Dynamic radio bearer selection associated with AI / ML operation

Abstract

A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) may be configured to receive information indicating: a radio bearer of a first radio bearer type associated with a control plane; a radio bearer of a second radio bearer type associated with the user plane; and conditions associated with transmitting data associated with artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) related operations. The WTRU may receive an indication to start an AI / ML related operation. The WTRU may determine that data associated with the AI / ML related operation is available. The WTRU may select a radio bearer type from a first radio bearer type and a second radio bearer type for transmitting the data based at least on the condition. The WTRU may transmit at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 421,818, filed on Nov. 2, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Mobile communications using wireless communication continue to evolve. The fifth - generation mobile communication radio access technology (RAT) can be referred to as 5G New Radio (NR). For example, the previous (conventional) generation of mobile communication RAT can be the fourth - generation (4G) Long - Term Evolution (LTE). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Systems, methods, and tools related to dynamic radio bearer selection for artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) operations are described herein.

[0005] In an example, a WTRU may include a processor configured to perform one or more actions. For example, the WTRU may perform AI / ML training or data collection for AI / ML training. The WTRU may receive information that indicates: a first radio bearer configuration that indicates a radio bearer of a first radio bearer type associated with a control plane; a second radio bearer configuration that indicates a radio bearer of a second radio bearer type associated with a user plane; a condition associated with sending data related to operations associated with artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML); a first association between the condition and the first radio bearer type, and a second association between the condition and the second radio bearer type. The WTRU may receive an indication to start an AI / ML - related operation. The WTRU may determine that data associated with the AI / ML - related operation is available. The WTRU may select a radio bearer type from the first radio bearer type and the second radio bearer type for sending data at least based on the condition. The WTRU may send at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0006] The first radio bearer type may be a signaling radio bearer (SRB). The second radio bearer type may be a data radio bearer (DRB). The WTRU may receive an indication of a time to start training an AI model and a deadline for sending data. The data may indicate at least one of the following: the AI model is trained, or a parameter associated with the training. When starting to train the AI model, the WTRU may perform AI training. At least a portion of the data may be sent according to a deadline threshold.

[0007] AI / ML-related operations may involve training an AI / ML model. The WTRU may receive an indication of a time to start training the AI / ML model and a deadline for sending data. The data may indicate at least one of the following: the AI / ML model is trained, or a parameter associated with the training. The WTRU may determine a first estimated transmission time of the data based on a first association and a second estimated transmission time of the data based on a second association. Selecting a radio bearer type from a first radio bearer type and a second radio bearer type for sending the data based at least on a condition may include: selecting the radio bearer type based on whether one or more of the first estimated transmission time and the second estimated transmission time meet a deadline threshold; and performing AI / ML training when starting to train the AI / ML model. At least a portion of the data may be sent according to the deadline threshold.

[0008] AI / ML-related operations may include collecting data. Sending at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type may include sending the data to a network entity for training the AI / ML model.

[0009] The WTRU may select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the uplink buffer level. If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is lower than a threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer. If the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer.

[0010] If the radio condition of the serving cell is higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. If the radio condition of the serving cell is lower than a threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0011] The WTRU may select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the payload of the data. If the payload size of the data is higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the payload size of the data is lower than the threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer. If the type of the payload of the data is a first payload type, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the type of the payload of the data is a second payload type, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer.

[0012] If the reliability or security criteria of the data are higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. If the reliability or security criteria of the data are lower than the threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0013] The radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type may be the first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. At least a portion of the data may be a first portion of the data. The WTRU may select the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. The WTRU may send a second portion of the data via the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0014] The WTRU may determine a radio bearer on which to send data associated with AI / ML training based on transmission parameters. The WTRU may send the data on the determined radio bearer.

[0015] The WTRU may receive configuration information associated with training an AI / ML model. An indication of when to start training the AI / ML model may be received. An indication of a deadline for sending the data may be received. The data may indicate the AI / ML model being trained and metadata associated with the training. The data may be sent according to the deadline.

[0016] The transmission parameters may include one or more of the following: the amount of time remaining before a deadline, the current radio conditions between the WTRU and the serving cell, the amount of data to be sent, the security requirements of the data, or the current uplink buffer level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In addition, like reference numerals in the figures indicate like elements.

[0018] Figure 1A is a system diagram illustrating an example communication system in which one or more of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented.

[0019] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that can be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A FIG.

[0020] Figure 1C is a system diagram illustrating an example radio access network (RAN) and an example core network (CN) that can be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A FIG.

[0021] Figure 1D is a system diagram illustrating a further example RAN and a further example CN that can be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A FIG.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a high-level federated learning interaction between a participant and a central AI server.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates an example functional relationship between multiple agents and multiple collection devices.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates an example input data interference scenario.

[0025] Figure 5 is an example call flow illustrating a WTRU selecting / determining whether to use the control plane or the user plane and through which radio bearers to send data.

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates an example timeline for data transmission.

[0027] Figure 7 is an example call flow illustrating a WTRU selecting / determining the radio bearer on which to send data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1AFIG. is a diagram illustrating an example communication system 100 in which one or more of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system 100 may be a multi-access system that provides content (such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcasts, etc.) to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 may enable multiple wireless users to access such content by sharing system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For example, the communication system 100 may employ one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), zero-tail unique word DFT spread OFDM (ZT UW DTS-s OFDM), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), resource block filtered OFDM, filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), and the like.

[0029] As Figure 1A shown, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a RAN 104 / 113, a CN 106 / 115, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, although it will be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. By way of example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (any of which may be referred to as a "station" and / or "STA") may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include user equipment (UE), mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, subscription-based units, pagers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA), smart phones, laptop computers, netbooks, personal computers, wireless sensors, hotspots or Mi-Fi devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMD), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automated processing chain environment), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a UE.

[0030] The communication system 100 may also include base station 114a and / or base station 114b. Each of base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks such as CN 106 / 115, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. By way of example, base stations 114a, 114b may be base transceiver stations (BTSs), Node-Bs, eNode Bs, home Node Bs, home eNode Bs, gNBs, NR NodeBs, site controllers, access points (APs), wireless routers, and the like. Although base stations 114a, 114b are each depicted as a single element, it will be understood that base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0031] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 104 / 113, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, etc. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be referred to as cells (not shown). These frequencies may be in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage for a specific geographical area for wireless services, which may be relatively fixed or may change over time. A cell may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one transceiver for each sector of the cell. In an embodiment, base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and may use multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to transmit and / or receive signals in a desired spatial direction.

[0032] Base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d via air interface 116, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, millimeter wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). Any suitable radio access technology (RAT) may be used to establish air interface 116.

[0033] More specifically, as described above, the communication system 100 can be a multiple access system and can employ one or more channel access schemes such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and the like. For example, the base stations 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in the RAN 104 / 113 can implement radio technologies such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which can use Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) to establish the air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117. WCDMA can include communication protocols such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA can include High-Speed Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High-Speed UL Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0034] In an embodiment, the base stations 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which can use Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and / or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and / or LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro) to establish the air interface 116.

[0035] In an embodiment, the base stations 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement radio technologies such as NR radio access, which can use New Radio (NR) to establish the air interface 116.

[0036] In an embodiment, the base stations 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, the base stations 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together, for example, using the Dual Connectivity (DC) principle. Thus, the air interfaces utilized by the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., eNBs and gNBs).

[0037] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), and the like.

[0038] For example, Figure 1A the base station 114b in may be a wireless router, a home Node B, a home eNode B, or an access point, and may utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in a local area, such as a business premise, a home, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an air corridor (e.g., for drones), a road, and the like. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In an embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.15 to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish a pico cell or a femto cell. As Figure 1A shown, the base station 114b may have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b may not need to access the Internet 110 via the CN 106 / 115.

[0039] The RAN 104 / 113 may communicate with the CN 106 / 115, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, fault tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, and the like. The CN 106 / 115 may provide call control, billing services, location-based services for mobile devices, prepaid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform advanced security functions such as user authentication. AlthoughFigure 1A is not shown, but it will be understood that RAN 104 / 113 and / or CN 106 / 115 may communicate directly or indirectly with other RANs that employ the same RAT or a different RAT than RAN 104 / 113. For example, in addition to being connected to RAN 104 / 113 that may utilize NR radio technology, CN 106 / 115 may also communicate with another RAN (not shown) that employs GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0040] CN 106 / 115 may also act as a gateway for WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network that provides plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and / or the Internet Protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The network 112 may include wired and / or wireless communication networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the network 112 may include another CN that is connected to one or more RANs, and the RAN may employ the same RAT or a different RAT than RAN 104 / 113.

[0041] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communication system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities (e.g., the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links). For example, Figure 1A the WTRU 102c shown in may be configured to communicate with a base station 114a that may employ a cellular-based radio technology and with a base station 114b that may employ IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0042] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example WTRU 102. As Figure 1B shown, among other things, the WTRU 102 may also include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keyboard 126, a display / touchpad 128, a non-removable memory 130, a removable memory 132, a power supply 134, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripheral devices 138. It will be understood that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with the embodiments.

[0043] The processor 118 can be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. The processor 118 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 can be coupled to a transceiver 120, which can be coupled to a transmit / receive element 122. Although Figure 1B the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 are depicted as separate components, it will be understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 can be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0044] The transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 114a) or receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) via an air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In an embodiment, for example, the transmit / receive element 122 can be a transmitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive both RF signals and optical signals. It will be understood that the transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0045] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is depicted as a single element in Figure 1B the WTRU 102 can include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 can employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 can include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the air interface 116.

[0046] The transceiver 120 can be configured to modulate the signals to be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and demodulate the signals received by the transmit / receive element 122. As described above, the WTRU 102 can have multi-mode capabilities. Thus, for example, the transceiver 120 can include multiple transceivers for enabling the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs (such as NR and IEEE 802.11).

[0047] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 can be coupled to the speaker / microphone 124, the keyboard 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit), and can receive user input data from the speaker / microphone 124, the keyboard 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 118 can also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keyboard 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. Additionally, the processor 118 can access information from any type of suitable memory (such as the non-removable memory 130 and / or the removable memory 132), and store data in any type of such suitable memory. The non-removable memory 130 can include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 can include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118 can access information from a memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102 (such as on a server or a home computer (not shown)), and store data in that memory.

[0048] The processor 118 can receive power from the power supply 134, and can be configured to distribute the power to other components in the WTRU 102 and / or control the power. The power supply 134 can be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power supply 134 can include one or more dry battery packs (e.g., nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, and the like.

[0049] The processor 118 can also be coupled to the GPS chipset 136, which can be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) about the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to, or instead of, the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 can receive location information from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) via the air interface 116 and / or determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be understood that the WTRU 102 can obtain location information by any suitable location determination method while remaining consistent with the embodiments.

[0050] The processor 118 may be further coupled to other peripheral devices 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripheral devices 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos and / or videos), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, modules, a frequency modulation (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, a virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) device, an activity tracker, and the like. The peripheral devices 138 may include one or more sensors, which may be one or more of the following: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a time sensor, a geographic location sensor, an altimeter, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a magnetometer, a barometer, a gesture sensor, a biometric sensor, and / or a humidity sensor.

[0051] The WTRU 102 may include a full-duplex radio for which the transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with a particular subframe for both UL (e.g., for transmission) and downlink (e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full-duplex radio may include an interference management unit 139 to reduce and / or substantially eliminate self-interference via signal processing performed by hardware (e.g., a choke) or via a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or via the processor 118). In an embodiment, the WRTU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which the transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with a particular subframe for both UL (e.g., for transmission) and downlink (e.g., for reception)).

[0052] Figure 1C is a system diagram illustrating a RAN 104 and a CN 106 according to an embodiment. As described above, the RAN 104 may employ E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also communicate with the CN 106.

[0053] The RAN 104 may include eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, although it will be understood that the RAN 104 may include any number of eNode-Bs while remaining consistent with the embodiments. Each of the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, for example, the eNode-B 160a may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a.

[0054] Each of the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, and the like. As Figure 1C shown, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may communicate with each other via the X2 interface.

[0055] Figure 1C The CN 106 shown may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 164, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (or PGW) 166. Although each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of the CN 106, it will be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by entities other than the CN operator.

[0056] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the eNode-Bs 162a, 162b, 162c in the RAN 104 via the S1 interface and may act as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during the initial attachment of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like. The MME 162 may provide control plane functions for handover between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0057] The SGW 164 can be connected via the S1 interface to each of the eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 160c in the RAN 104. The SGW 164 can generally route and forward user data packets to / from the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. The SGW 164 can perform other functions such as anchoring the user plane during handovers between eNode Bs, triggering paging when DL data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, managing and storing the context of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like.

[0058] The SGW 164 can be connected to the PGW 166, which can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to a packet switched network (such as the Internet 110) to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP enabled devices.

[0059] The CN 106 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, the CN 106 can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to a circuit switched network (such as the PSTN 108) to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional landline communication devices. For example, the CN 106 can include an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) or can communicate with such an IP gateway that serves as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. Additionally, the CN 106 can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which can include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0060] Although the WTRU is described as a wireless terminal in Figures 1A to 1D it is contemplated that in certain representative embodiments, such a terminal can use (e.g., temporarily or permanently) a wired communication interface with the communication network.

[0061] In a representative embodiment, the other network 112 can be a WLAN.

[0062] Infrastructure Basic Service Set (BSS) mode WLANs can have an Access Point (AP) for the BSS and one or more Stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP can have access or an interface to a Distribution System (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic into and / or out of the BSS. Traffic from outside the BSS to an STA can reach the STA via the AP and can be delivered to the STA. Traffic from an STA to a destination outside the BSS can be sent to the AP to be delivered to the corresponding destination. Traffic between STAs within the BSS can be sent via the AP, e.g., where the source STA can send the traffic to the AP and the AP can deliver the traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within the BSS can be considered and / or referred to as peer traffic. Peer traffic can be sent between the source STA and the destination STA (e.g., directly between them) using Direct Link Setup (DLS). In some representative embodiments, DLS can use 802.11e DLS or 802.11z Tunneled DLS (TDLS). WLANs using Independent BSS (IBSS) mode can have no AP, and STAs within the IBSS or using the IBSS (e.g., all STAs) can communicate directly with each other. The mode of IBSS communication can sometimes be referred to in this document as the "ad-hoc" communication mode.

[0063] When operating in 802.11ac infrastructure mode or a similar mode of operation, the AP can transmit beacons on a fixed channel, such as the primary channel. The primary channel can be of a fixed width (e.g., 20 MHz wide bandwidth) or a width dynamically set via signaling. The primary channel can be the operating channel of the BSS and can be used by STAs to establish a connection with the AP. In some representative embodiments, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) can be implemented, for example, in 802.11 systems. For CSMA / CA, STAs including the AP (e.g., each STA) can sense the primary channel. If the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, the particular STA can back off. Only one STA (e.g., only one station) can transmit in a given BSS at any given time.

[0064] High Throughput (HT) STAs can communicate using 40 MHz wide channels, e.g., via a combination of the primary 20 MHz channel and an adjacent or non-adjacent 20 MHz channel to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[0065] A very high throughput (VHT) STA can support 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and / or 160 MHz wide channels. The 40 MHz and / or 80 MHz channels can be formed by combining contiguous 20 MHz channels. The 160 MHz channel can be formed by combining eight contiguous 20 MHz channels or by combining two non-contiguous 80 MHz channels (which can be referred to as an 80+80 configuration). For the 80+80 configuration, after channel coding, the data can be passed through a segment parser, which can split the data into two streams. The inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) processing and time domain processing can be done separately on each stream. The streams can be mapped to two 80 MHz channels, and the data can be transmitted by the transmitting STA. At the receiver of the receiving STA, the above operations for the 80+80 configuration can be reversed, and the combined data can be sent to the media access control (MAC).

[0066] The operation modes below 1 GHz are supported by 802.11af and 802.11ah. The channel operation bandwidths and carriers in 802.11af and 802.11ah are reduced with respect to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5 MHz bandwidth, 10 MHz bandwidth, and 20 MHz bandwidth in the TV white space (TVWS) spectrum, and 802.11ah supports 1 MHz bandwidth, 2 MHz bandwidth, 4 MHz bandwidth, 8 MHz bandwidth, and 16 MHz bandwidth using non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11ah can support meter-type control / machine-type communication, such as MTC devices in a macro coverage area. The MTC devices can have certain capabilities, e.g., limited capabilities, including supporting (e.g., only supporting) certain and / or limited bandwidths. The MTC devices can include a battery with a battery life above a threshold (e.g., for maintaining a very long battery life).

[0067] A WLAN system that can support multiple channels and channel bandwidths (such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah) includes a channel that can be designated as the primary channel. The primary channel can have a bandwidth equal to the maximum common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel can be set and / or restricted by the STA that supports the minimum bandwidth operation mode among all STAs operating in the BSS. In the example of 802.11ah, for an STA that supports (e.g., only supports) the 1MHz mode (e.g., an MTC-type device), the primary channel can be 1MHz wide, even if the AP and other STAs in the BSS support 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, 16MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operation modes. Carrier sensing and / or network allocation vector (NAV) settings can depend on the state of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, for example, due to an STA (which only supports the 1MHz operation mode) transmitting to the AP, the entire available frequency band can be considered busy, even if most of the frequency band is still idle and can be available.

[0068] In the United States, the available frequency band that can be used by 802.11ah is from 902MHz to 928MHz. In Korea, the available frequency band is from 917.5MHz to 923.5MHz. In Japan, the available frequency band is from 916.5MHz to 927.5MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is 6MHz to 26MHz, depending on the country code.

[0069] Figure 1D is a system diagram illustrating RAN 113 and CN 115 according to an embodiment. As described above, RAN 113 can communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116 using NR radio technology. RAN 113 can also communicate with CN 115.

[0070] The RAN 113 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, although it will be understood that the RAN 113 may include any number of gNBs while remaining consistent with the embodiments. The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, the gNBs 180a, 180b may utilize beamforming to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, for example, the gNB 180a may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to the WTRU 102a and / or receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, the gNB 180a may transmit multiple component carriers to the WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on unlicensed spectrum while the remaining component carriers may be on licensed spectrum. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement coordinated multipoint (CoMP) technology. For example, the WTRU 102a may receive a coordinated transmission from the gNB 180a and the gNB 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[0071] The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with scalable numerology. For example, the OFDM symbol interval and / or the OFDM subcarrier interval may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the radio transmission spectrum. The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using various or scalable length subframes or transmission time intervals (TTIs) (e.g., containing different numbers of OFDM symbols and / or lasting for different lengths of absolute time).

[0072] gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be configured to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in a stand-alone configuration and / or a non-stand-alone configuration. In a stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c without accessing another RAN (e.g., such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c). In a stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may utilize one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c as a mobility anchor. In a stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In a non-stand-alone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with / connect to gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c while also communicating with / connecting to another RAN (such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c). For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement the DC principle to communicate with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c substantially simultaneously. In a non-stand-alone configuration, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may act as the mobility anchor for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may provide additional coverage and / or throughput to serve WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0073] Each of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in UL and / or DL, support for network slicing, dual connectivity, networking between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data to user plane functions (UPFs) 184a, 184b, routing of control plane information to access and mobility management functions (AMFs) 182a, 182b, and the like. As Figure 1D shown, gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may communicate with each other via the Xn interface.

[0074] Figure 1DThe CN 115 shown in [Figure] can include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one session management function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and possibly data networks (DN) 185a, 185b. Although each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of the CN 115, it will be understood that any of these elements can be owned and / or operated by entities other than the CN operator.

[0075] The AMF 182a, 182b can be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 113 via the N2 interface and can act as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b can be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, supporting network slicing (e.g., handling different protocol data unit (PDU) sessions with different requirements), selecting a particular SMF 183a, 183b, managing the registration area, terminating NAS signaling, mobility management, and the like. Network slicing can be used by the AMF 182a, 182b to customize the CN support for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c based on the type of service utilized by the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. For example, different network slices can be established for different use cases such as services that rely on ultra-reliable low-latency (URLLC) access, services that rely on enhanced massive mobile broadband (eMBB) access, services for machine type communication (MTC) access, and / or the like. The AMF 162 can provide control plane functions for handover between the RAN 113 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies such as WiFi.

[0076] The SMF 183a, 183b can be connected to the AMF 182a, 182b in the CN 115 via the N11 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b can also be connected to the UPF 184a, 184b in the CN 115 via the N4 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b can select and control the UPF 184a, 184b and configure the routing of traffic passing through the UPF 184a, 184b. The SMF 183a, 183b can perform other functions such as managing and allocating UE IP addresses, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, providing downlink data notifications, and the like. The PDU session type can be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, and the like.

[0077] UPF 184a and 184b can be connected to one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c in the RAN 113 via the N3 interface, which can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to a packet switched network (such as the Internet 110) to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c and IP-enabled devices. The UPFs 184a and 184b can perform other functions such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, providing mobility anchoring, and the like.

[0078] The CN 115 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, the CN 115 can include an IP gateway (such as an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) or can communicate with the IP gateway, which serves as an interface between the CN 115 and the PSTN 108. Additionally, the CN 115 can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to other networks 112, which can include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can be connected to local data networks (DNs) 185a and 185b via the N3 interface to the UPFs 184a and 184b and the N6 interface between the UPFs 184a and 184b and the DNs 185a and 185b.

[0079] In view of Figures 1A - 1D and Figures 1A - 1D the corresponding descriptions, one or more or all of the functions described herein with respect to one or more of the following can be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown): the WTRUs 102a-d, base stations 114a-b, eNode-Bs 160a-c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNBs 180a-c, AMF 182a-b, UPFs 184a-b, SMFs 183a-b, DNs 185a-b, and / or any other device(s). The emulation device(s) can be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more or all of the functions described herein. For example, the emulation device(s) can be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0080] A simulation device can be designed to implement one or more tests on other devices in a laboratory environment and / or in an operator network environment. For example, one or more simulation devices can perform one or more or all functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network in order to test other devices within the communication network. One or more simulation devices can perform one or more or all functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. The simulation device can be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or can perform tests using over-the-air wireless communication.

[0081] One or more simulation devices can perform one or more (including all) functions without being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, the simulation device can be used in a test scenario in a test laboratory and / or in a non-deployed (e.g., test) wired and / or wireless communication network in order to implement tests on one or more components. One or more simulation devices can be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication via an RF circuit (e.g., which can include one or more antennas) can be used by the simulation device to transmit and / or receive data.

[0082] Systems, methods, and tools related to dynamic radio bearer selection for artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) operations are described herein.

[0083] Systems, methods, and tools related to dynamic radio bearer selection for artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) operations are described herein.

[0084] In an example, a WTRU can include a processor configured to perform one or more actions. For example, the WTRU can perform AI / ML training or data collection for AI / ML training. The WTRU can receive information that indicates: a first radio bearer configuration that indicates a radio bearer of a first radio bearer type associated with a control plane; a second radio bearer configuration that indicates a radio bearer of a second radio bearer type associated with a user plane; a condition associated with sending data that is associated with artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) related operations; a first association between the condition and the first radio bearer type; and a second association between the condition and the second radio bearer type. The WTRU can receive an indication to start AI / ML related operations. The WTRU can determine that data associated with the AI / ML related operations is available. The WTRU can select a radio bearer type from the first radio bearer type and the second radio bearer type for sending data based at least on the condition. The WTRU can send at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0085] The first radio bearer type may be a signaling radio bearer (SRB). The second radio bearer type may be a data radio bearer (DRB). The WTRU may receive an indication of a time to start training an AI model and a deadline for sending data. The data may indicate at least one of the following: parameters for which the AI model is trained or associated with training. When starting to train the AI model, the WTRU may perform AI training. At least a portion of the data may be sent according to a deadline threshold.

[0086] AI / ML related operations may involve training an AI / ML model. The WTRU may receive an indication of a time to start training the AI / ML model and a deadline for sending data. The data may indicate at least one of the following: parameters for which the AI / ML model is trained or associated with training. The WTRU may determine a first estimated transmission time for the data based on a first association and a second estimated transmission time for the data based on a second association. Selecting a radio bearer type from the first radio bearer type and the second radio bearer type for sending data based at least on a condition may include: selecting the radio bearer type based on whether one or more of the first estimated transmission time and the second estimated transmission time meet the deadline threshold; and when starting to train the AI / ML model, performing AI / ML training. At least a portion of the data may be sent according to a deadline threshold.

[0087] AI / ML related operations may include collecting data. Sending at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type may include sending the data to a network entity for training the AI / ML model.

[0088] The WTRU may select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on an uplink buffer level. If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is lower than a threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer. If the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer.

[0089] If the radio conditions of the serving cell are higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. If the radio conditions of the serving cell are lower than the threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0090] The WTRU may select the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from among the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the payload of the data. If the payload size of the data is higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the payload size of the data is lower than the threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer. If the type of the payload of the data is the first payload type, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the type of the payload of the data is the second payload type, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer.

[0091] If the reliability or security criteria of the data are higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. If the reliability or security criteria of the data are lower than the threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0092] The radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type may be the first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. At least a portion of the data may be the first portion of the data. The WTRU may select the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type. The WTRU may send the second portion of the data via the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0093] The WTRU may determine the radio bearer on which to send data associated with AI / ML training based on transmission parameters. The WTRU may send the data on the determined radio bearer.

[0094] The WTRU may receive configuration information associated with training an AI / ML model. An indication of when to start training the AI / ML model may be received. An indication of a deadline for sending the data may be received. The data may indicate the AI / ML model being trained or metadata associated with the training. The data may be sent according to the deadline.

[0095] The transmission parameters may include one or more of the following: the amount of time remaining before a deadline, the current radio conditions between the WTRU and the serving cell, the amount of data to be sent, the security requirements of the data, or the current uplink buffer level.

[0096] Example artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) services are provided herein (e.g., in a 5G system). A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) may interact with a network function (NF) (e.g., an AI / ML function (AIMLF) or a federated learning function (FLF)) in a 5G core (5GC) network. The WTRU may interact with an application server (AS) and / or an application function (AF) via a user plane (UP) (e.g., via a user plane function (UPF)) or a control plane (CP) (e.g., via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling). In the case of the UP model, the WTRU may interact with the AS and / or the AF via a data radio bearer (DRB) (e.g., at least interact with the AS and / or the AF). A DRB may be established between the WTRU and a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) via the Uu air interface. In the CP model, the WTRU may use a signaling radio bearer (SRB) to carry NAS or radio resource control (RRC) messages.

[0097] Example AI / ML metadata and operations are provided herein. The AI / ML metadata may include a model topology, model weights, a training completion time window, and / or other AI / ML specific parameters (e.g., such as a loss function, entropy, prediction accuracy, etc.). The AI / ML operations may be classified as follows: (i) model distribution; (ii) model splitting between AI / ML endpoints; and (iii) federated learning.

[0098] Example federated learning (FL) may be provided. In the FL mode, a central AI server may train a global model. For example, the AI server may train the global model by combining local models trained by each participant (e.g., a WTRU) based on a model averaging technique. The WTRU may perform local model training within each training cycle (e.g., based on a model downloaded from a centralized AI server using local data). The WTRU may convey the training result (e.g., the gradient of a deep neural network (DNN)) to the centralized AI server (e.g., via a 5G uplink channel) (e.g., once the local model training is complete). The centralized AI server may aggregate the gradients (e.g., model weights) from the WTRUs. The centralized AI server may update the global model (e.g., using the aggregated gradients). Another training cycle (e.g., the next training cycle) may begin. For example, the AI server may distribute the updated global model to the WTRUs (e.g., via a 5G downlink channel). Figure 2 An example high-level FL interaction between a participant (e.g., a WTRU) and a central AI server over a 5G system is illustrated.

[0099] FL training via wireless communication can be different from FL training in a data center (e.g., where participants such as WTRUs can have highly variable conditions in terms of available computing and network resources). WTRUs can be heterogeneous. WTRUs can have different capabilities (e.g., in terms of their computing resources, network resources, and / or supported ML frameworks). It may not be efficient for a centralized AI server to include all participants (e.g., WTRUs) in a training session. A member selection mechanism can be used (e.g., before the start of each training cycle). If the conditions (e.g., the (one or more) computing resources of the device and / or the wireless channel conditions) do not change, the WTRU reselection and training (re)configuration may not be performed for each training cycle. Over time, different WTRUs can be (re)selected (e.g., to use different datasets to achieve global training).

[0100] One or more features associated with synchronous FL (SFL) are provided herein. SFL can be referred to as a variant of FL. SFL can have a latency budget (e.g., all participants complete uploading their respective training results within a predefined time window, e.g., as Figure 6 shown). For example, all WTRUs participating in a training session can complete uploading their respective training results within a predefined latency budget. For example, for uncompressed FL for image recognition, the uplink transmission deadline can be between approximately 1 second and 3 seconds, as illustrated in Table 1. Table 1: Latency and user experience uplink and downlink (UL / DL) data rates for uncompressed FL

[0101] Example multi-agent multi-device ML operations are provided herein. If there is a certain degree of interference in data collection and / or transmission (e.g., shortage of network and / or computing resources, temporary failures, etc.), multi-agent multi-device ML operations with large data sizes can be used.

[0102] Figure 3 An example functional relationship between multiple agents (denoted as A1... An) and multiple collection devices (e.g., WTRUs, denoted as M1... Mk) is illustrated. The devices can perform ML operations. For example, a functional split can be possible between a device and one or more learning agents. An agent (e.g., each agent) can interact (e.g., collaboratively) with a group of WTRUs and / or other agents. For example, a device and an agent can divide and / or aggregate workflows (e.g., in a manner similar to that used in a data center network).

[0103] In some examples, if the expected input data of a device (e.g., it can be raw data and / or training data) is not delivered to the expected learning agent in a timely manner, the input data may not be used by the learning agent. This may result in a waste of resources for the relevant parties. There may be several reasons why the input data is not delivered in a timely manner (e.g., disrupted). For example, due to a lack of network resources (e.g., radio resources due to temporal degradation, a higher noise / interference level, a highly congested situation, partial / full failure, etc.), the input data may not be delivered on time.

[0104] Figure 4 An example input data interference scenario is illustrated (e.g., where the WTRU can take one or more actions to actively mitigate potential interference). In the example, in the case of 3-bit input data (e.g., useful input data), the deadline for input data transmission (e.g., the preferred deadline) can be 1 second (e.g., t = t0 + 1). For example, two different schedules can be given. For example, the first schedule can be called an imperfect schedule. The second schedule can be called a good (e.g., or perfect) schedule. It may take one second to transmit one bit of data (e.g., per bit of data).

[0105] The payload type for transmission may not be limited to the input data of the (one or more) learning agents. For example, the payload type can include learning model transmission. The transmission direction can be uplink (e.g., for input data transmission) or downlink (e.g., for model distribution / transmission). In an example with an imperfect schedule, the input data may miss the deadline (e.g., because the input data is delivered to the destination at time t0 + 2, e.g., due to not allocating a higher data rate for this uplink data transmission). In an example with a perfect schedule, the input data can be delivered to the destination within the predefined deadline (e.g., 1 second). In an example with a perfect schedule, during time t0 + 1 and / or t0 + 2, network resources can be allocated to other devices (e.g., other WTRUs). This can provide an efficient use of radio resources. One or more features associated with the RRC protocol, signaling radio bearer (SRB), and / or NAS signaling are provided herein. The RRC protocol can be a control plane (CP) protocol. The RRC protocol can control the connection between the WTRU and the network (e.g., network entities such as a base station / gNodeB (gNB)).

[0106] Some example functions of the RRC protocol may include: broadcasting of system information (e.g., for cell discovery, cell selection / reselection, common channel configuration, etc.), RRC connection control (e.g., establishing a connection from the IDLE state, resuming a connection from the INACTIVE state, paging of IDLE / INACTIVE UEs, radio bearer configuration, handover, management of carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity, recovery from radio link failure, etc.) and / or measurement configuration and reporting.

[0107] The WTRU may communicate with the core network (CN) using the NAS protocol. NAS messages may be carried within a transparent container within an RRC message (e.g., the RRC protocol may treat NAS information as a bit stream and may not understand the information included therein).

[0108] NAS and RRC messages may be transmitted between the WTRU and the network via SRBs. In some examples (e.g., in New Radio (NR) communications), there may be five types of available SRBs. For example, SRB0 may be used for RRC messages such as RRC establishment request, RRC resume request, RRC reestablishment request, etc. (e.g., where no security context is established at the WTRU and integrity protection and encryption cannot be used or are not required). Other SRBs (e.g., all other SRBs) may be integrity protected and / or encrypted. For example, SRB1 may be used for RRC messages (e.g., which may include piggybacked NAS messages) and / or for NAS messages (e.g., before SRB2 is established). SRB1 may be the primary SRB (e.g., because it is used to transmit higher priority RRC messages).

[0109] SRB2 may have a lower priority than SRB1. SRB2 may be configured by the network after security activation. SRB2 may be used for NAS messages and / or to send (one or more) WTRU information responses upon request from the network (e.g., for sending mobility history, recorded measurements, etc. that are not of high priority). SRB3 may be used for direct CP communication with the secondary node (e.g., if the WTRU is in dual connectivity mode) (e.g., to send measurement reports of measurements configured by the secondary node). SRB4 may be used to send application layer measurements for quality of experience (QoE) monitoring (e.g., buffering of a streaming service). SRB4 may support message segmentation (e.g., because the QoE measurement report may be relatively large). For example, the QoE measurement report may be segmented into (e.g., at most) 16 RRC packets. In the uplink, the WTRU capability information (e.g., in addition to the QoE report) may be relatively large. The WTRU capability information may be segmented into several RRC packets. The WTRU capability information may be sent via SRB1.

[0110] SRB1 may have the highest priority among all radio bearers (e.g., priority 1) (e.g., because SRB1 can be used for messages such as RRC control messages). SRB3 may have a priority similar to that of SRB1. The SRB3 priority may be related to the case of dual connectivity (e.g., only related to the case of dual connectivity). The SRB3 priority may affect scheduling on the secondary link (e.g., only on the secondary link).

[0111] SRB2 may be assigned the second highest priority (e.g., priority 2). SRB4 and / or DRB may have the third highest priority. For example, SRB4 and / or DRB may (e.g., each) be assigned a priority as low as priority level 16. The priority level may determine the priority of data from the DRB and / or SRB (e.g., at the MAC level of the WTRU). The WTRU may attempt to utilize the uplink grant received from the network. For example, data from a higher priority SRB and / or DRB may take precedence over data from a lower priority SRB and / or DRB (e.g., if the WTRU is not authorized sufficient resources to transmit all SRBs and / or DRBs).

[0112] During the FL training cycle, a participant (e.g., a WTRU) may train a local neural network (NN) model (e.g., in the WTRU's environment or based on a dataset). The training process may take a certain amount of time to complete (e.g., as Figure 6 shown). The training process may be delayed depending on several factors. The factors may include the resource availability of the WTRU (e.g., computing resources such as graphics processing unit / central processing unit (GPU / CPU), battery, etc.). The FL training session may involve a task completion deadline. For example, the WTRU may deliver its local training to the AF / AS within a specific time window (e.g., as Figure 6 shown). In some examples (e.g., if the local training result is delivered after the deadline), the local training result may not be included in the next version of the global training model, or the local training result may be discarded. The group performance of the AI / ML service may be determined by the worst performer (e.g., the WTRU with the worst performance). For example (e.g., in SFL), if the performance of an individual component lags significantly behind the performance of other components, the combined information and functionality availability may be affected (e.g., because it may be desirable for the whole group to complete an iteration). This may be referred to as the clustering problem.

[0113] There can be several reasons why a WTRU participating in an FL training session may miss a task completion deadline or encounter a clustering issue. For example, such reasons may include a lack of proper scheduling of the uplink transmission of training-related data. The lack of proper scheduling can be due to one or more of the following reasons: blocking / delay due to data having a higher priority than the AI / ML flow, (e.g., between the WTRU and the serving base station / cell) poor radio conditions, overload at the serving base station / cell (e.g., several WTRUs connected to the same cell or / and WTRUs served by the cell having active applications / services with high traffic demands), and / or the like.

[0114] Another reason why a WTRU participating in an FL training session may miss a task completion deadline or encounter a clustering issue may be a lack of sufficient computing resources (e.g., such as CPU / GPU). The lack of resources may cause a delay (e.g., a significant delay) in completing the training of the NN model. Such a delay can be compensated for by allocating more resources to the network (e.g., at the uplink and / or the CN).

[0115] It may be desirable for the WTRU to ensure that the (meta) data required for AI / ML operations (e.g., training) is sent on time and does not miss its task completion deadline and / or prevent clustering scenarios. When the AI / ML-related data is available, the network may not know what situation the WTRU or the network will be in. The network may not be able to configure a (e.g., single) DRB / SRB to send the AI / ML-related data without over-provisioning and potentially harming other traffic. For example, if the WTRU is configured to use the highest priority DRB to send AI / ML-related data and the AI / ML data is ready very early before the deadline, sending the data with the highest priority data may block other traffic with more stringent latency requirements at that time point.

[0116] Another aspect (e.g., in addition to data priority) is where the termination point of the AI / ML-related data is. For example, the FL controller can reside in the gNB, UPF, access and mobility management function (AMF), or any other network node. For some cases, it may be appropriate to send data via the control plane (e.g., RRC messages, NAS messages embedded in RRC messages). For some cases (e.g., other cases), it may be more appropriate to send data via the user plane (e.g., using a DRB).

[0117] Radio bearers can be classified into two groups: data radio bearers (DRBs) (e.g., for user plane data) and signaling radio bearers (SRBs) (e.g., for control plane data). For AI / ML, there can be large variations in the size of messages (e.g., training (meta) data, datasets for training, etc.), from very small messages (e.g., a binary one-bit indicating whether the WTRU has AI / ML capabilities) to very large messages (e.g., weights of a neural network, radio conditions / WTRU configuration parameters under which the neural network is trained, such as channel coherence time, channel coherence bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), bandwidth part (BWP), WTRU antenna configuration, etc.). Thus, the mechanism where SRB1 is dedicated to RRC signaling messages, SRB2 is dedicated to NAS messages, DRBs are dedicated to the transmission of data plane packets, etc. may not be suitable for AI / ML traffic.

[0118] The WTRU can determine the correct mechanism (e.g., CP or UP) to send AI / ML related data and / or determine the specific SRB or DRB to use, which will ensure that the AI / ML related data is received at the network before a certain deadline (e.g., the latest time the data is integrated into FL training, e.g., as Figure 6 shown), without degrading the performance of other traffic from the associated WTRU (e.g., including the transmitting WTRU) and other WTRUs.

[0119] The WTRU can be connected to a public land mobile network (PLMN) via an access network (e.g., gNB). The WTRU may have undergone a registration process. The WTRU can establish a PDU session between the WTRU and the network (AMF) for an application client running at the WTRU. The 5GC can support exposing data and analytics to the WTRU and an application server (AS) via the user plane (UP) and the control plane (CP). Such support can be activated for the WTRU during the PDU session establishment or modification process. The AS / AF can activate such support by interacting with the 5GC (e.g., directly with the 5GC). The AS can expose information to the WTRU via the CP and / or UP, via the 5GC. The NG-RAN can support exposing data and analytics to the AS / AF via the 5GC. The AS / AF can be able to subscribe to or request data and / or analytics from the 5GC and the NG-RAN. The 5GC can employ dedicated network functions to handle AI / ML workflows, such as FL.

[0120] Although the examples described herein may relate to AI / ML metadata (e.g., trained models) or AI / ML-related data sets, the (one or more) features described herein may be applicable to other uplink data (e.g., uplink traffic) that may have varying requirements and / or varying and / or bursty natures. Examples of such data / traffic may be extended reality (XR) traffic (e.g., traffic related to augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), etc.), where the network may not be able to configure appropriate bearers, logical channel identifiers (LCIDs), and / or the like (e.g., which may be used to transmit data) without over-provisioning (e.g., configuring bearers and / or LCIDs with the highest priority, highest data rate, lowest packet delay budget, etc.).

[0121] As used herein, the term "file" may be used interchangeably with the term "payload". For example, a file (e.g., a payload) may include data in the uplink buffer of a WTRU. "File size" (e.g., payload size) may refer to the amount of data in the uplink buffer of a WTRU. "File type" (e.g., payload type) may refer to the type of data in the uplink buffer of a WTRU. As used herein, the term "application function" or "AF" may be used interchangeably with the term "application server" or "AS".

[0122] As used herein, the term "AI / ML server" may refer to an entity and / or function in the network responsible for managing AI / ML lifecycle management (LCM). For example, an AI / ML server may perform LCM functions such as controlling and / or configuring federated learning (FL) operations.

[0123] A WTRU may receive information (e.g., a configuration) from the network regarding conditions associated with sending data associated with AI / ML-related operations (e.g., training a model or data collection). For example, the information may relate to training an AI / ML model (e.g., as shown in Figure 7 ). A WTRU may receive an indication from the network of when to start training (e.g., as shown in Figure 7 ). A WTRU may receive an indication to collect data associated with training an AI / ML model. A WTRU may receive an indication from the network regarding a deadline (e.g., a deadline threshold) for sending data associated with AI / ML training (e.g., as shown in the figure). The data may indicate an AI model being trained or parameters associated with the training (e.g., a trained AI / ML model or metadata associated with the training). A WTRU may start performing AI / ML model training (e.g., at the start of training, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7as shown). Data can be sent according to a deadline. The data can be used by a network entity to train an AI / ML model.

[0124] The WTRU can determine a radio bearer type and / or a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type (e.g., a specific SRB or DRB of the selected radio bearer type) for sending data based on one or more transmission parameters. The WTRU can make the determination when the AI / ML model training is complete or about to be complete. The (one or more) transmission parameters can include one or more of the following: the amount of time remaining before a deadline (e.g., the deadline for sending the data), the current radio conditions between the WTRU and the serving cell, the amount of data to be sent, the security requirements of the data, and / or the current uplink buffer level. The WTRU can send the data via the selected radio bearer. The data can be sent according to a deadline.

[0125] The WTRU can determine a radio bearer to be used for sending AI / ML related data (e.g., as Figure 7 shown). For example, the WTRU can receive information (e.g., a first radio bearer configuration and a second radio bearer configuration) that indicates a first radio bearer type and a second radio bearer type. The first radio bearer type can be associated with the control plane, and the second radio bearer type can be associated with the user plane. The information can indicate that the WTRU sends data. The information can indicate a condition associated with the data, a first association between the condition and the first radio bearer type, and / or a second association between the condition and the second radio bearer type.

[0126] The WTRU can determine an estimated transmission time of the data based on a condition (e.g., satisfaction of the condition) and at least one of the first radio bearer type or the second radio bearer type. For example, the first radio bearer type can be an SRB, and the second radio bearer type can be a DRB. The WTRU can determine the radio bearer type to be used based on a condition (e.g., an AI / ML task completion deadline, e.g., as Figure 7 shown). The WTRU can select a radio bearer type from the first radio bearer type and the second radio bearer type based at least on a condition (e.g., a condition that the estimated transmission time meets a deadline threshold). The WTRU can determine a radio bearer to be used for transmitting an AI / ML training result (e.g., as Figure 7 shown). The WTRU can send at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

[0127] The WTRU may determine the radio bearer to be used based on the remaining amount of time for sending training data (e.g., until a deadline). For example, the WTRU may be configured to perform one or more of the following: if the remaining amount of time is below a first threshold (e.g., threshold1), use a first signaling radio bearer (SRB) (e.g., SRB1); if the remaining amount of time is between the first threshold and a second threshold (e.g., threshold2), use a second SRB (e.g., SRB2); if the remaining amount of time is between the second threshold and a third threshold (e.g., threshold3), use a third SRB (e.g., SRB4); if the remaining amount of time is between the third threshold and a fourth threshold (e.g., threshold4), use a first data radio bearer (DRB) (e.g., DRBx); if the remaining amount of time is between the fourth threshold and a fifth threshold (e.g., threshold5), use a second DRB (e.g., DRBy); if the remaining amount of time is above a sixth threshold (e.g., threshold6), use a third DRB (e.g., DRBz); and / or the like.

[0128] The WTRU may use an SRB to convey data to a network entity with a high priority (e.g., gNB). It may be desirable to convey data in a manner that prevents congestion (e.g., within the 5G control plane) in the control plane (e.g., 5G control plane). In an example, the network entity may subscribe to obtain network analytics. For example, the network analytics may include network analytics regarding the level of congestion within the 5G control plane. The network entity may determine how to transmit data from the WTRU to an AI / ML server (e.g., via the CP or through the UPF via the UP).

[0129] The WTRU may decide on a radio bearer based on the uplink buffer status for sending AI / ML related data. One or more of the following may apply.

[0130] The WTRU may consider the uplink buffer status (e.g., total uplink buffer level, uplink buffer level of a certain DRB or SRB, etc.) to determine the radio bearer to be used for sending AI / ML training results. If the total uplink buffer level is above a threshold, the WTRU may be configured to use one or more SRBs. If the total uplink buffer level is below a threshold, the WTRU may be configured to use one or more DRBs.

[0131] For example, if the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is above a threshold, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is below a threshold, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer.

[0132] A WTRU may be configured with several uplink buffer thresholds. For example, the uplink buffer thresholds may be associated with different SRBs to be used for transmitting AI / ML related data. For example, the WTRU may be configured to perform one or more of the following: if the total uplink buffer level is higher than a first threshold (e.g., threshold1), use a first SRB (e.g., SRB1); if the total uplink buffer level is between a second threshold (e.g., threshold2) and the first threshold, use a second SRB (e.g., SRB2); if the total uplink buffer level is between a third threshold (e.g., threshold3) and the second threshold, use a third SRB (e.g., SRB4); if the total uplink buffer level is between a fourth threshold (e.g., thresholdy) and a fifth threshold (e.g., thresholdz), use a fourth SRB (e.g., SRBx); and / or the like.

[0133] A WTRU may be configured with several uplink buffer thresholds. For example, the uplink buffer thresholds may be associated with different DRBs to be used for transmitting AI / ML related data.

[0134] If the uplink buffer level of a first radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of a second radio bearer, the WTRU may select the first radio bearer. If the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer, the WTRU may select the second radio bearer. For example, the WTRU may be configured to perform one or more of the following: if the total uplink buffer level is lower than a first threshold (e.g., threshold1), use a first DRB (e.g., DRB1); if the total uplink buffer level is between the first threshold and a second threshold (e.g., threshold2), use a second DRB (e.g., SRB2); if the total uplink buffer level is between a third threshold (e.g., thresholdy) and a fourth threshold (e.g., thresholdz), use a third DRB (e.g., DRBx); and / or the like.

[0135] The WTRU may be configured to use a certain SRB or DRB to transmit AI / ML related data. For example, if (e.g., only if) the amount of outstanding uplink data on the bearer is lower than a certain (e.g., configured) threshold, the WTRU may be configured to use a certain SRB or DRB to transmit AI / ML related data. If the amount of uplink buffer data on the bearer is higher than the threshold, the WTRU may select another SRB or DRB to transmit the data. For example, the determination may be based on: the SRB and / or DRB with the least amount of uplink buffer data; the SRB and / or DRB with the highest priority; or a combination thereof.

[0136] Depending on the number of active bearers, the WTRU may be configured to use a certain SRB or DRB to send AI / ML related data. For example, if the number of active bearers is higher than a certain value, the WTRU may be configured to use (one or more) SRBs (e.g., only use SRBs).

[0137] The WTRU may determine the radio bearer to be used for sending AI / ML related data based on radio conditions. The WTRU may consider radio conditions regarding the current serving cell (e.g., SINR, reference signal received power (RSRP), etc.). For example, the WTRU may use the radio conditions regarding the current serving cell to determine the radio bearer to be used for sending AI / ML related data.

[0138] For example, if the radio conditions of the serving cell are higher than a threshold, the WTRU may select a first radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type) as the radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type). If the radio conditions of the serving cell are lower than the threshold, the WTRU may select a second radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type) as the radio bearer. For example, if the signal level is higher than a certain threshold, the WTRU may use a low - priority DRB to send AI / ML related data. For example, if the signal level is lower than a certain threshold, the WTRU may use a high - priority DRB or SRB to send data. If the radio conditions are good (e.g., the signal level is higher than the threshold), the priority of the selected bearer may be less important because the WTRU can send more data (e.g., by using the highest modulation and coding scheme) for each given authorized uplink radio resource.

[0139] The (one or more) thresholds associated with the radio conditions used by the WTRU to determine the radio bearer to be used for sending AI / ML data may be specified in terms of retransmissions (e.g., at the media access control (MAC) and / or radio link control (RLC) levels).

[0140] The WTRU may select / determine the radio bearer to be used based on the payload size.

[0141] A set of different thresholds for file size can be defined / configured in the WTRU (e.g., by the gNB or the network). Such thresholds can be configured by the WTRU vendor and / or verified by the gNB or the network. A set of thresholds can be defined to classify the file size (e.g., uplink data in the WTRU buffer) into 'Small', 'Medium', and 'Large' types. In one example, a 'Small' file size can refer to an uplink payload less than 32 bits. A 'Medium' file size can refer to an uplink payload between 32 bits and 512 bits. A 'Large' file size can refer to an uplink payload greater than 512 bits.

[0142] The WTRU can be configured with rules such that a small file size can be configured with an SRB; a medium file size can be configured with, e.g., SRB4 or any other existing or new SRB or DRB; and a large file size can be configured with, e.g., SRB4 or any other existing or new SRB or DRB.

[0143] The WTRU can be configured with rules / thresholds corresponding to two (e.g., only two) size categories (e.g., 'Small' data size and 'Large' data size). The WTRU can be configured with a set of rules / thresholds corresponding to more than three size categories (e.g., 'Very small file size', 'Small file size', 'Medium file size', 'Large file size', 'Very large file size', etc.).

[0144] Different thresholds for file size can be defined / configured in the WTRU (e.g., by the gNB / NW) to help the WTRU determine the most suitable radio bearer to use for transmitting uplink data. The WTRU can be configured with rules to determine the most suitable radio bearer to use. For example, the WTRU can determine the radio bearer to use based on the type of data to be transmitted in the UL, radio bearer conditions, destination of the AI / ML server, radio bearer congestion, etc. For example, if the payload size of the data is above the threshold, the WTRU can select a first radio bearer. If the payload size of the data is below the threshold, the WTRU can select a second radio bearer.

[0145] The WTRU can determine the radio bearer to use for transmitting AI / ML-related data based on the reliability requirements of the payload.

[0146] A radio bearer (e.g., any radio bearer) that meets conditions associated with the remaining time for sending AI / ML data, buffer level, size of the data to be sent, and / or radio conditions can be used. DRBs can have different reliabilities associated with them. For example, some bearers can be configured to use acknowledged mode RLC (RLC-AM) with retransmissions at the RLC level, thus providing more reliability. Some radio bearers (e.g., other radio bearers) can be configured to use transparent mode (e.g., RLC-TM) or unacknowledged mode (e.g., RLC-UM) that do not provide retransmissions.

[0147] The selection of the radio bearer to be used can be based on the reliability requirements of the AI / ML data. For example, if the reliability or security criteria of the data are higher than a threshold, the WTRU can select a first radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type) as the radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type). If the reliability or security criteria of the data are lower than the threshold, the WTRU can select a second radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type) as the radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type). For example, the AI / ML data may need to be highly reliable. The WTRU can select a radio bearer (e.g., only the radio bearer) configured with acknowledged mode (e.g., RLC-AM) / associated with that acknowledged mode (e.g., RLC-AM). In some examples, the AI / ML data may not need to be highly reliable. In such cases, any radio bearer among the radio bearers can be a candidate for sending the AI / ML data.

[0148] The WTRU can select / determine the radio bearer to be used based on the type of the payload. For example, if the type of the payload of the data is a first payload type, the WTRU can select a first radio bearer. If the type of the payload of the data is a second payload type, the WTRU can select a second radio bearer.

[0149] A different set of thresholds for file types can be defined / configured in the WTRU (e.g., by the gNB / network) such that some types of data can be sent via some types of radio bearers (e.g., only sent). For example, the WTRU can be configured to use one radio bearer (e.g., SRB) for one type of AI / ML traffic (e.g., training metadata) and another radio bearer (e.g., another SRB or DRB) for another type of AI / ML traffic (e.g., training results with all possibilities, training datasets, training configurations, etc.).

[0150] The WTRU can select / determine the radio bearer to be used based on security / integrity.

[0151] A radio bearer (e.g., any radio bearer) that meets conditions associated with the remaining time to send AI / ML data, buffer level, size of the data to be sent, and / or radio conditions can be used. The DRB can be configured with integrity protection or without integrity protection. The SRB can (e.g., can always) be integrity protected. Some DRBs may not be suitable for certain AI / ML related data (e.g., if the integrity of the AI / ML data is important).

[0152] The selection of the radio bearer to be used can be based on the integrity criteria of the AI / ML data. For example, the AI / ML data can (e.g., can require) be integrity protected. In this case, the WTRU can select an SRB or DRB configured with integrity protection (e.g., only SRB or DRB). In some examples, the integrity of the AI / ML data may not be important. In this case, any radio bearer among the radio bearers can be a candidate for sending the AI / ML data.

[0153] The WTRU can select / determine more than one radio bearer to send control messages / data. The WTRU can use more than one radio bearer to send control messages and / or AI / ML data. The WTRU can use more than one SRB to send control messages related to AI / ML traffic. For example, the WTRU can use SRB4 to report some application layer measurement report information (e.g., regarding AI / ML model training data). The WTRU can use another SRB (e.g., a new SRB) to report the training results.

[0154] The WTRU can split the AI / ML traffic between more than one SRB based on the importance / priority of the data. For example, the WTRU can select a radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type) to be used for sending at least a part of the data (e.g., the first part of the data). The WTRU can select a second radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type). The WTRU can send the second part of the data via the second radio bearer (e.g., of the selected radio bearer type). For example, higher priority / more important data can be sent in the uplink via SRB1. Lower priority / less important data can be sent in the uplink via SRB2.

[0155] The WTRU can use multiple DRBs with different priorities. For example, if the application client (AC) running at the WTRU has completed its model training faster than expected, the WTRU can send the training results via a low priority DRB. The WTRU can send its training hyperparameters using a high priority radio bearer.

[0156] The WTRU may select / determine the radio bearer to be used based on a combination of one or more of the aforementioned parameters. The WTRU may be configured to determine the radio bearer to be used based on a combination of one or more parameters. For example, if the uplink data in the WTRU buffer is 'low' (e.g., below a pre-configured threshold) and the data is to be sent within strict latency requirements (e.g., within a pre-configured time window), the WTRU may determine to use the SRB. In an example, if the uplink data in the WTRU buffer is 'high' (e.g., above a pre-configured threshold) and the latency bound for sending the data is greater than the threshold, the WTRU may determine to use the DRB.

[0157] In some examples (e.g., where the SRB is used to transport user plane data), the WTRU may add (e.g., need to add) a marker to the SRB to indicate its use for user plane data. In some examples (e.g., where the SRB is used to transport user plane data), there may be a common understanding between the WTRU and the gNB that user plane data (e.g., any user plane data) that meets some requirements (e.g., small size and strict latency requirements) may be sent using the SRB (e.g., such that no explicit indication from the WTRU may be required). The WTRU may send a separate message to the gNB to indicate that the SRB to be sent in the next time window will carry user plane data.

[0158] The conditions for determining the bearer to be used for sending AI / ML data (e.g., such as radio conditions and buffer levels) may be current conditions. The WTRU may be able to predict the buffer level and / or radio conditions (e.g., using a trained AI / ML model or a predicted value provided by the network). The thresholds associated with the buffer level or radio conditions may take into account current conditions and / or predicted conditions. For example, the buffer threshold level may be the predicted buffer threshold level within a given time; the WTRU may be configured with a threshold for the current buffer level and a threshold for the predicted threshold level (e.g., other thresholds); and / or similar considerations may be made for the thresholds related to the radio signal level.

[0159] The WTRU may be configured with an SRB dedicated to mapping AI / ML QoS flows. The WTRU may be configured with an SRB applicable to mapping AI / ML QoS flows. The WTRU may be configured with relative priorities among different SRBs applicable to AI / ML QoS flows. The WTRU may be configured to determine the currently configured and active (e.g., not suspended) first set of SRBs. The WTRU may be configured to map the AI / ML QoS flow to the highest priority SRB in the first set of SRBs.

[0160] The WTRU may be configured with a DRB dedicated to mapping AI / ML QoS flows. The WTRU may be configured with a DRB applicable to mapping AI / ML QoS flows. The WTRU may be configured with relative priorities among different DRBs applicable to AI / ML QoS flows. The WTRU may be configured to determine a current configured and active (e.g., not stopped) second set of DRBs. The WTRU may be configured to map an AI / ML QoS flow to the highest priority DRB in the second set of DRBs.

[0161] The WTRU may be configured with relative priorities between a first set of radio bearers (e.g., SRB) and a second set of radio bearers (e.g., DRB). The WTRU may be configured to determine the priorities of the first set of radio bearers and the second set of radio bearers based on the size of the PDU, the type of QoS flow (e.g., transmission of an AI / ML model, transmission of a dataset, etc.), the type of radio function associated with the AI / ML model (e.g., channel state information (CSI) feedback, beam management, positioning, mobility, etc.), the buffer status associated with the AI / ML QoS flow / radio bearer, and / or the like.

[0162] The WTRU may determine the radio bearer mapping of an AI / ML QoS flow based on a condition (e.g., an implicit condition). For example, the WTRU may receive a model from the network for training the radio bearer type (e.g., SRB or DRB). The WTRU may train the model based on measurements (e.g., locally). Upon completion of the training, the WTRU may transmit the trained model on the same radio bearer type on which the trained model was received. A similar implicit mapping may be applied based on the association between the (one or more) downlink radio bearers on which the configuration is received from the network and the (one or more) uplink radio bearers on which the AI / ML flow should be transmitted by the WTRU. Such an association may be preconfigured or predefined.

[0163] The WTRU may upload its training results to the AI / ML function hosted in the 5GC using the control plane (e.g., NAS signaling on SRB2). The AI / ML function may be an instance of the NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) of the 5GC. The NWDAF may provide data and analysis services to network functions (e.g., other network functions in the 5GC) and / or other entities in the 3GPP system (e.g., WTRU and / or RAN). An example NWDAF may use ML techniques to generate its results.

[0164] The WTRU may use SRB0, SRB1, or another (e.g., new) SRB to transmit the training results to the AI / ML server hosted in the gNB via an uplink RRC message (e.g., a new uplink RRC message for transmitting user plane data). The WTRU may use NAS messages within SRB1 to transmit AI / ML data to the AI / ML server hosted in the gNB.

[0165] The WTRU may be configured to initially transmit the training results to the gNB using an SRB and then transmit from the gNB to the AI / ML server (e.g., hosted in the cloud) via the UPF of the 5GC. The AI / ML server may be hosted outside or inside the 3GPP network. The WTRU may be configured to use (e.g., only use) a DRB to send data to / receive data from the network.

[0166] The WTRU may map QoS flows to high / low priority bearers (e.g., depending on the priority of the AI / ML data). For example, if it is intended to use an SRB, SRB1 may have a higher priority than SRB2. For example, if it is intended to use a DRB, one DRB may have a higher priority than other DRBs. In addition to the location of the AI / ML server, the WTRU may consider some factors (e.g., other factors) to determine which SRBs or DRBs to use for a particular QoS flow.

[0167] Figure 5 is an example that illustrates the WTRU selecting / determining whether to use the control plane or the user plane and through which radio bearers to send data. The determination by the WTRU may allow the AI / MLAC (e.g., running at the WTRU) to transmit data with a certain (e.g., required) transmission priority.

[0168] At 1, the WTRU may determine how to transmit the data of the AC to the network. The WTRU may decide whether the data of the AC should be transmitted via the CP or the UP. The WTRU may decide on which SRBs or DRBs the data of the AC should be transmitted. The WTRU may be configured with policies to assist in this decision-making. The policies may consider several parameters. For example, the parameters may include data size, the priority of the data, the radio conditions of the SRB / DRB, the current QoS flow rules, the destination of the AI / ML server (e.g., the AS), user mobility, and / or the like.

[0169] At 2, the WTRU may send data of the AC (e.g., AI / ML training results) to the gNB (e.g., via an uplink RRC message). The WTRU may send the data via a specific SRB (e.g., depending on the priority of the uplink data transmission). The WTRU may indicate to the gNB whether the message includes user plane data of the WTRU (e.g., user plane data that the gNB will forward to its destination). The destination of the data may be in the gNB / RAN or elsewhere. If the AS is hosted in a cloud data center outside the 5G network, the gNB may forward the data of the WTRU to the AS via the UPF via N3 or via the AMF / SMF via the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0170] At 3, the gNB may forward the data of the WTRU to the AS (e.g., via the UPF). The data transmission between the gNB and the UPF may be via an N3 tunnel. The data of the WTRU may be conveyed from the UPF to the AS via N6.

[0171] Figure 6 An example timeline for data transmission is illustrated. One or more WTRUs may be configured to perform AI / ML related actions (e.g., AI / ML training). The (one or more) WTRUs may send a report (e.g., model weights of the training) within a given time (e.g., before a deadline).

[0172] In Figure 6 the example, the first WTRU (e.g., WTRU1) may complete the training before the deadline. In this case, the first WTRU may send the result on time (e.g., even if the first WTRU is configured to use a low priority RB, e.g., a DRB). The second WTRU (e.g., WTRU2) may complete the training closer to the deadline. In this case, the second WTRU may send the result on time if (e.g., only if) the second WTRU is configured to use a high priority RB (e.g., a high priority DRB or SRB). The network and / or the WTRU may not know when the action (e.g., training) will be completed (e.g., because this may depend on variable WTRU and / or network conditions).

[0173] Figure 7This illustrates an example call flow in which a WTRU selects / determines a radio bearer on which to send data. As illustrated, a network node may send configuration information to the WTRU. The configuration information may include specifications (e.g., requirements) of data (such as AI / ML related data). The configuration information may include RBs (such as DRBs and / or SRBs) that the WTRU may use to send data. The configuration information may include one or more conditions (such as UL buffer level, radio conditions, etc.). The WTRU may use the (one or more) conditions to determine which (one or more) RBs to use to send data.

[0174] The network node may send an indication of one or more triggers that indicate to the WTRU to start (one or more) AI / ML related actions (such as training). The network node may send information such as a deadline for sending the result(s) of the (one or more) actions, quality of service (QoS) specifications (such as requirements) (such as security and reliability specifications), and the like.

[0175] The WTRU may start performing (one or more) AI / ML related actions (such as in response to a trigger). The WTRU may complete the (one or more) actions of generating a result / data. The WTRU may determine the (one or more) RBs to be used for sending data according to the specifications (such as requirements) of the data. For example, the WTRU may determine the (one or more) RBs to be used for sending data based on the size of the data, security and / or reliability specifications of the data, and the like. The WTRU may determine the (one or more) RBs to be used for sending data according to WTRU conditions (such as the current uplink buffer level, etc.), network conditions (such as radio conditions, etc.), configuration information received from the network node, and the like. The WTRU may use the (one or more) selected RBs to send data to the network node.

[0176] Although the above features and elements have been described in a particular combination, each feature or element may be used alone without the other features and elements of the preferred embodiment, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

[0177] Although the implementations described herein may consider 3GPP-specific protocols, it is to be understood that the implementations described herein are not limited to such scenarios and may be applicable to other wireless systems. For example, although the solutions described herein consider LTE, LTE-A, New Radio (NR), or 5G-specific protocols, it is to be understood that the solutions described herein are not limited to such scenarios and are also applicable to other wireless systems. For example, although the system has been described with reference to 3GPP, 5G, and / or NR network layers, the contemplated embodiments extend beyond implementations using specific network layer technologies. Similarly, potential implementations extend to all types of service layer architectures, systems, and embodiments. The techniques described herein may be applied alone and / or in combination with other resource configuration techniques.

[0178] The processes described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, and / or firmware incorporated into a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer and / or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic signals (transmitted via wired and / or wireless connections) and / or computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media (such as, but not limited to, internal hard disks and removable disks), magneto-optical media, and / or optical media (such as compact disc (CD)-ROM discs and / or digital versatile discs (DVDs)). A processor associated with the software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU, terminal, base station, RNC, and / or any host computer.

[0179] It is to be understood that the entity executing the processes described herein may be a logical entity, which may be implemented in the form of software (e.g., computer-executable instructions) stored in the memory of a mobile device, network node, or computer system and executed on the processor of the mobile device, network node, or computer system. That is, the processes may be implemented in the form of software (e.g., computer-executable instructions) stored in the memory of a mobile device and / or network node (such as a node or computer system), the computer-executable instructions executing the processes under discussion when executed by the processor of the node. It is also to be understood that any transmission and reception processes illustrated in the figures may be performed by the communication circuitry of the node under the control of the processor of the node and the computer-executable instructions (e.g., software) executed thereby.

[0180] The various techniques described herein can be implemented in conjunction with hardware or software, or, where appropriate, in conjunction with a combination of both. Thus, an implementation of the subject matter described herein and an apparatus or certain aspects or portions thereof can take the form of program code (e.g., instructions) embedded in a tangible medium including any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into a machine (such as a computer) and executed by the machine, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the subject matter described herein. In the case where the program code is stored on a medium, it may be the case that the program code under discussion is stored on one or more media that together perform the actions under discussion, that is, the one or more media together contain the code for performing the actions, but - in the case where there is more than one separate medium - no particular portion of the code is required to be stored on any particular medium. In the case of program code execution on a programmable device, a computing device generally includes a processor, a processor-readable storage medium (including volatile or non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs can implement or utilize, for example, processes described in conjunction with the subject matter described herein by using an API, reusable controls, or the like. Such programs are preferably implemented in a high-level programming language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, if desired, the (one or more) programs can be implemented in assembly language or machine language. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language and combined with a hardware implementation.

[0181] Although example embodiments may refer to utilizing aspects of the subject matter described herein in the context of one or more stand-alone computing systems, the subject matter described herein is not limited thereto, but can be implemented in conjunction with any computing environment, such as a network or a distributed computing environment. Still further, aspects of the subject matter described herein can be implemented in or across multiple processing chips or devices, and storage across multiple devices can be similarly affected. Such devices may include personal computers, network servers, handheld devices, supercomputers, or computers integrated into other systems, such as automobiles and airplanes.

[0182] In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the figures, specific terms are employed for the sake of clarity. However, the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Claims

1. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), comprising: a processor configured to: receive information indicating: a first radio bearer configuration indicating a radio bearer of a first radio bearer type associated with a control plane; a second radio bearer configuration indicating a radio bearer of a second radio bearer type associated with a user plane; conditions associated with transmitting data related to artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) related operations; a first association between the conditions and the first radio bearer type, and a second association between the conditions and the second radio bearer type; receive an indication to start AI / ML related operations; determine that data associated with the AI / ML related operations is available; select a radio bearer type from the first radio bearer type and the second radio bearer type for transmitting the data, at least based on the conditions; and transmit at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

2. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the first radio bearer type includes a signaling radio bearer (SRB), and wherein the second radio bearer type includes a data radio bearer (DRB).

3. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the AI / ML related operations include training an AI / ML model, and wherein the processor is further configured to: receive an indication of a time to start training the AI / ML model and a deadline for transmitting the data, and wherein the data indicates at least one of: the AI / ML model is trained, or parameters associated with the training; determine a first estimated transmission time of the data based on the first association and a second estimated transmission time of the data based on the second association, wherein the processor being configured to select a radio bearer type from the first radio bearer type and the second radio bearer type for transmitting the data, at least based on the conditions, includes: the processor being configured to select a radio bearer type based on whether one or more of the first estimated transmission time or the second estimated transmission time meets a deadline threshold; and perform AI / ML training when starting to train the AI / ML model, wherein at least a portion of the data is transmitted according to the deadline threshold.

4. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the AI / ML related operations include collecting the data, and wherein the processor being configured to transmit at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type includes the processor being configured to transmit the data to a network entity for training the AI / ML model.

5. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on an uplink buffer level, and wherein the processor being configured to select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on an uplink buffer level includes the processor being configured to: If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is higher than a threshold, select the first radio bearer, and if the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is lower than the threshold, select the second radio bearer; or if the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer, select the first radio bearer, and if the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer, select the second radio bearer.

6. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: if the radio conditions of the serving cell are higher than a threshold, select a first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type; and if the radio conditions of the serving cell are lower than the threshold, select a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

7. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the payload of the data, and wherein the processor being configured to select a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the payload of the data includes the processor being configured to: if the payload size of the data is higher than a threshold, select the first radio bearer, and if the payload size of the data is lower than the threshold, select the second radio bearer; or if the type of the payload of the data is a first payload type, select the first radio bearer, and if the type of the payload of the data is a second payload type, select the second radio bearer.

8. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: if the reliability or security criteria of the data are higher than a threshold, select a first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type; and if the reliability or security criteria of the data are lower than the threshold, select a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

9. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type is a first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type, at least a portion of the data is a first portion of the data, and the processor is further configured to: select a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type; and transmit a second portion of the data via the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

10. A method performed by a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: receiving information that indicates: a first radio bearer configuration that indicates a first radio bearer of a first radio bearer type associated with a control plane; A second radio bearer configuration indicating a second radio bearer of a second radio bearer type associated with the user plane; Conditions associated with transmitting data associated with operations related to artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML); A first association between the conditions and a first radio bearer type, and a second association between the conditions and a second radio bearer type; Receiving an indication to start an AI / ML related operation; Determining that the data associated with the AI / ML related operation is available; Selecting a radio bearer type from a first radio bearer type and a second radio bearer type for transmitting the data, at least based on the conditions associated with transmitting the data; And Transmitting at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first radio bearer type includes a signaling radio bearer (SRB), and wherein the second radio bearer type includes a data radio bearer (DRB).

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving an indication of a time to start training an AI model and a deadline for transmitting the data, and wherein the data indicates at least one of the following: the AI model is trained, or a parameter associated with the training; and Performing AI training when starting to train the AI model, wherein at least a portion of the data is transmitted according to a deadline threshold.

13. The WTRU according to claim 10, wherein the AI / ML related operation includes collecting the data, and wherein transmitting at least a portion of the data via a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type includes transmitting the data to a network entity to train an AI / ML model.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further includes selecting a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on an uplink buffer level, and wherein selecting a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on an uplink buffer level comprises: If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is higher than a threshold, selecting the first radio bearer, and If the total uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer and the second radio bearer is lower than a threshold, selecting the second radio bearer; Or If the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer, selecting the first radio bearer, and If the uplink buffer level of the second radio bearer is lower than the uplink buffer level of the first radio bearer, selecting the second radio bearer.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: If the radio conditions of the serving cell are higher than a threshold, selecting a first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type; And If the radio conditions of the serving cell are below a threshold, a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type is selected as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises selecting a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type from a first radio bearer and a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the payload of the data, and wherein selecting a radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type based on the payload of the data comprises: if the payload size of the data is higher than a threshold, selecting the first radio bearer, and if the payload size of the data is lower than a threshold, selecting the second radio bearer; or if the type of the payload of the data is a first payload type, selecting the first radio bearer, and if the type of the payload of the data is a second payload type, selecting the second radio bearer.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: if the reliability or security criteria of the data are higher than a threshold, selecting a first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type; and if the reliability or security criteria of the data are lower than a threshold, selecting a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type as the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type is a first radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type, at least a part of the data is a first part of the data, and the method further comprises: selecting a second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type; and transmitting a second part of the data via the second radio bearer of the selected radio bearer type.

Images