the user equipment to at least partially change at least one variable buffer status report table in the user equipment; and means for transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, where the MAC control element includes the at least one parameter.

[0114] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, which includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including 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 device to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; determining a plurality of parameters at least partially based on the received data unit session information, where at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning mode for a variable buffer status report table; and using the plurality of parameters to create a variable buffer status report table.

[0115] Multiple parameters can be configured to at least partially determine a binning mode including at least one of the following: the size of a variable buffer status report table, a minimum value of a bin for the variable buffer status report table, a maximum value of a bin for the variable buffer status report table, a bin value mode for the variable buffer status report table, a value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, and whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. At least one memory and computer program code can be configured to, with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending multiple parameters to a user equipment, where the multiple parameters are configured to at least partially cause the user equipment to create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table. At least one memory and computer program code can be configured to, with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, where the MAC control element includes a change to at least one of the multiple parameters.

[0116] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a method as Figure 25 shown, the method comprising: receiving protocol data unit session information, as shown in block 2502; determining multiple parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, where at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning mode for a variable buffer status report table, as shown in block 2504; and creating a variable buffer status report table using the multiple parameters, as shown in block 2506. The method may further comprise: sending multiple parameters to a user equipment, where the multiple parameters are configured to at least partially cause the user equipment to create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table. The method may further comprise: transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, where the MAC control element includes a change to at least one of the multiple parameters.

[0117] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory program storage device readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving protocol data unit session information; determining multiple parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, where at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning mode for a variable buffer status report table; and creating a variable buffer status report table using the multiple parameters.

[0118] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: means for receiving protocol data unit session information; means for determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a bin pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and means for creating a variable buffer status report table using the plurality of parameters.

[0119] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a bin pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and sending the parameters, together with a radio resource control message, to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

[0120] The plurality of parameters may be configured to at least in part determine a bin pattern including at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of a bin for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of a bin for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element includes a change for at least one of the plurality of parameters. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: creating an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device using the plurality of parameters; and partially changing the copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device using the change transmitted together with the at least one signal. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: creating a copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device using the plurality of parameters.

[0121] According to an example embodiment, a kind as Figure 26The method shown, the method comprising: receiving protocol data unit session information, as shown in block 2602; determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table, as shown in block 2604; and transmitting the parameters together with a radio resource control message to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information, as shown in block 2606.

[0122] The plurality of parameters may be configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern including at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the value distribution shape of the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential. The method may further comprise: transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element includes a change for at least one of the plurality of parameters. The method may further comprise: using the plurality of parameters to create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device; and partially changing the copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device using the change transmitted together with the at least one signal. The method may further comprise: using the plurality of parameters to create a copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device.

[0123] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations including: receiving protocol data unit session information; determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and transmitting the parameters together with a radio resource control message to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

[0124] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a device, the device comprising: means for receiving protocol data unit session information; means for determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and means for transmitting the parameters together with a radio resource control message to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

[0125] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; and based on the reception of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0126] According to an example embodiment, a method as Figure 27 shown is provided, the method comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; and based on the reception of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0127] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device is provided, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; and based on the reception of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0128] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: means for receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; and means for, based on the reception of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

[0129] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided, the device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; and selectively using one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables for first information buffered and sent by a user equipment.

[0130] According to an example embodiment, a method as Figure 28The method shown, the method comprising: receiving protocol data unit session information, as shown in block 2802; creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables, as shown in block 2804; and selectively using one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables for first information buffered and transmitted by a user equipment, as shown in block 2806.

[0131] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory program storage device readable by a device, tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving protocol data unit session information; creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; and selectively using one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables for first information buffered and transmitted by a user equipment.

[0132] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a device, the device comprising: means for receiving protocol data unit session information; means for creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; and means for selectively using one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables for first information buffered and transmitted by a user equipment.

[0133] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a device, the device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: selecting a plurality of buffer status reports such that the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the plurality of buffer status reports is more accurate than the buffer size indicated by a single buffer status report among the buffer status reports.

[0134] According to an example embodiment, there is provided a method as Figure 29 shown, the method comprising: providing a device with the ability to select buffer status reports from a plurality of potential buffer status reports; and selecting at least two buffer status reports among the buffer status reports for use in combination with each other, wherein the at least two buffer status reports are selected from the plurality of potential buffer status reports based on the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the at least two buffer status reports.

[0135] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device is provided that is readable by a device and tangibly embodies an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations including: providing the device with the ability to select a buffer status report from a plurality of potential buffer status reports; and selecting at least two of the buffer status reports for use in combination with each other, wherein the at least two buffer status reports are selected from the plurality of potential buffer status reports based on the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the at least two buffer status reports.

[0136] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: means for providing the device with the ability to select a buffer status report from a plurality of potential buffer status reports; and means for selecting at least two of the buffer status reports for use in combination with each other, wherein the at least two buffer status reports are selected from the plurality of potential buffer status reports based on the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the at least two buffer status reports.

[0137] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving a signal that includes information configured to generate a variable buffer status report table; and generating a variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

[0138] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: a device including: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information, wherein the protocol data unit session information includes an indication of a variable buffer status report table; creating a variable buffer status report table at least in part based on the received data unit session information; and sending the created variable buffer status report table to a user equipment.

[0139] According to an example embodiment, a device is provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information, wherein the protocol data unit session information includes an indication of a variable buffer status report table; and sending, at least in part based on the received data unit session information, a parameter to a user equipment, wherein the parameter is configured to be used by the user equipment to create a variable buffer status report table.

[0140] Using the features described herein, a new variable BSR table may have been determined and subsequently configured with one or more parameters on RRC and in use. In such a case, a new MAC CE can be used to change one or more parameters defining the table; thereby triggering table recalculation.

[0141] The binning pattern can include, for example, a predefined number of bins distributed across a range of packet sizes bounded by MIN / MAX. As an example, Figure 15 An example binning pattern of a smaller size 1500 (a bin of only 3 rows) is shown in relation to Figure 16 , Figure 16 An example binning pattern of a relatively larger size 1600 (a bin of 7 rows) is shown. Similarly, shown is Figure 17 to show a linear binning pattern or shape (values in the linear pattern increase by 1 - 6), and shown is Figure 18 to show a non - linear binning pattern or shape (values in the bin or field increase by 1, 2, 4, 8, 16). Using the features described herein, lower and upper bounds can be used to establish the size of the BSR table. In addition to the minimum value (Min) in the bin and the maximum value (Max) in the bin, lower and upper bounds can also be used. Min and Max alone are not optimal. It has been found that more information can be used to better adapt to traffic; such as using the size of the table with lower and upper bounds as described above. Another feature can employ the use of traffic statistics knowledge. In addition to Min and Max, example embodiments can use the standard deviation and mean of the traffic. Assuming no distribution skew, for example, these can also be calculated from Min / Max. These can be signaled during PDU session establishment based on XR application signaling or based on statistics observed by the gNB. Using the features described herein, certain statistical knowledge of Min / Max and traffic is obtained through direct signaling or monitoring.

[0142] Figure 19 is a diagram showing that the UE can include multiple BSR tables having different sizes and / or shapes (such as 1902, 1904, and 1906). As described above, the UE can be configured to select one or more of the different size / shape tables to be used as described above.

[0143] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art can design various alternatives and modifications. For example, the features recited in the various dependent claims can be combined with each other in any suitable combination. In addition, features from the different embodiments above can be selectively combined into new embodiments. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: receiving a signal, the signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the information is configured to only partially change the variable buffer status report table.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the information includes a parameter configured to change at least one value in the variable buffer status report table or the size of the variable buffer status report table or the shape of the values in the variable buffer status report table.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the parameter includes information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of a bin for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of a bin for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signal includes a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable buffer status report table includes a plurality of bins, and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to: create the variable buffer status report table such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to: perform receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signal includes a MAC control element message.

9. A method, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the information is used by the user equipment to only partially change the variable buffer status report table.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the information includes parameters for changing the variable buffer status report table.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the parameters include at least one of the following: The size of the variable buffer status report table, The minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, The maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, The bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, The value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, Whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or Whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the signal includes a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the variable buffer status report table includes a plurality of bins, and wherein the value in at least one of the bins is changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprises: Receiving a MAC control element having additional information and using the additional information to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the signal includes a MAC control element message.

17. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations comprising: Receiving a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and Changing the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

18. A device, comprising: Components for receiving, by a user equipment, a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and Components for changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

19. A device, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: Receiving a signal including parameters configured to create a variable buffer status report table, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a bin pattern for the variable buffer status report table; and Creating the variable buffer status report table at least partially based on the received signal.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the creation of the variable buffer status report table includes creating the variable buffer status report table such that a part of the variable buffer status report table is configured to be changed without changing another part of the variable buffer status report table.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the parameter is configured to establish at least one value in the variable buffer status report table or the size of the variable buffer status report table or the shape of the values in the variable buffer status report table relative to each other.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the parameter includes information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value for a bin of the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value for a bin of the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the signal includes a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the variable buffer status report table includes a plurality of bins, and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: create the variable buffer status report table such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: perform receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

26. A method, comprising: receiving a signal, the signal including a parameter configured to create a variable buffer status report table, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a bin pattern for the variable buffer status report table; and creating the variable buffer status report table at least partially based on the received signal.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the creation of the variable buffer status report table includes creating the variable buffer status report table such that a part of the variable buffer status report table is configured to be changed without changing another part of the variable buffer status report table.

28. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the parameter is configured to establish at least one value in the variable buffer status report table, or the size of the variable buffer status report table, or the shape of the values in the variable buffer status report table relative to each other.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the parameter includes information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of the bin for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of the bin for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the signal includes a BSR-CONFIG signal received from a base station.

31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the variable buffer status report table includes a plurality of bins, and wherein the variable buffer status report table is created such that the value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing the value in at least one other of the bins.

32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, further comprising: receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

33. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

34. A device, comprising: means for receiving, by a user equipment, a signal including information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table; and means for changing, by the user equipment, the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

35. A device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has the accuracy below the predetermined threshold based on the determination that the variable buffer status report table has the accuracy below the predetermined threshold.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein transmitting the information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold includes a MAC control element transmitted by the apparatus to a base station.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein transmitting the information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold includes bits in a buffer status report MAC control element.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the threshold is one of the following: a threshold received by the apparatus or a threshold configured by the apparatus.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the threshold is related to a transmission time interval (TTI).

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the transmitted information is configured to trigger the transmission of additional information to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

41. A method, comprising: determining, by a user equipment, that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and transmitting, based on the determination that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold, information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has the accuracy below the predetermined threshold.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein transmitting the information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold includes a MAC control element transmitted by the apparatus to a base station.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein transmitting the information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold includes bits in a buffer status report MAC control element.

44. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the threshold is one of the following: a threshold received by the user equipment or a threshold configured by the user equipment.

45. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the threshold is related to a transmission time interval (TTI).

46. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the transmitted information is configured to trigger the transmission of additional information to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

47. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by an apparatus and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and transmitting, based on the determination that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold, information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has the accuracy below the predetermined threshold.

48. An apparatus, comprising: means for determining that a variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below a predetermined threshold; and A component for transmitting information to indicate that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold based on determining that the variable buffer status report table has an accuracy below the predetermined threshold.

49. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; creating the plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the creating of the plurality of buffer status report tables includes creating at least one variable buffer status report table.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the creating of the plurality of buffer status report tables includes the received at least one signal, the at least one signal including information configured to partially or fully change the at least one variable buffer status report table; and the selective use of the one or more created buffer status report tables includes changing at least one of the variable buffer status report tables in the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 50, wherein the parameters are configured to change in at least one of the buffer status report tables: at least one value in the buffer status report table, or the size of the buffer status report table, or the shape of the values in the buffer status report table relative to each other.

53. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the parameters include information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, the minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, the bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, the shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

54. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein the at least one signal includes a BSR-CONFIG message received from a base station.

55. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the variable buffer status report table comprises a plurality of bins, and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: create the variable buffer status report table such that a value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing a value in at least one other of the bins.

56. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 55, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: perform receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to be used to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

57. A method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, at least one signal, the at least one signal comprising parameters configured to be used to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; creating, by the user equipment, the plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and selectively using, by the user equipment, one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the creating of the plurality of buffer status report tables comprises creating at least one variable buffer status report table.

59. The method according to claim 58, wherein the creating of the plurality of buffer status report tables comprises the received at least one signal, the at least one signal comprising information configured to be used to partially or fully change the at least one variable buffer status report table; and the selectively using of the one or more created buffer status report tables comprises changing at least one of the variable buffer status report tables in the variable buffer status report table based on the received information.

60. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the parameters are configured to be used to change in at least one of the buffer status report tables: at least one value in the buffer status report table, or the size of the buffer status report table, or the shape of the values in the buffer status report table relative to each other.

61. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 60, wherein the parameters comprise information related to at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, a minimum value for a bin of the variable buffer status report table, a maximum value for a bin of the variable buffer status report table, a bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, a value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, or whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

62. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 61, wherein the at least one signal includes a BSR-CONFIG message received from a base station.

63. The method according to any one of claims 58 to 62, wherein the variable buffer status report table includes a plurality of bins, and wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: create the variable buffer status report table such that a value in at least one of the bins is configured to be changed without changing a value in at least one other of the bins.

64. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 63, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: perform receiving a MAC control element having additional information configured to partially change the variable buffer status report table.

65. A non-transitory program storage device readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations including: receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; creating the plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

66. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving at least one signal, the at least one signal including parameters configured to create a plurality of buffer status report tables; means for creating the plurality of buffer status report tables based on the received at least one signal; and means for selectively using one or more of the created buffer status report tables for buffering first information.

67. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including 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 perform: transmitting a signal to a user equipment via a MAC control element, the MAC control element having information configured to partially or fully change a variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

68. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: perform determining that another variable buffer status report table in the apparatus is to be changed.

69. The apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 68, wherein the information is configured to only partially change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

70. The apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the information is configured to change at least one parameter defining the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

71. The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the information is configured to trigger a recalculation of the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

72. A method comprising: determining at least one parameter to be sent to a user equipment, wherein the at least one parameter is configured to be used with the user equipment to at least partially change at least one variable buffer status report table in the user equipment; and transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element comprises the at least one parameter.

73. The method according to claim 72, further comprising determining that another variable buffer status report table in the apparatus is to be changed.

74. The method according to any one of claims 72 to 73, wherein the information is configured to only partially change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

75. The method according to any one of claims 72 to 74, wherein the at least one parameter at least partially defines the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

76. The method according to claim 72, wherein the information is configured to trigger a recalculation of the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

77. A non-transitory program storage device, readable by a device, tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining at least one parameter to be sent to a user equipment, wherein the at least one parameter is configured to be used with the user equipment to at least partially change at least one variable buffer status report table in the user equipment; and transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element comprises the at least one parameter.

78. An apparatus comprising: means for determining at least one parameter to be sent to a user equipment, wherein the at least one parameter is configured to be used with the user equipment to at least partially change at least one variable buffer status report table in the user equipment; and means for transmitting at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element comprises the at least one parameter.

79. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory, including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving protocol data unit session information; Determine a plurality of parameters based at least in part on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; And Create the variable buffer status report table using the plurality of parameters.

80. The apparatus according to claim 79, wherein the plurality of parameters are configured to at least partially determine a binning pattern including at least one of the following: The size of the variable buffer status report table, The minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, The maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, The bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, The shape of the value distribution for the variable buffer status report table, Whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, Whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

81. The apparatus according to any one of claims 79 to 80, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Send the plurality of parameters to a user equipment, wherein the plurality of parameters are configured to at least partially cause the user equipment to create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table.

82. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Transmit at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element includes a change to at least one of the plurality of parameters.

83. A method, Comprising: Receive protocol data unit session information; Determine a plurality of parameters based at least in part on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; And Create the variable buffer status report table using the plurality of parameters.

84. The method according to claim 83, further Comprising: Send the plurality of parameters to a user equipment, wherein the plurality of parameters are configured to at least partially cause the user equipment to create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table.

85. The method according to claim 84, further Comprising: Transmit at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element includes a change to at least one of the plurality of parameters.

86. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by an apparatus and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations Comprising: Receive protocol data unit session information; Determine a plurality of parameters based at least in part on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least partially determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; And Create the variable buffer status report table using the plurality of parameters.

87. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving protocol data unit session information; means for determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and means for creating the variable buffer status report table using the plurality of parameters.

88. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receive protocol data unit session information; determine a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; and send the parameters to a user equipment together with a radio resource control message at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

89. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the plurality of parameters are configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern including at least one of the following: the size of the variable buffer status report table, a minimum value for a bin of the variable buffer status report table, a maximum value for a bin of the variable buffer status report table, a bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, a value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

90. The apparatus according to any one of claims 88 to 89, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: transmit at least one signal to the user equipment using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element includes a change for at least one of the plurality of parameters.

91. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table in the apparatus using the plurality of parameters; and partially change the copy of the variable buffer status report table in the apparatus using the change transmitted together with the at least one signal.

92. The apparatus according to any one of claims 88 to 90, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: create a copy of the variable buffer status report table in the apparatus using the plurality of parameters.

93. A method, comprising: receive protocol data unit session information; Determine a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; And Send the parameters together with a radio resource control message to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

94. The method according to claim 93, wherein the plurality of parameters are configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern including at least one of the following: The size of the variable buffer status report table, The minimum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, The maximum value of the bins for the variable buffer status report table, The bin value pattern for the variable buffer status report table, The value distribution shape for the variable buffer status report table, Whether the variable buffer status report table is linear, Whether the variable buffer status report table is exponential.

95. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 94, further Comprising: Transmit at least one signal to the user equipment by using a MAC control element, wherein the MAC control element includes a change for at least one of the plurality of parameters.

96. The method according to claim 95, further Comprising: Use the plurality of parameters to create an identical copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device; And Use the change transmitted together with the at least one signal to partially change the copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device.

97. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 95, further Comprising: Use the plurality of parameters to create a copy of the variable buffer status report table in the device.

98. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by a device and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the device for performing operations, the operations Comprising: Receive protocol data unit session information; Determine a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; And Send the parameters together with a radio resource control message to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

99. A device, Comprising: Components for receiving protocol data unit session information; Components for determining a plurality of parameters at least in part based on the received data unit session information, wherein at least one of the parameters is configured to at least in part determine a binning pattern for a variable buffer status report table; And Components for sending the parameters together with a radio resource control message to a user equipment at least in part based on the received data unit session information.

100. A device, Comprising: At least one processor; And At least one non-transitory memory, including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; And Based on the receiving of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

101. A method, Comprising: Receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; And Based on the receiving of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

102. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by an apparatus and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations Comprising: Receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; And Based on the receiving of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

103. An apparatus, Comprising: Means for receiving, from a user equipment, a signal indicating that a variable buffer status report table does not meet an accuracy requirement; And Means for, based on the receiving of the signal, sending, to the user equipment, information configured to change the variable buffer status report table in the user equipment.

104. An apparatus, Comprising: At least one processor; And At least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Receiving protocol data unit session information; Creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; And Selectively using, for first information buffered and sent by a user equipment, one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables.

105. A method, Comprising: Receiving protocol data unit session information; Creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; And Selectively using, for first information buffered and sent by a user equipment, one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables.

106. A non-transitory program storage device, the non-transitory program storage device being readable by an apparatus and tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations Comprising: Receiving protocol data unit session information; Creating a plurality of variable buffer status report tables; And Selectively using, for first information buffered and sent by a user equipment, one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables.

107. An apparatus, Comprising: Means for receiving protocol data unit session information; Components for creating multiple variable buffer status report tables; and Components for selectively using one or more of the created variable buffer status report tables for first information buffered and sent by a user equipment.

108. An apparatus, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one non-transitory memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Select multiple buffer status reports such that the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the multiple buffer status reports is more accurate than the buffer size indicated by a single buffer status report among the buffer status reports.

109. A method, comprising: Providing an apparatus with the ability to select buffer status reports from multiple potential buffer status reports; and Selecting at least two buffer status reports from the buffer status reports for use in combination with each other, wherein the at least two buffer status reports are selected from the multiple potential buffer status reports based on the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the at least two buffer status reports.

110. A non-transitory program storage device readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying an instruction program executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: Providing an apparatus with the ability to select buffer status reports from multiple potential buffer status reports; and Selecting at least two buffer status reports from the buffer status reports for use in combination with each other, wherein the at least two buffer status reports are selected from the multiple potential buffer status reports based on the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the at least two buffer status reports.

111. An apparatus, comprising: Components for providing an apparatus with the ability to select buffer status reports from multiple potential buffer status reports; and Components for selecting at least two buffer status reports from the buffer status reports for use in combination with each other, wherein the at least two buffer status reports are selected from the multiple potential buffer status reports based on the sum of the buffer sizes reported for the at least two buffer status reports.

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