Apparatus for network node

Abstract

An apparatus for a network node is provided. The apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the device to transmit a notification to the user equipment using at least the first radio access technology that the device is configured to use the second radio access technology and the network node is configured to use the first radio access technology, receiving, from the user equipment using the second radio access technology, a message that the user equipment can use the second radio access technology, forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology, receiving a configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit, and transmitting the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, where the at least one layer is higher than Layer 2.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments generally relate to telecommunications and to a device for a network node for allowing migration from a current radio access technology to a future radio access technology. BACKGROUND

[0002] The Global Suppliers Association (GSA) and Hexa X II are conducting activities to define initial requirements for end-to-end 6G system design and determine its scope. There is a need for some form of migration solution from 4G / 5G to 6G and it is likely that 6G will eventually discuss some form of non-standalone (NSA) solution as a possible migration path to fully leverage 6G. How this is possible depends on the network architecture of 6G: in 6G, the final architecture can leverage e.g. a service-based architecture (SBA) which can require different network interfaces or include converged core / RAN functions (e.g. combined CU / DU which can be similar to 4G eNB). Thus, it is possible that current NG type of interfaces are not present in 6G.

[0003] For migration from 4G to 5G, a 5G non-standalone (NSA) solution was defined, in which a 5G radio access node or 5G Node-B (gNB) 30 connects to a 4G radio access network (RAN) using a 4G radio access node (eNB) 20 and a 5G core network. The overall RRC architecture is shown in Figure 1 A terminal device or user equipment (UE) 10 can have a radio resource control (RRC) connection on the 4G RAN, with 5G RRC being used as a container on top of the 4G RRC. This is achieved by E-UTRAN - NR dual connectivity, in which a UE 10 connected to a 4G RAN master node (MeNB) 20 becomes additionally connected to a 5G RAN by adding a link to a 5G radio access node 30 as secondary node (SgNB). Thus, the 5G RRC connection piggybacks on the 4G RRC. In this way, the UE 10 utilizes both 4G and 5G RRC simultaneously via the Uu interface from the UE 10 to both eNB 20 and gNB 30. The eNB 20 and gNB 30 are connected via an X2-C interface.

[0004] Figure 2 A basic signaling diagram is shown depicting how a master node (4G eNB) 20 can add a 5G gNB 30 as a secondary node. The master node 20 requests a 5G configuration from the secondary node 30 and delivers it to the UE 10 using a 4G RRC connection over the 4G RAN.

[0005] As mentioned above, using a similar approach to that used between 4G and 5G to complete the migration from 5G to 6G could lead to significant differences between NSA-based solutions and ultimately standalone (SA)-based solutions. This would limit the final 6G architecture options, or NSA and SA would require different types of products. Furthermore, if migration from 4G is also required, another type of migration option would be needed.

[0006] Another issue with the aforementioned E-UTRA-New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) type NSA solution is that it works well when the frequency bands are so different that the coverage of the secondary node (SN) cell is much smaller than that of the cell served by the primary node (MN). In this case, the MN cell helps guarantee robust RRC connectivity. However, if the frequency bands are the same or have similar characteristics, this raises the question of how to segment the frequency bands. Furthermore, this can cause problems in UE implementations, as the UE may need to divide transmitter power between radios. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for a network node, the apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to send a notification to a user equipment that the apparatus is configured to use a second radio access technology and the network node is configured to use the first radio access technology, at least using a first radio access technology, to receive a message from the user equipment that the user equipment is able to use the second radio access technology, using the second radio access technology, to forward parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology, to receive a configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters, and to send the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0008] The device can be a non-standalone (NSA) radio device.

[0009] The configuration for the second radio access technology can be sent to the user equipment using the third layer and / or higher layers of the first radio access technology.

[0010] This device can be configured as part of the core network of the network.

[0011] The device can connect to the core network of the first radio access technology via an interface.

[0012] The first radio access technology could be 5G, and the second radio access technology could be a future radio access technology. The future radio access technology could be 6G.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for a network node is provided, comprising: means for sending a notification to a user equipment using a first radio access technology that the apparatus is configured to use a second radio access technology and that the network node is configured to use the first radio access technology; means for receiving from the user equipment using the second radio access technology a message that the user equipment is capable of using the second radio access technology; means for forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology; means for receiving from the central unit a configuration for the second radio access technology based on the parameters; and means for sending the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for a network node is provided. The apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to send, at least in a first radio access technology, a notification to a user equipment that the apparatus is configured to use a second radio access technology and the network node is configured to access a network using the first radio access technology; to receive, using the second radio access technology, a message from the user equipment that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; to forward parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to the network using the first radio technology; to receive, based on the parameters, a configuration for the second radio access technology from the network; and to send, using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a network node is provided. The network node includes a central unit configured for a first radio access technology, a first distributed unit configured for the first radio access technology and connected to the central unit, and a second distributed unit connected to the central unit and configured for a second radio access technology. The second distributed unit includes a transmitter configured to send a notification to a user equipment (UE) via the first radio access technology that the network node is configured to access the network using the first radio access technology and that the second distributed unit is configured to operate using the second radio access technology; a receiver configured to receive from the UE via the second radio access technology a message indicating that the UE is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; and a processor configured to forward parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to the central unit. The processor is further configured to receive configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters, and the transmitter is further configured to send configuration for the second radio access technology to the UE via at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network node is provided, comprising a central unit configured for a first radio access technology and a radio device configured for a second radio access technology. The radio device includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the radio device to send a notification to a user equipment (UE) indicating the radio device's ability to operate using the second radio access technology, at least using the first radio access technology; to receive a message from the UE indicating that the UE is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; to forward parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to the central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology; to receive configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters; and to send configuration for the second radio access technology to the UE using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0017] This message could be an RRC establishment request message.

[0018] At least one memory and computer program code may also be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause a network node to receive an add request from at least a second network node configured for a third radio access technology, to add a radio device using the second radio access technology to the network using the third radio access technology, and in response to receiving the add request, to send a request for configuration of the second radio access technology to the radio device using a first radio access technology, to receive configuration for the second radio access technology using the first radio access technology, and to send configuration for the second radio access technology to the second network node for configuring a user equipment using the third radio access technology to access the second radio access technology.

[0019] The first radio access technology (RAN) can be 5G, the second RAN can be 6G, and the third RAN can be 4G. Network nodes can be gNBs (gNodeBs) providing access to the 5G network. Second network nodes can be eNBs (eNBs) providing access to the 4G network.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, a user equipment is provided for operation in at least a first radio access technology and a second radio access technology. The user equipment includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, use the user equipment to receive, at least using the first radio access technology, a notification received by a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using the second radio technology; use the second radio access technology to send a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; use at least one layer of the first radio access technology to receive configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2; and use the configuration to configure the user equipment for the second radio access technology, and establish a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the user equipment and the network node.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for receiving, using a first radio access technology, a notification from a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio technology; components for sending, using the second radio access technology, an instruction to the network node that the apparatus is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; components for receiving, using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, a configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2; and components for configuring the apparatus for the second radio access technology using the configuration and establishing a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the apparatus and the network node.

[0022] The device can be a user equipment (UE) or a terminal device.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising: sending a notification from a network node to a user equipment (UE) using a first radio access technology, indicating that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio access technology; receiving from the UE using the second radio access technology a message indicating that the UE is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology; receiving configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters; and sending the configuration for the second radio access technology to the UE using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0024] This message could be an RRC establishment request message.

[0025] Parameters can be forwarded using the initial uplink RRC message transfer.

[0026] Configuration can be received using downlink RRC message transfer.

[0027] Configuration for the second radio access technology can be sent to the user equipment via piggybacking on an RRC connection using the first radio access technology.

[0028] The RRC configuration for the second radio access technology can be encapsulated in the CellGroupConfig of the first radio access technology.

[0029] The method may further include receiving a request from a second network node to connect to the network node using a third radio access technology, requesting configuration for the second network node using the third radio access technology, receiving the configuration for the second network node, forwarding the configuration for the second network node to the central unit of the network node using the second radio access technology, receiving a message from a user equipment instructing the user equipment on its ability to operate in the second radio access network, forwarding capability parameters from the user equipment required to access the second radio access network to the second network node, receiving the configuration for the second radio access technology at the second network node based on the capability parameters, and sending the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment using the third radio access technology.

[0030] The first radio access technology can be 5G, the second radio technology can be 6G, and the third radio access technology can be 4G.

[0031] The first network node can be a gNB configured for 5G network access, and the second network node can be an eNB configured for 4G network access.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, the method comprising: at a user equipment, receiving, using a first radio access technology, a notification from a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio technology; sending, using the second radio access technology, a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; receiving, using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, a configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2; configuring the user equipment for the second radio access technology using the configuration; and establishing a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the user equipment and the network node.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product contained on a computer-readable distribution medium is provided, the computer program product including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform a method comprising: sending a notification from a network node to a user equipment (UE) of the network node's ability to provide network access using a second radio access technology, receiving from the UE a message that the UE is capable of operating using the second radio access technology, forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node configured for the first radio access technology, receiving configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters, and sending the configuration for the second radio access technology to the UE using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided, which is contained on a computer-readable distribution medium and includes program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform a method comprising: at a user equipment, receiving, using a first radio access technology, a notification from a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio technology; sending, using the second radio access technology, a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; receiving, using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, a configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2; configuring the user equipment for the second radio access technology using the configuration; and establishing a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the user equipment and the network node.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform a method comprising: sending a notification from a network node to a user equipment (UE) of the network node's ability to provide network access using a second radio access technology, using a first radio access technology; receiving from the UE a message that the UE is capable of operating using the second radio access technology, using the second radio access technology; forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology; receiving configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters; and sending the configuration for the second radio access technology to the UE using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method comprising, at a user equipment, receiving, using a first radio access technology, a notification from a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio technology; sending, using the second radio access technology, a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; receiving, using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, a configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2; configuring the user equipment for the second radio access technology using the configuration; and establishing a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the user equipment and the network node.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer system is provided, comprising one or more processors, at least one data memory, and one or more computer program instructions executed by the one or more processors associated with the at least one data memory, for implementing a method comprising: sending a notification from a network node to a user equipment (UE) in the form of a first radio access technology, indicating the network node's ability to provide network access in the form of a second radio access technology; receiving from the UE a message that the UE is capable of operating using the second radio access technology using the second radio access technology; forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology; receiving configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters; and sending the configuration for the second radio access technology to the UE using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer system is provided, including one or more processors, at least one data memory, and one or more computer program instructions executed by the one or more processors associated with the at least one data memory, for implementing a method comprising, at a user equipment, receiving, using a first radio access technology, a notification from a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio technology; sending, using the second radio access technology, a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology; receiving, using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, a configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2; configuring the user equipment for the second radio access technology using the configuration; and establishing a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the user equipment and the network node. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The present invention will now be described with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of network nodes in a non-standalone solution configuration for 4G to 5G migration;

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The message flow diagram of the network shown is as follows;

[0042] Figure 3 Examples of networks to which one or more embodiments are applicable are shown;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing the network components of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a message flow diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a UE or terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating network nodes and devices according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a block diagram representing the network components of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a message flow diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the circuitry of a UE for performing the method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0053] Figure 14 This is a block diagram schematically representing the circuitry of an apparatus for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "a," "an," or "some" embodiments in several places in the text, this does not necessarily mean that the same embodiment is mentioned every time, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases "at least one of A or B," "at least one of A and B," and "A and / or B" refer to (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases "A or B" and "A and / or B" mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0055] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0056] The embodiments described herein can be implemented in radio systems, such as radio systems including at least one of the following radio access technologies (RATs): WiMAX, GSM (2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS (3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE, and Enhanced LTE (eLTE). The term "eLTE" here refers to LTE evolution connected to the 5G core. LTE is also referred to as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) or Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN). The term "resource" can refer to radio resources such as physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmit" and / or "receive" can refer to wireless transmission and / or reception over radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0057] However, the embodiments are not limited to the system / RAT given as an example, but those skilled in the art can apply this solution to other communication systems / networks with the necessary attributes. Some examples of suitable communication networks include 5G and / or 6G networks. The 3GPP solution for 5G is called New Radio (NR). 6G is envisioned as a further development of 5G. NR is envisioned to use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multi-antenna transmission technology, deploy more base stations or nodes than the current LTE (so-called small cell concept) network, including macro sites operating in cooperation with smaller local access nodes, and may also employ various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates. 5G will likely consist of more than one radio access technology / radio access network (RAT / RAN), each optimized for specific use cases and / or spectrum. 5G mobile communications may have a wider range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, different ways of data sharing, and various forms of machine-type applications, including vehicle safety, different sensors, and real-time control. 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces, namely sub-6GHz, cmWave and mmWave, and can be integrated with existing legacy radio access technologies such as LTE.

[0058] The current architecture in LTE networks is distributed across radios and centralized in the core network. Low-latency applications and services in 5G may require bringing content closer to the radio, leading to local bursts and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the data source. This approach requires leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also enables the storage and processing of content near cellular users to accelerate response times. Edge computing encompasses a wide range of technologies, such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analytics, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networks, and processing, and can also be categorized as local cloud / fog computing and grid / grid computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlets, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, IoT (massive connectivity and / or latency critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications). Edge cloud can be brought into the RAN by leveraging Network Functions Virtualization (NVF) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Using edge cloud may mean that access node operations are at least partially operationally coupled to servers, hosts, or nodes at remote radio heads or base stations, including the radio portion. Network slicing allows the creation of multiple virtual networks over a common, shared physical infrastructure. These virtual networks can then be customized to meet the specific needs of applications, services, devices, customers, or operators.

[0059] In radio communications, node operations can be performed, at least partially, in a central / centralized unit (CU) (e.g., server, host, or node) that is operationally coupled to a distributed unit (DU) (e.g., radio headend / node). Node operations may also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between core network operations and base station operations can vary depending on the implementation. Therefore, 5G network architectures can be based on so-called CU-DU partitioning. One gNB-CU controls several gNB-DUs. The term "gNB" in 5G can correspond to the eNB in ​​LTE. One or more gNBs can communicate with one or more UEs. A gNB-CU (central node) can control multiple spatially separated gNB-DUs, at least acting as a transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) node. However, in some embodiments, the gNB-DU (also known as DU) may include, for example, the Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer, while the gNB-CU (also known as CU) may include layers above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. Other functional partitioning is also possible. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with the OSI model and the functions within each layer.

[0060] In one embodiment, the server or CU can generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with radio nodes. Typically, virtual networking may involve the process of combining hardware and software network resources and functions into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Such a virtual network can provide flexible operational distribution between the server and the radio head end / node. In effect, any digital signal processing task can be performed in the CU or DU, and the boundaries of responsibility transfer between the CU and DU can be chosen depending on the implementation.

[0061] Some other potential technological advancements to utilize are Software-Defined Networking (SDN), big data, and all-IP, to name just a few non-limiting examples. For instance, network slicing can be a form of virtual network architecture that uses the same principles behind Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) in fixed networks. SDN and NFV deliver greater network flexibility by allowing traditional network architectures to be divided into virtual elements that can be linked (or via software). Network slicing allows the creation of multiple virtual networks over a common, shared physical infrastructure. These virtual networks can then be customized to meet the specific needs of applications, services, devices, customers, or operators.

[0062] Multiple gNBs (access points / nodes), each comprising a CU and one or more DUs, can interconnect via the Xn interface, through which they can negotiate. gNBs can also connect to the 5G core network (5GC) via the Next Generation (NG) interface, which can be the 5G equivalent of the core network used for LTE. This 5G CU-DU partitioned architecture can be implemented using a cloud / server architecture, with the higher-level CU residing in the cloud, while the DU is closer to or includes the actual radio and antenna units. Similar plans are currently being pursued for LTE / LTE-A / eLTE. When both eLTE and 5G will use a similar architecture in the same cloud hardware (HW), the next step may be to combine software (SW) to allow a common SW to control both radio access networks / technologies (RAN / RAT). This could allow for new methods to control the radio resources of both RANs. Furthermore, configurations may exist where the entire protocol stack is controlled by the same HW as the CU and processed by the same radio units.

[0063] It should also be understood that the labor distribution between core network operations and base station operations may differ from LTE, or even not exist at all. Some other technological advancements that may be used are big data and all-IP, which could change how networks are built and managed. 5G (or New Radio, NR) networks are designed to support multi-tiered architectures, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and base stations or Node Bs (gNBs). It should be understood that MEC can also be applied to 4G networks.

[0064] 5G can also leverage satellite communications to enhance or supplement 5G service coverage, for example, by providing backhaul. Possible use cases include providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices or vehicular passengers, or ensuring service availability for critical communications and future rail / sea / airborne communications. Satellite communications can utilize geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite systems or low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, especially mega-constellations (systems deploying hundreds of (nano) satellites). Each satellite in a mega-constellation can cover the network entity of several enabling satellites that create a ground cell. Ground cells can be created via ground relay nodes or gNBs located on the ground or in satellites.

[0065] The embodiments can also be applied to narrowband (NB) Internet of Things (IoT) systems that can connect various devices and services using cellular telecommunications bands. NB-IoT is a narrowband radio technology designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) and is one of the technologies standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Other 3GPP IoT technologies suitable for implementing the embodiments include Machine Type Communication (MTC) and eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication). NB-IoT has a particular focus on low cost, long battery life, and enabling a large number of connected devices. NB-IoT technology is deployed “in-band” in the spectrum allocated to Long Term Evolution (LTE)—using resource blocks within a regular LTE carrier, or unused resource blocks within the LTE carrier protection band; or “standalone” in dedicated spectrum.

[0066] The embodiments can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D), machine-to-machine, and peer-to-peer (P2P) communications. The embodiments can also be applied to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V), or generally to V2X or X2V communications.

[0067] Figure 3 An example of a communication system or network to which embodiments of the present invention can be applied is shown. The system may include a control node 110 providing one or more cells (such as cell 100) and a control node 112 providing one or more other cells (such as cell 102). For example, each cell may be a macro cell, micro cell, femtocell, or picocell. From another perspective, a cell may define the coverage area or service area of ​​a corresponding access node. Control nodes 110 and 112 may be an evolved Node B (eNB) such as in LTE and LTE-A, an ng-eNB such as in eLTE, a gNB in ​​5G, or any other means capable of controlling radio communications and managing radio resources within the cell. Control nodes 110 and 112 may be referred to as a base station, a network node, or an access node.

[0068] The system can be a cellular communication system consisting of a radio access network of access nodes, each controlling one or more cells. Access node 110 can provide user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with radio access to other networks such as the Internet. Radio access may include downlink (DL) communication from the control node to UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from UE 120 to the control node.

[0069] Furthermore, although not shown, one or more local access nodes may be arranged such that the cell provided by the local access node at least partially overlaps with the cell of access nodes 110 and / or 112. The local access node can provide radio access within a sub-cell. Examples of sub-cells may include microcells, picocells, and / or femtocells. Typically, sub-cells provide hotspots within macrocells. The operation of the local access node can be controlled by the access node providing the sub-cell within its control area. Typically, the control node for a small cell may also be referred to as a base station, network node, or access node.

[0070] The system can have multiple UEs 120 and 122. Each of them can be served by the same or different control nodes 110 and 112. With a D2D communication interface established between UEs 120 and 122, UEs 120 and 122 can communicate with each other.

[0071] The term "terminal device" or "UE" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), user station (SS), portable user station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and recycle bins, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “terminal equipment”, “communication equipment”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” are used interchangeably.

[0072] In a communication network with multiple access nodes, these nodes can interconnect via an interface. The LTE specification refers to this interface as the X2 interface. Similar interfaces can be provided between access points for IEEE 802.11 networks (i.e., wireless LAN, WLAN, WiFi). The interface between an LTE access point and a 5G access point, or between two 5G access points, can be referred to as Xn. Other communication methods between access nodes are also possible. Access nodes 110 and 112 can also connect to the core network 116 of the cellular communication system via another interface. The LTE specification designates the core network as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and the core network can include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and gateway nodes. The MME handles the mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area containing multiple cells and handles signaling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. Gateway nodes handle data routing within the core network to / from terminal devices. The 5G specification designates the core network as the 5G Core (5GC), and the core network can include, for example, Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) and User Plane Functions / Gateways (UPF), to name just a few. AMF can handle Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling termination, NAS encryption and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, and security context management. For example, UPF nodes can support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, and QoS processing.

[0073] For the purposes of discussion, the “first radio access technology” described herein is 5G, the “second radio access technology” is 6G, and the “third radio access technology” is 4G. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these radio access technologies (RATs), and any prior or future radio access technology may be used. Similarly, “first network node” or “first base station” herein refers to a 5G gNB configured to provide access to a 5G network in operation, while “second network node” or “second base station” refers to a 4G eNB configured to provide access to a 4G (LTE) network. The described network nodes or base stations may also be used to provide access to any prior or future RAT.

[0074] As mentioned above, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The non-standalone (NSA) solutions used for migrating from 4G to 5G are impractical for migrating from 5G to 6G, although NSA solutions for 5G migration to 6G are needed before migrating to full SA 6G. The 6G SA network architecture is not yet known, but it needs to be compatible with the NSA architecture. In 6G, the final architecture may utilize, for example, a service-based architecture (SBA), which may require different network interfaces, or include converged core / RAN functions (e.g., combined CU / DU, which may resemble a 4G eNB). Therefore, current NG-type interfaces may not exist in 6G. If 5G / 6G NSA migration uses... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The 4G / 5G approach illustrated could lead to significant differences between NSA-based solutions and the eventual SA-based solutions. This could either limit the final 6G architecture options or require entirely different types of products for NSA and SA options.

[0075] Figure 4 One embodiment is illustrated, in which device 130 is a 6G non-standalone (NSA) device included in a distributed unit (DU) of 5G gNB 110, providing UE 120 with access to the 3GPP RAN network 100. gNB 110 can connect to another gNB 112 via an Xn-C interface, but in one embodiment, an Xn-C interface is not required. Both gNBs 110 and 112 can connect to the 5G core network (5GC) 116 via an NG interface, and are also referred to herein as network nodes, network access nodes, or base stations.

[0076] Figure 4 The entire 5G architecture is also illustrated, where gNB 110 is partitioned into a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 117 and two gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs) 118 and 130. In 5G, the gNB-CU is further partitioned into gNB-CU-U and gNB-CU-C. This partitioned architecture allows for an implementation change of one component without reimplementing other components (if the interface change remains minimal). Therefore, in the minimal migration to 6G shown in this embodiment, only one gNB-DU 130 is replaced with the 6G equivalent DU. The 6gNB-DU 130 is configured by OAM and is in F1 operating state. Establishment is performed via the F1 interface to the 5G gNB-CU 117, which allows the 6G radio entity to connect to the 5G core network. In other words, although base station 110 is configured for accessing the 5G network, it can provide access to 6G UE 120 via device 130 on the radio interface.

[0077] Figure 5An example method executed by apparatus 130 in one embodiment is shown. This method can be implemented by a computer. The method can be executed by a processor and memory storing computer program code executed by the processor.

[0078] In step S210, device 130 sends a notification to UE 120 using 5G that device 130 is configured to use 6G. Device 130 also notifies UE 120 that gNB 110 is configured to use 5G. This informs UE 120 that although gNB 110 is configured to access the 5G network, UE 120 can still use 6G to access the network on the radio interface.

[0079] In step S211, device 130 uses 6G radio access technology to receive a message from user equipment 120 indicating that the user equipment can use 6G. When UE 120 is attempting to access the network using 6G, even if gNB 110 itself is a 5G eNB, gNB 110 will be visible to it because 6G radio access is provided.

[0080] In step 212, device 130 forwards the parameters required for 6G access to CU 117 of gNB 110, and then in step 213, device 130 receives the configuration for 6G from central unit 117 based on the parameters it forwards to CU 117.

[0081] In step 214, device 130 forwards the 6G configuration to UE 120 using one or more higher-layer 5G protocols. "Higher-layer" refers to layers above 2, such as RLC or PDCP layers, or higher-layer protocols such as F1AP, E1AP, NGAP, PDCP-C, NAS-MM, and NAS-SM. However, this list is not exhaustive.

[0082] according to Figure 5 The initial setup of the method requires the RAN network 100 to integrate device 130 (a radio unit with 6G capability) into the gNB-DU, making it a type of 6G radio access node in the 5G network access node.

[0083] In this way, the 6G radio band (6-20GHz) becomes operational for gNB 110, or network node 110 operates on frequencies of MRSS using 6G-specific spectrum. Device 130 is a radio node with 6G radio capabilities, anchored within a legacy core network (4G or 5G). For example, a 5G gNB-DU can be upgraded to a 6G gNB-DU and reconfigured with 6G-specific resources via F1 message gNB-DU resource coordination by the 5G gNB-CU.

[0084] In one embodiment, device 130 may be a new 6G radio unit that can be established via an F1 setup message to 5G NB-CU 117 and its 6G status indication.

[0085] This initial establishment on the network side needs to be detectable by the UE. To this end, after successfully establishing the 6gNB-DU unit as device 130, the adjacent 5G radio unit, in this example gNB 112, notifies users within its range of 6gNB-DU availability. 5G gNB 112 and other adjacent network nodes can provide information about the 6G capabilities of gNB 110, such as frequencies.

[0086] Alternatively, device 130 may broadcast the information itself to notify UE 120 of its 6G capabilities. In the initial phase of the 5G to 6G migration, system information may be notified by signaling in the 5G format with the new 6G radio band (620-GHz), or information may be provided that network node 110 with device 130 is able to operate on the frequency using MRSS with 6G-specific spectrum.

[0087] Figure 6 A message flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0088] After detecting the network, UE 120, within 6G network range, can detect and synchronize with the 6G NB-DU radio. Detecting a 6G-capable network can cause UE 120 to generate a 6G indication / 6G identifier / 6G icon, meaning that UE 120 is within a 6G-specific PLMN / band or spectrum available for 6G operation.

[0089] For the initial radio connection, without needing to use the Xn interface, the pure connection establishment can be broken down into the following steps:

[0090] 1. The UE initiates 5G RRC establishment via the 6G radio. a. RRCSetupRequest is constructed according to the 5G RRC protocol syntax (enabling 5G UEs to benefit from 6G radio). b. RRCSetupRequest can indicate 6G UE capabilities (e.g., a 6G UE identifier mapped to a 5G RRC setup request message or the UE indicating a 6G-specific setup reason).

[0091] 2. The 6G DU decodes the 5G RRC setup request message, constructs the required 6G configuration, and sends the message to the 5G gNB-CU. Since the RRC configuration from the DU is transparent to the gNB-CU, the gNB-CU processes the initial UL RRC message in a similar manner to when the message originates from the 5G DU.

[0092] 3. gNB-CU delivers 6G configuration to DU in the 5G RRC setup message.

[0093] 4. The 6G DU will deliver the RRC establishment to the UE.

[0094] 5. The UE establishes a 6G SRB signaling radio bearer. The UE is configured to use 6G and continues signaling as in 5G.

[0095] 6-18.5G remains unchanged.

[0096] The principle behind all implementations is that UE 120 uses its existing 5G RRC signaling and 6G RRC container.

[0097] 6G RRC configurations can be encapsulated within 5G CellGroupConfig, allowing the current 5G RRC to be reused, as shown below:

[0098] Figure 7 A method according to one embodiment is shown from the perspective of UE 120.

[0099] In step S310, UE 120 receives notification from device 130 in gNB 110 that gNB 110 is capable of providing network access using 6G (via device 130 included in the DU of gNB 110) using 5G. In step S311, UE 120 then sends a message to gNB 110 indicating that UE 120 is capable of operating using 6G. In step S312, gNB 110 then sends a configuration for 6G using a higher layer of 5G. "Higher layer" refers to layers above 2, such as RLC or PDCP layers, or higher-layer protocols such as F1AP, E1AP, NGAP, PDCP-C, NAS-MM, NAS-SM. However, this list is not exhaustive. Using this configuration, in step S313, UE 120 is then configured for 6G, and a 6G signaling radio bearer is established between UE 120 and gNB 110 (via device 130).

[0100] In a further embodiment, it can be a subsequent migration step, and gNB-CU-U is also replaced by a 6G equivalent U-shaped plane, and more 6G-specific operations (such as terminating and decoding RRC messages) are integrated.

[0101] For example, in Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, device 131 in gNB 110 is configured to provide 6G access to the network node gNB 110, even if gNB 110 is configured to access a 5G network. Device 131 provides... Figure 4 The device 130 shown has the same functions. However, in this case, device 131 performs the functions of both the DU and CU of gNB 110, enabling it to interface with the 5G core network (5GC) 116 and provide a radio interface to UE 120. Device 131 is configured to perform... Figure 9 The method is illustrated. This method can be implemented by a computer and can be executed by at least one memory including computer program code and a processor.

[0102] In step S410, device 131 sends a notification to user equipment 120 using 5G that device 131 is configured to use 6G and network node gNB 110 is configured to access the network using 5G. In step S411, device 131 receives a message from user equipment that user equipment can operate using 6G. In step S412, device 131 forwards the parameters required for 6G access to the 5G network. In step S413, based on the parameters received from the network in step S412, device 131 receives the 6G configuration from the network (5G core network 116) and sends the 6G configuration to UE 120 using a higher layer of the 5G network. "Higher layer" means sending the 6G configuration using a 5G protocol layer higher than layer 2, such as RLC or PDCP layer, or higher-layer protocols such as F1AP, E1AP, NGAP, PDCP-C, NAS-MM, NAS-SM. However, this list is not exhaustive.

[0103] Performed by devices 130 and 131 Figure 4 and Figure 9 The two methods described allow UE 120 to have standalone (SA) 6G connectivity using a 5G gNB higher layer and / or a 5G core network to a non-standalone (NSA) network. In other words, the NSA network could therefore be a combination of 6G radio and a 5G higher layer. "Higher layer" refers to layers above 2, such as RLC or PDCP layers, or higher-layer protocols such as F1AP, E1AP, NGAP, PDCP-C, NAS-MM, and NAS-SM. However, this list is not exhaustive.

[0104] and Figure 1 Compared to the 4G / 5G migration solutions shown, the embodiments described herein offer the advantage of not requiring radio segmentation, where the UE needs to segment radios.

[0105] exist Figure 10In a further embodiment shown, the 4G eNB 210 can be added to the network as a second network node, interfaced with the gNB 110 via the X2-C interface. The method of this embodiment is similar to... Figure 4 and Figure 9 The method shown is the same, with additional steps as follows: Figure 11 As shown.

[0106] In step 420, device 130 receives an add request from 4G eNB 210 to add device 130 using 6G to the 4G network.

[0107] In step 421, in response to receiving an add request from eNB 210, gNB 110 sends a request for 6G configuration to device 130 using 5G.

[0108] In step 422, device 130 uses 5G to send a configuration for 6G to gNB 110.

[0109] In step 423, gNB 110 uses 4G to send a configuration for 6G to eNB 210, configuring user equipment 120 to access 6G via device 130. In this way, 6G UE 120 can access the network via 4G eNB 210.

[0110] Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 The message flow diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0111] 1. The LTE / 4G eNB 210 decides to add the 6G UE 120 connected to the 5G gNB 110 via device 130 and sends an SgNB add request.

[0112] 2. gNB-CU 117 uses the UE context to request 6G configuration from 6G device 130.

[0113] 3. The 6G device 130 uses the UE context to establish a response in response to the configuration request.

[0114] 4. The LTE / 4G eNB 210 uses the 4G RRCConnectionReconfiguration message to deliver the 6G configuration to the UE 120.

[0115] 5-12. Existing functions remain unchanged.

[0116] In other embodiments, the 6G RRC configuration can be encapsulated in a 5G CellGroupConfig, which allows the current 5G RRC to be reused.

[0117] In one embodiment, UE 120 may include a terminal device of a communication system, such as a user terminal (UT), computer (PC), laptop computer, minicomputer, cellular phone, mobile phone, communicator, smartphone, handheld computer, mobile transportation device (such as a car), home appliance, or any other communication device, generally referred to as UE in the description. Alternatively, the device may be included in such a terminal device. Furthermore, the device may be or include a module providing connectivity (to be attached to the UE), such as a plug-in unit, a "USB dongle," or any other type of unit. This unit may be installed inside the UE, or attached to the UE via a connector or even wirelessly.

[0118] exist Figure 13 The illustrated embodiment shows circuitry within the UE 120. This circuitry enables the UE 120 to perform some of the functions described above, such as... Figure 7 The steps are shown.

[0119] UE 120 may also include a radio interface (TRX) 16, which includes hardware and / or software for establishing communication connections according to one or more communication protocols. For example, the TRX can provide the device with the communication capability to access a wireless access network.

[0120] The device may also include a user interface 18, including, for example, at least one keyboard, microphone, touch display, monitor, speaker, etc. A user can use the user interface to control the device.

[0121] According to any embodiment, the control circuit 12 may include associated circuitry 20 for performing functions.

[0122] like Figure 14 As shown, one embodiment provides apparatus 130 (and may also be applied to apparatus 131), which includes control circuitry (CTRL) 52, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 54 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least any of the processes described above. In one example, at least one memory and computer program code (software) are configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform any of the processes described above. The memory can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The memory may include a database for storing data.

[0123] In one embodiment, device 130 may be or be included in a network node, such as a 5G gNB / gNB-CU / gNB-DU. In one embodiment, the device is or is included in network node 110. The device may be able to perform some of the functions described above, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 The steps.

[0124] The device may also include a communication interface (TRX) 56, which includes hardware and / or software for establishing a communication connection according to one or more communication protocols. For example, the TRX can provide the device with the ability to communicate with at least one user equipment.

[0125] The device may also include a user interface 58, including, for example, at least one keyboard, microphone, touch display, monitor, speaker, etc. A user can use the user interface to control the device.

[0126] The control circuit 52 may include circuitry 60 for carrying out the method steps according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0127] In one embodiment, a CU-DU (Central Unit-Distributed Unit) architecture is implemented. In this case, device 50 may be included in a central unit (e.g., a control unit, an edge cloud server, a server) operatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless or wired network) to a distributed unit (e.g., a remote radio head / node). That is, the central unit (e.g., the edge cloud server) and the radio nodes may be separate devices communicating with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection. Alternatively, they may be in the same entity communicating via a wired connection, etc. The edge cloud or edge cloud server may serve multiple radio nodes or a radio access network. In one embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the central unit. In another embodiment, the device may alternatively be included in the distributed unit, and at least some of the described processes may be performed by the distributed unit. In one embodiment, the execution of at least some functions of device 130 or 131 may be shared between two physically separate devices (DU and CU) forming an operational entity. Thus, the device can be considered as an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the described processes. In one embodiment, the device controls the execution of a process regardless of the device's location or where the process / function is performed.

[0128] In one embodiment, an apparatus implementing at least some of the described embodiments includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform the functions according to any of the described embodiments. According to one aspect, when the at least one processor executes the computer program code, the computer program code causes the apparatus to perform the functions according to any of the described embodiments. According to another embodiment, an apparatus implementing at least some of the embodiments includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one processor and the computer program code perform at least some of the functions according to any of the described embodiments. Thus, at least one processor, memory, and computer program code form a processing component for implementing at least some of the described embodiments. According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus implementing at least some of the embodiments includes circuitry including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. When activated, the circuitry causes the apparatus to perform at least some of the functions according to any of the described embodiments.

[0129] As used herein, the term “circuit” refers to all of the following: (a) a purely hardware circuit implementation, such as one implemented solely in analog and / or digital circuitry; and (b) a combination of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of processors or (ii) a portion of processor / software, including a digital signal processor, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device to perform various functions; and (c) a circuit, such as one or more microprocessors or a portion thereof, that requires software or firmware to operate, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. The definition of “circuit” applies to all uses of the term in this application. As another example, as used herein, the term “circuit” will also cover only the implementation of a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular element, the term “circuit” will also cover a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or another network device.

[0130] In one embodiment, at least some of the described processes can be performed by means including corresponding components for performing the at least some of the described processes. Some example components for performing these processes may include at least one of the following: a detector, a processor (including dual-core and multi-core processors), a digital signal processor, a controller, a receiver, a transmitter, an encoder, a decoder, a memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, a display, a user interface, display circuitry, user interface circuitry, user interface software, display software, circuitry, an antenna, antenna circuitry, and circuitry.

[0131] The term “non-transient” as used in this article refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0132] As used herein, the term "component" will be understood in the singular form, meaning a single element, or in the plural form, meaning a combination of single elements. Therefore, the term "component for [performing A, B, C]" will be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one component for performing A, B, and C, or where there are separate components for performing A, B, and C, or components that partially or completely overlap for performing A, B, and C. Furthermore, the terms "component for performing A," "component for performing B," and "component for performing C" should be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one component for performing A, B, and C, or where there are separate components for performing A, B, and C, or components that partially or completely overlap for performing A, B, and C.

[0133] The techniques and methods described herein can be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the means of (multiple) embodiments can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, it can be implemented by modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) of at least one chipset that perform the functions described herein. Software code can be stored in memory cells and executed by a processor. Memory cells can be implemented inside or outside the processor. In the latter case, as is known in the art, it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means. Furthermore, the components of the systems described herein can be rearranged and / or supplemented by additional components to facilitate the achievement of the various aspects described herein; as those skilled in the art will understand, they are not limited to the precise configurations illustrated in the given figures.

[0134] The described embodiments can also be implemented as a computer process defined by a computer program or parts thereof. Embodiments of the described methods can be implemented by executing at least a portion of a computer program including corresponding instructions. The computer program can be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and it can be stored on a carrier wave, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the computer program can be stored on a computer or processor-readable computer program distribution medium. The computer program medium can be, for example, but not limited to, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. The computer program medium can be a non-transitory medium. The coding of the software used to implement the illustrated and described embodiments is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0135] Although the invention has been described above with reference to examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is apparent that the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are intended to illustrate rather than limit the embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can, but do not necessarily need to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. A device for a network node, the device comprising: At least one processor, and At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the device to at least: A notification is sent to the user equipment using a first radio access technology, indicating that the device is configured to use a second radio access technology and the network node is configured to use the first radio access technology. The second radio access technology is used to receive a message from the user equipment indicating that the user equipment is capable of using the second radio access technology. The parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology are forwarded to the central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology. Based on the parameters, configuration for the second radio access technology is received from the central unit, and At least one layer of the first radio access technology sends the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a non-standalone (NSA) radio device.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the configuration for the second radio access technology is transmitted to the user equipment using a third layer and / or higher layer using the first radio access technology.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is configured to be incorporated into the core network portion of a network.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device is capable of being connected via an interface to the core network of the first radio access technology.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first radio access technology is 5G and the second radio access technology is a future radio access technology.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the future radio access technology is 6G.

8. An apparatus for a network node, comprising: A component for sending a notification to a user equipment using a first radio access technology that the device is configured to use a second radio access technology and that the network node is configured to use the first radio access technology. A component for receiving, using the second radio access technology, a message from the user equipment indicating that the user equipment is capable of using the second radio access technology. A component for forwarding parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to a central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology. Components for receiving configuration for a second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters, and Components for transmitting the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

9. A device for a network node, the device comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the device to at least A notification is sent to the user equipment using a first radio access technology, indicating that the device is configured to use a second radio access technology and the network node is configured to access the network using the first radio access technology. The second radio access technology is used to receive a message from the user equipment indicating that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology. The first radio technology is used to forward the parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to the network. Based on the parameters, receive configuration for the second radio access technology from the network, and At least one layer of the first radio access technology sends the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

10. A network node, comprising: A central unit configured for the first radio access technology; A first distributed unit is configured for the first radio access technology and connected to the central unit; as well as The second distributed unit is connected to the central unit and configured for the second radio access technology. The second distributed unit includes: A transmitter configured to send a notification to a user equipment using the first radio access technology that the network node is configured to access the network using the first radio access technology and the second distributed unit is configured to operate using a second radio access technology. A receiver configured to receive, using the second radio access technology, a message from the user equipment enabling the user equipment to operate using the second radio access technology. The processor is configured to forward parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology to the central unit. The processor is further configured to receive configuration for the second radio access technology from the central unit based on the parameters, and The transmitter is also configured to transmit the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

11. A network node, comprising: A central unit configured for the first radio access technology; as well as Radio equipment configured for a second radio access technology, The wireless equipment mentioned above includes: At least one processor, and At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the wireless device to at least: The first radio access technology is used to send a notification to the user equipment regarding the ability of the radio equipment to operate using the second radio access technology. The second radio access technology is used to receive a message from the user equipment indicating that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology. The parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology are forwarded to the central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology. Based on the parameters, configuration for the second radio access technology is received from the central unit, and At least one layer of the first radio access technology sends the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

12. The network node of claim 11, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the network node to at least: Receive an add request from a second network node configured for a third radio access technology to add a wireless device using the second radio access technology to the network using the third radio access technology. In response to receiving the add request, a request for configuration of the second radio access technology is sent to the radio device using the first radio access technology. The configuration for the second network access technology is received using the first radio access technology. The configuration for the second radio access technology is sent to the second network node, which configures the user equipment to access the second radio access technology using the third radio access technology.

13. The network node according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the message is an RRC establishment request message.

14. A user equipment for operation in at least a first radio access technology and a second radio access technology, the user equipment comprising: At least one processor, and At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the user equipment to at least: Using the first radio access technology, receive from a network node configured for the first radio technology a notification that the network node is able to provide network access using the second radio technology. The second radio access technology is used to send a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology. At least one layer using the first radio access technology receives configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2, and The user equipment is configured to use the second radio access technology using the configuration, and a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology is established between the user equipment and the network node.

15. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving, using a first radio access technology, a notification from a network node configured for the first radio technology that the network node is capable of providing network access using a second radio technology. A component for transmitting to the network node an indication that the device is capable of operating using the second radio access technology. Components for receiving configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node using at least one layer of the first radio access technology, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2, and Components for configuring the device for the second radio access technology using the configuration, and for establishing a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology between the device and the network node.

16. A method comprising: Using a first radio access technology, a notification is sent from the network node to the user equipment regarding the network node's ability to provide network access using a second radio access technology; Receive from the user equipment a message that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology using the second radio access technology; The parameters required for accessing the second radio access technology are forwarded to the central unit of the network node, the central unit being configured for the first radio access technology; Based on the parameters, configuration for the second radio access technology is received from the central unit, and At least one layer of the first radio access technology sends the configuration for the second radio access technology to the user equipment, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the message is an RRC establishment request message.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the parameters are forwarded using an initial uplink RRC message transfer.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the configuration is received using downlink RRC message transfer.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the configuration for the second radio access technology is transmitted to the user equipment via an RRC connection using the first radio access technology.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the RRC configuration for the second radio access technology is encapsulated in CellGroupConfig of the first radio access technology.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising: Receive a request from the second network node to connect to the network node using a third wireless access technology. The third radio access technology is used to request the configuration of the second network node. Receive the configuration for the second network node. The configuration for the second network node is forwarded to the central unit of the network node using the second radio access technology. Receive a message from the user equipment instructing the user equipment of its ability to operate in the second radio access technology. The capability parameters required for the user equipment to access the second radio access network are forwarded to the second network node. Based on the capability parameters, the configuration for the second radio access technology is received at the second network node, and The configuration for the second radio access technology is sent to the user equipment using the third radio access technology.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first radio access technology is 5G, the second radio technology is 6G, and the third radio access technology is 4G.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the first network node is a gNB configured for 5G network access, and the second network node is an eNB configured for 4G network access.

25. A method comprising: At the user equipment, a notification is received from a network node configured for the first radio access technology, indicating that the network node is capable of providing network access using the second radio technology. The second radio access technology is used to send a message to the network node that the user equipment is capable of operating using the second radio access technology. At least one layer using the first radio access technology receives configuration for the second radio access technology from the network node, wherein the at least one layer is above layer 2, and The user equipment is configured to use the second radio access technology using the configuration, and a signaling radio bearer for the second radio access technology is established between the user equipment and the network node.

26. A computer program product contained on a computer-readable distribution medium and comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 25.

27. A computer program product comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 25.

28. A computer system, comprising: One or more processors; At least one data storage device, and One or more computer program instructions, executed by one or more processors associated with at least one data memory, for performing the method according to any one of claims 16 to 25.

Images