Split architecture communication network

Abstract

A base station may have multiple entities, such as control plane devices and distributed devices. The distributed device provides radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and processes a physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, while the control plane device processes a radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station. The base station is configured such that the distributed device sends information about its characteristics or capabilities to the control plane device in an actively initiated message. This allows the control plane device to assign the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment using the capability information and information in the service request in response to the user equipment service request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to radio communication networks in which logical functions and responsibilities are split among multiple entities forming a base station. Background Technology

[0002] In modern radio communication network architectures, such as 5G, base stations can consist of several entities, each configured to handle different logical functions and responsibilities. These entities or nodes may include a Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Units (DUs). The CU may host higher layers of the radio protocol stack and, in some cases, reside in the cloud, while the DUs may host lower layers of the radio protocol stack and provide radio coverage via the cell. A CU can manage multiple DUs, which improves hardware efficiency. A potential drawback is that signaling between entities may increase latency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is set forth in the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims shall be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0004] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a control plane apparatus for a base station is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the control plane apparatus to at least: receive configuration characteristics of a distributed device from a distributed device of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing indications that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane apparatus for communication with a user equipment, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane apparatus being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; store the configuration characteristics in at least one memory of the control plane apparatus; retrieve information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device from the at least one memory in response to receiving a service request from the user equipment; and assign at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means is configured to perform the step of receiving configuration features from the distributed means before receiving a service request from the user equipment.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the physical layer configuration includes a layer 1 configuration and a layer 2 configuration.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the assigned configuration includes all resources required for communication between the UE and the distributed device.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration features include an indication of the radio resources available to the distributed device.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of assigning physical layer configuration includes: selecting radio resources for communication between the distributed device and a user equipment from radio resources that are currently available for the distributed device according to stored configuration characteristics.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means is further configured to update at least one memory with storage configuration characteristics based on the resources allocated to the distributed means.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, configuration features are received during the network establishment process.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, configuration features are received as proactively initiated messages.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the network establishment process includes: a process performed when establishing a network, a process performed when configuring an interface, or a process performed during interface configuration updates.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means is configured to: in response to receiving a service request from another user equipment, determine whether there is configuration information stored in at least one memory for the distributed means to provide radio coverage to the other user equipment; and if the configuration information is present, retrieve information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed means, and assign at least physical layer configuration required for communication between the other user equipment and the distributed means based on the configuration characteristics and the user equipment service request; and if the configuration information is not present, Generate a message to be transmitted to the distributed device requesting configuration information from the distributed device.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means is also caused to perform: initiating the transmission of instructions to the distributed means regarding the assigned physical layer configuration.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the transmission is sent as a distributed device configuration command.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means are also made to perform: inducing the transmission of an instruction to the user equipment for the assigned physical layer configuration.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the transmission is sent as a Radio Resource Control (RRC) establishment signal.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the transmission is transparently sent via a distributed device.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one memory is configured to store configuration characteristics of a plurality of distributed devices, each of which is configured to provide radio coverage via at least one cell.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means is further configured to: select a distributed means for providing radio coverage to a user equipment, and retrieve information from a data storage relating to the configuration characteristics of the selected distributed means for use in the assignment of physical layer configuration.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the assigned physical layer configuration associates the distributed device with an endpoint of a radio resource bearer.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the assigned physical layer configuration includes a transport network layer (TNL) address.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the assignment of physical layer configuration includes: allocating IP tunnels for radio bearers from the TNL to the radio network layer RNL.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane device includes a gNB-CU node.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane apparatus includes a gNB-CU-CP node.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane means is configured to host the control plane portion of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and the base station includes a corresponding user plane control means configured to host the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the user plane control device includes a gNB-CU-UP node.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the control plane device is also configured to transmit a TNL address to the corresponding user plane control device.

[0030] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a control plane apparatus for a base station is provided, the control plane apparatus comprising: a component for receiving signals from distributed devices of the base station; a component for storing data; and a component for assigning resources; wherein the receiving component is configured to receive configuration characteristics of the distributed devices from the distributed devices of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed devices can be configured by the control plane apparatus for communication with a user equipment, wherein the distributed devices are configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane apparatus is configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; the storing component is configured to store the configuration characteristics of the control plane apparatus; and wherein, in response to receiving a service request from the user equipment, the assigning component retrieves information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed devices from at least one memory, and assigns at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed devices to the distributed devices and the user equipment based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may further include one or more of the following: a component for transmission, a component for updating a component for storage, a component for generating messages, and a component for selecting a distributed device.

[0032] The components can perform the optional features described in relation to the aforementioned apparatus.

[0033] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a control plane apparatus for a base station is provided, the control plane apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to perform receiving configuration characteristics of a distributed device from a distributed device of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane apparatus for communication with a user equipment, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and to process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane apparatus being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; circuitry configured to perform storing the configuration characteristics in at least one memory of the control plane apparatus; circuitry configured to perform receiving a service request from the user equipment; circuitry configured to perform retrieving information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device from at least one memory; and circuitry configured to assign at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics.

[0034] The circuit can be configured to perform optional features associated with the aforementioned device.

[0035] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is provided executed at a control plane device of a base station, the method comprising: receiving configuration characteristics of a distributed device from a distributed device of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device for communication with a user equipment, the distributed device providing radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, wherein the distributed device processes at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane device processes at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; storing the configuration characteristics in at least one memory of the control plane device; receiving a service request from the user equipment; retrieving information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device from the at least one memory; and assigning at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: in response to receiving another user equipment service request, determining whether there is configuration information stored in at least one memory for the distributed device to provide radio coverage to another user equipment; and if the configuration information is present: retrieving information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device, and assigning at least physical layer configuration required for communication between the other user equipment and the distributed device based on the configuration characteristics and the user equipment service request; and if the configuration information is absent: Generate a message to be transmitted to the distributed device requesting configuration information from the distributed device.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the method performs the step of receiving configuration features from a distributed device before receiving a service request from a user equipment.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of assigning physical layer configuration includes: selecting radio resources for communication between the distributed device and the user equipment from a list of radio resources whose configuration characteristics indicate they are currently available for the distributed device.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes updating at least one memory with storage configuration characteristics based on the resources allocated to the distributed device.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes inducing the transmission of an instruction to a distributed device for an assigned physical layer configuration.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: inducing the transmission of an instruction to a user equipment for an assigned physical layer configuration.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the method includes storing configuration characteristics of a plurality of distributed devices, each of which provides radio coverage via at least one cell.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: selecting a distributed means for providing radio coverage to a user equipment, and retrieving information from a data storage about the configuration characteristics of the selected distributed means for use in the assignment of physical layer configuration.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of assigning physical layer configuration includes: allocating IP tunnels for radio bearers from the TNL to the radio network layer RNL.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a TNL address to the corresponding user plane control device.

[0046] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, the computer program including computer-readable instructions operable, when executed by a processor on a control plane device of a base station, to control the control plane device: receiving configuration characteristics of a distributed device from a distributed device of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device for communication with a user equipment, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and to process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane device being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; storing the configuration characteristics; retrieving information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device in response to receiving a service request from the user equipment; and assigning at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics.

[0047] Computer programs can be used to cause optional steps related to the methods described above to be performed.

[0048] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for causing a control plane means of a base station to perform at least the following operations: receiving configuration characteristics of a distributed means of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed means can be configured by the control plane means for communication with a user equipment, the distributed means being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and to process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane means being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; storing the configuration characteristics in at least one memory of the control plane means; receiving a service request from the user equipment; retrieving information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed means from the at least one memory; and assigning at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed means to the distributed means and the user equipment based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics.

[0049] The instructions can be used to execute optional features related to the methods described above.

[0050] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a distributed means for a base station is provided, the distributed means comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the distributed means to at least: generate a message providing an indication that the distributed means can be configured by a control plane means of the base station for communication with a user equipment, the distributed means being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, and processing at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane means being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; and initiating transmission of the message to the control plane means.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the message generated by the distributed device includes configuration characteristics of the distributed device, including information required for physical layer configuration of communication between the distributed device and the user equipment.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration features include information indicating the radio resources available to the distributed device.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration features include indications of at least one of the following: Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources, Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration, or the range of Cell Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), and additionally at least some other auxiliary information; wherein the additional auxiliary information includes: capability indicators indicating support for specific functions, explicit configuration of radio resources, frequency capabilities, frequency bands, bandwidth portions, bandwidth capabilities, channel capabilities, cell information, cell identifiers, beam configuration, Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), scheduling capabilities (such as the maximum number of UEs that can be supported simultaneously), timing limits, measurement gap information, cell group configuration, reference signal configuration, time-domain table, cell-specific operation, HW information (such as antenna configuration), carrier aggregation support, local carrier aggregation, (de)modulation mode, and maximum capabilities.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the distributed device is configured to transmit configuration features during the network establishment process.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the network establishment process includes: a process performed when establishing a network, a process performed when configuring an interface, or a process performed during interface configuration updates.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the transmission of configuration features is an actively initiated transmission.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the distributed device is configured to transmit configuration features independently of any user equipment service request.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the distributed device is configured to transmit configuration features as notification messages (without requiring acknowledgment).

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus is further configured to: receive a network configuration command from a control plane device, the command including at least physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device; configure resources based on the network configuration command; and use the configured resources to communicate with the user equipment.

[0060] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a distributed apparatus for a base station is provided, the distributed apparatus comprising: a component for generating a message providing an indication that the distributed apparatus can be configured by a control plane means of the base station for communication with a user equipment, the distributed apparatus being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane means being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; and a component for transmitting a message to the control plane means.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the distributed device further includes: components for receiving a network configuration command from a control plane means, the command including at least physical layer configuration required for communication between a user equipment and the distributed device; components for configuring resources based on the network configuration command; and components for communicating with the user equipment using the configured resources.

[0062] The components can perform the optional features described in relation to the aforementioned apparatus.

[0063] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a distributed means for a base station is provided, the distributed means comprising: circuitry configured to perform generating a message that provides an indication that the distributed means can be configured by a control plane means of the base station to communicate with a user equipment, the distributed means being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and processing at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane means being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station; and circuitry configured to perform transmitting a message to the control plane means.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the distributed device further includes: circuitry configured to execute receiving a network configuration command from a control plane device, the command including at least physical layer configuration required for communication between a user equipment and the distributed device; circuitry configured to execute configuration of resources based on the network configuration command; and circuitry configured to execute communication with the user equipment using the configured resources.

[0065] The circuit can be configured to perform optional features associated with the aforementioned device.

[0066] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is provided executed at a distributed device of a base station that provides radio coverage to a user equipment via at least one cell and processes at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack, while a control plane device of the base station processes at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack. The method includes: generating a message that provides an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device for communication with the user equipment; and transmitting the message to the control plane device.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a network configuration command from a control plane device; configuring resources indicated by the network configuration command; and transmitting messages to a user equipment using the configured resources.

[0068] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided that includes computer-readable instructions operable, when executed by a processor on a distributed device of a base station, to control the distributed device: generating a message providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by a control plane device for communication with a user equipment; transmitting the message to the control plane device; and providing radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, and processing at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack, while the control plane device of the base station is configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack.

[0069] Computer programs can be used to cause optional steps related to the methods described above to be performed.

[0070] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for causing a distributed means of a base station to perform at least the following: generating a message providing an indication that the distributed means can be configured by a control plane means for communication with a user equipment; transmitting the message to the control plane means, the distributed means being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, and processing at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack, wherein the control plane means of the base station is configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack.

[0071] The instructions can be used to execute optional features related to the methods described above.

[0072] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a user plane apparatus for a base station is provided, the user plane apparatus being configured to process at least a user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station; the user plane apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user plane apparatus to at least perform: receiving a bearer context establishment request from a control plane apparatus of the base station, the control plane apparatus processing at least a control plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and establishing a bearer for distributed communication between a user equipment and a base station based on the bearer context request and the TNL address.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, the user plane apparatus is also made to perform: in response to bearer context establishment, transmit an indication that bearer context establishment has been performed.

[0074] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a user plane apparatus for a base station is provided, the user plane apparatus being configured to process at least the user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the user plane apparatus comprising: components for receiving a bearer context establishment request from a control plane apparatus of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and components for establishing a bearer for communication between a user equipment and a distributed apparatus of the base station based on the bearer context request and the TNL address.

[0075] The components can perform the optional features described in relation to the aforementioned apparatus.

[0076] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a user plane apparatus for a base station is provided, the user plane apparatus being configured to process at least the user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the user plane apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to execute receiving a bearer context establishment request from a control plane apparatus of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and circuitry configured to execute establishing a bearer for communication between a user equipment and a distributed apparatus of the base station based on the bearer context request.

[0077] The circuit can be configured to perform optional features associated with the aforementioned device.

[0078] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is provided executed at a user plane device of a base station, the user plane device being configured to process at least a user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, the method comprising: receiving a bearer context establishment request from a control plane device of the base station, the control plane device processing at least a control plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and establishing a bearer for communication between a user equipment and a distributed device of the base station based on the bearer context request.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: transmitting an indication that a bearer context establishment has been performed in response to the bearer context establishment.

[0080] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, the computer program including computer-readable instructions operable, when executed by a processor on a user plane device of a base station, to control the user plane device: receiving a bearer context establishment request from a control plane device of the base station, the control plane device processing at least a control plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and based on the bearer context request, establishing a bearer for communication between a user equipment and a distributed device of the base station, the user plane device being configured to process at least a user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station.

[0081] Computer programs can be used to cause optional steps related to the methods described above to be performed.

[0082] According to various (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for causing a user plane device of a base station to perform at least the following: receiving a bearer context establishment request from a control plane device of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and establishing a bearer for communication between a user equipment and a distributed device of the base station based on the bearer context request, the user plane device being configured to process at least the user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station.

[0083] Further specific and preferred aspects are set forth in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be appropriately combined with features of the independent claims, and in combinations different from those expressly set forth in the claims.

[0084] The instructions can be used to execute optional features related to the methods described above.

[0085] When a device feature is described as operable to provide a function, it should be understood that this includes device features that provide that function or are adapted or configured to provide that function. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 The initial access procedure involving E1 and F1 signaling, based on existing technology, is illustrated. Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts different entities and signaling between entities in a distributed 6G network according to an embodiment; Figure 3 The signaling of the DU capability according to an embodiment is illustrated schematically; Figure 4 The signaling of a DU capability according to an embodiment having multiple DUs under a CU is illustrated schematically; Figure 5 The signaling for the updated DU capability according to an embodiment is illustrated schematically; Figure 6 The DU configuration following a UE service request is illustrated schematically according to an embodiment; Figure 7 The illustration schematically depicts bearer context establishment according to an embodiment; and Figure 8 This schematically illustrates a simplified bearer modification performed using a DU configuration command embedded with RRC configuration sent to the UE. Detailed Implementation

[0087] Before discussing the exemplary embodiments in more detail, an overview will first be provided.

[0088] Latency is one of the key performance indicators (KPIs) for 5G and is envisioned to be even more stringent for 6G technology. In the 5G network architecture, there is an NG-RAN split in the context of logical functions and responsibilities: CU (Central Unit) tasks (configuring higher layers) and DU (Distributed Unit) tasks (configuring lower layers) are performed at separate entities. Therefore, a single UE request (and configuration) cannot be processed without several round-trip messages exchanged between the involved NG-RAN entities (CU and DU). The DU, as a distributed entity, is defined and functionally the network entity to which the UE sends messages. However, it cannot understand messages and identify the UE (because it does not manage the RRC protocol). It may blindly forward the message to the CU. After processing the message, the CU needs to receive information about the lower-layer configuration from the DU in order to construct a response message for the UE. This protocol and function split adds latency because all requests require some input from both the CU and DU before finally being delivered to the UE.

[0089] This paper proposes to provide coordination between logical entities that control lower-layer and higher-layer resources in a network. The process proposes sharing the configuration characteristics or capabilities of a lower-layer network entity (DU) with its associated higher-layer network entity (CU), thereby reducing the time required to synchronize lower-layer capabilities and available resources. Specifically, the DU can independently generate and transmit "capability messages" that provide information about the functions supported by the DU and its available radio resources without waiting for a UE connection or service request. This allows the CU to allocate radio resources in response to a UE service request and to configure the DU and UE without first exchanging information with the DU. This reduces the signaling volume and latency required for the process.

[0090] In practice, the DU message provides the CU with an indication that the DU can be configured for communication with the user equipment via the CU. The message also provides the necessary information to allow this to happen. This information may include radio resources available to the distributed device prior to resource allocation, and thus is effectively an indication of the DU's capabilities. The indication that the DU can be configured by the CU can be in the content of the sent message or in the message format. For example, the message can be provided simply by receiving an actively initiated message at the CU from the DU, indicating the DU's configuration characteristics. This message can be received before receiving a UE service request from the UE. Receiving such an actively initiated message indicates to the CU that it can configure the DU remotely or centrally for communication with the UE.

[0091] Distributed devices (DUs) can be configured to transmit configuration features as notification messages that do not require acknowledgment (ack).

[0092] UE service requests can be connection requests or communication service requests related to the UE (e.g., bearer context establishment / modification requests).

[0093] By providing this information in advance, that is, before receiving a UE service request, the delay in responding to a UE service request is reduced because the transmission of messages between the CU and DU to negotiate the appropriate configuration is avoided or at least reduced.

[0094] In the presence of separate user plane and control plane control entities, a DU that provides these configuration features enables the control plane entity to configure the transport network layer without communicating with the DU.

[0095] In some embodiments, the DU provides the CU with DU configuration features or capabilities when a connection to the CU is established (during establishment), or the DU may do so during operation as requested during a network update process. DU configuration features may include the amount of available resources and / or the type of resources. In some embodiments, the DU defines and provides a "default lower-tier configuration" to the CU.

[0096] The network update process may be performed in response to the following: the distributed device has a software update, or wakes up from or enters a low-power mode, or in response to one or more of the following: a change in frequency / cell shutdown or energy-saving state, a frequency / cell sleep or wake-up event, an RF channel disable, or a baseband processor enable or disable.

[0097] The configuration characteristics of a DU (sometimes referred to as DU capabilities in this disclosure) may include: reference signal resources and reporting resources, allocation of UP addresses for the user plane, indication of physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, random access channel (RACH) configuration, and the range of cell network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), as well as at least some other auxiliary information; wherein the other auxiliary information may include: capability indicators indicating support for specific functions, explicit configuration of radio resources, frequency capabilities, (multiple) frequency bands, bandwidth portions, bandwidth capabilities, channel capabilities, cell information, cell identifier, beam configuration, synchronization signal block (SSB), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), scheduling capabilities (such as the maximum number of UEs supported simultaneously), timing limits, measurement gap information, cell group configuration, reference signal configuration, time-domain table, cell-specific operation, HW information (such as antenna configuration), carrier aggregation support, local carrier aggregation, (de)modulation mode, and maximum capabilities.

[0098] The CU maintains data storage, including information related to the connected DUs and their configuration characteristics or capabilities, and updates the stored available resources when resources are allocated. The CU allocates / reserves lower-tier resources for the DUs from available resources and adds higher-tier / UE-specific resources to generate a complete configuration for both the UE and the DUs. The storage of this configuration information is an indication that the distributed device supports remote or centralized configuration.

[0099] A distributed device can be a distributed unit of a distributed device gNB-DU.

[0100] Distributed devices can be configured as either the physical layer or a lower layer that hosts the radio protocol stack. The lower layer can be layer 1, and in some cases, it can be both layer 1 and layer 2.

[0101] The control plane device can be configured as a layer 3 hosting the radio protocol stack.

[0102] The DU will provide the CU with the necessary configuration features / DU capabilities related to its resources, independent of any UE service request. These can include lower-layer radio resources and transport network layer (TNL) resources, as well as other resources that enable the CU to perform radio resource allocation and TNL address assignment "in one step" for each UE service request (i.e., without querying the DU for information related to lower-layer radio and TNL resources). This effectively means that the DU outsources the accounting of its radio and transport network resources to the CU, but the DU performs double-checking and performs resource allocation / assignment.

[0103] Triggered by a UE-related communication service request (e.g., a bearer context establishment / modification request) received at the CU, the CU identifies the affected DU, then allocates, assigns, and determines the resources required by the affected DU (radio, transport layer) to support the UE's communication service request, and updates the DU resource accounting in the CU. The CU associates those DU resources with its own resources (higher-layer radios) and generates a first configuration for the DU, which the CU then transmits to the DU. This configuration command may include all assigned DU resources plus associated CU resources required to establish / modify UE communication services between the DU and the CU, and between the CU and the CNN, and generates a second configuration for the UE, which includes all allocated resources for the DU and the CU for establishing / modifying UE communication services between the DU and the CU, and between the CU and the CNN.

[0104] In some embodiments, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP according to the 5G RAN. In such embodiments, the DU can inform the CU-CP of its configuration features or capabilities, and the CU-CP can then seek to share this information to align / synchronize with the CU-UP, thereby reducing latency.

[0105] For example, the DL TNL address can be transmitted to the CU-UP / RAN-UP (transmitted from the CU-CP via the E1 interface). When the CU-CP and CU-UP establish their connection, the DU and its DL tunnel endpoint are unknown; however, the address can be transmitted by the CU-CP without waiting for the DU to provide its DL tunnel endpoint, because the CU-CP introduces the association between the DL TNL address at the DU and the radio bearer ID.

[0106] Specifically, for split architectures (such as those seen for 6G RAN), the implementation provides: • "DU Capability Message" – This message provides the CU with supplementary information about available resources and supported functions. This supplementary information is provided in advance of any service requests from the UE.

[0107] Once a service request arrives from the UE, the Information Element (IE) (i.e., the message carrying configuration features) in the DU capability message contains cell-level information from the DU that can be used by the CU for on-the-spot configuration of the UE. This information serves as a "baseline" for allocating resources when a service request is received from the UE. The CU manages resource allocation by configuring the DU and the UE.

[0108] The DU capability message contains information that the CU can use for the initial / baseline configuration of the UE. This eliminates or at least reduces the need to obtain this information (via round-trip messages) for each UE arrival / service request as described above, thereby potentially significantly improving control plane latency.

[0109] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the signaling between the CU node and DU node during the initial UE access to the network, and the associated latency effects. This involves both E1 (between CU-CP and CU-UP) and F1 (between CU and DU) signaling.

[0110] As specified in TS38.401, steps 9-15 define the transport layer address and require the participation of gNB-CU-UP and multiple signaling communications between CU-CP and CU-UP: 9. gNB-CU-CP sends a Bearer CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message to create a bearer context in gNB-CU-UP.

[0111] 10. gNB-CU-UP sends a Bearer CONTEXT SETUPRESPONSE message to gNB-CU-CP, which includes the F1-U UL TEID and transport layer address assigned by gNB-CU-UP.

[0112] 11. The gNB-CU sends a UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message to create a UE context in the gNB-DU. This message may also encapsulate a SecurityModeCommand message. In the case of NG-RAN sharing, the gNB-CU includes the serving PLMN ID (or the serving SNPN ID for SNPN).

[0113] 12. gNB-DU sends a SecurityModeCommand message to the UE.

[0114] 13. gNB-DU sends a UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE message to gNB-CU.

[0115] 14. gNB-CU-CP sends a Bearer Context Modification Request (BEARER CONTEXTMODIFICATION REQUEST) message to gNB-CU-UP, which includes the F1-U DL TEID and transport layer address assigned by gNB-DU.

[0116] 15. gNB-CU-UP sends a Bearer Context Modification Response message to gNB-CU-CP. [...] As can be seen, defining the transport layer address requires sending multiple signals between CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0117] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 The 6G RAN network node 20 includes gNB-CU-CP 22, multiple gNB-CU-UP 24, and multiple gNB-DU 26A and 26B entities. The CU entities host the higher layers of the radio protocol stack (such as RRC), as well as all related functions of the control plane and radio resources, while the DU entities host the lower-layer protocol stack (such as PHY and MAC). The CU entities are responsible for radio resource allocation, UE 50 context management, and communication with the core network 30.

[0118] In the split 6G RAN architecture, the specific characteristics of the 6G CU include: - Control plane configuration management (RRC) and radio resource management 6G DU functionality includes: - User-facing processing.

[0119] For communication between them, internal network entities have established interfaces (e.g., F1 type, as in 5G). 6G-specific behavior involves using this interface to exchange information about the state and resources associated with the DU (regardless of the UE state) to enable the CU to configure and manage radio resource settings. Figure 2 Examples illustrating such a general process: In this embodiment, the CU-CP includes a data storage 23 for storing DU capability or configuration characteristic data received from the DU. The CU-CP also includes a radio resource allocation circuit 21 (which may take the form of a processor) for allocating radio resources to the UE in response to a request based on the available resources of the relevant DU determined from the data storage 23.

[0120] DU 26 is configured to transmit DU configuration features (e.g., including or also referred to as capability information) to the CU, or, in the case of a split CU (as is the case), to the CU-CP, which are then stored in data storage 23 by the CU-CP 22. DU 26 can transmit this information without waiting for a UE service request; for example, DU 26 can perform this transmission during network establishment or network update procedures.

[0121] In this way, the ability to notify DU 26 to CU or CU-CP 22 before any initiation from UE 50 is accelerated, thereby speeding up the process of responding to UE when UE sends an RRC service request.

[0122] Figure 3 The signaling between UE 50, DU 26 and CU 25 is shown, where CU is a single node, rather than a node split into control plane entity and user plane entity.

[0123] DU 26 transmits its DU capabilities or configuration features via signaling 31, and this can occur during or after network establishment without any currently connected users (e.g., the UE is in an RRC idle (IDLE) state). If CU 25 controls several DU 26, they can each provide their own capabilities at the initial stage of network establishment, thus providing the CU with a complete resource configuration for all DUs under the CU's control (e.g., surrounding DUs or DUs within the CU's reach). DU capabilities can be one-way messages (accelerating network operation), or in some scenarios, the CU can subsequently respond to the DU capability in the form of a DU configuration at the DU layer (e.g., RLC, MAC, PHY). However, the response message to the DU can be deferred until any changes occur to the required resources (typically based on a new service request from the UE signaling 32), at which point CU 25 performs the configuration and configuration signal 34 is sent. In some embodiments, DU capabilities can be queried by the CU, such that the DU capability is provided as a response message to the CU request message.

[0124] Figure 4 An embodiment with multiple DUs 26A, 26B, and 26C under a single CU 25 is illustrated. In this configuration, each DU transmits its configuration features or capabilities in signals 41, 42, and 43 during the DU setup process, and this information is stored in a data store within the CU 25. This information can then be used in response to the receipt of a UE service request, for example, to generate a configuration at the CU for communication between the DU and the UE.

[0125] Additional and / or alternative locations: If the resource status of a DU capability changes, the DU capability can be updated from the DU. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5Message 55. In this embodiment, DU capabilities or configuration characteristics are sent from the DU to the CU as an actively initiated message 51 and stored at the CU. Then, in response to a user service request 52, the CU uses the stored DU capability information to configure the UE and DU, and sends a configuration command 53 to the DU and an RRC service establishment message 54 to the UE. If there is a subsequent change in the DU resource state, such as a software update for the DU or the DU entering a different low-power or high-power mode, the DU can transmit a DU capability update message 55 to the CU, thereby allowing the CU to update its stored information and use the updated information to configure the UE and DU in response to a UE service request.

[0126] Figure 6 This shows the DU configuration performed according to UE service request 62.

[0127] The radio resource allocation and configuration performed in the CU entity are based on the provided DU capabilities or configuration features, which are provided prior to the UE service request in message 62.

[0128] The format of DU capabilities or configuration characteristics uses information elements that provide the overall radio resources of the DU: required for L1 and L2 configuration: - PUSCH resources, RACH configuration (random access preamble, set or range of preambles), C-RNTI range, - A collection of other auxiliary information (such as capability bits for supporting specific functions) or explicit configuration of radio resources (such as a list of parameters with their values). - Frequency capabilities, (multiple) frequency bands, bandwidth portion, bandwidth capacity, channel capabilities, cell information, cell identifier, beam configuration, SSB, CSI-RS, scheduling capabilities (e.g., maximum number of UEs supported simultaneously), timing limits, measurement gap information, cell group configuration, reference signal configuration, time domain table, cell-specific operations, hardware information (e.g., antenna configuration), carrier aggregation support, local carrier aggregation, (de)modulation mode, maximum capacity, etc. DU capabilities or configuration features are further stored in CU and used to construct the content of the response message: 1. For DU 63, 63a, 63b a. DU Configuration: A collection of RRC configurations built based on auxiliary information provided in DU capabilities.

[0129] 2. For UE 64, 64a, 64b a. User-specific RRC configurations, such as: - (L1 / L2 configuration, cell information, cell identifier, beam configuration, SSB, CSI-RS, scheduling capabilities (such as the maximum number of UEs supported simultaneously), timing limits, measurement gap information, cell group configuration, reference signal configuration, time domain table, cell-specific operations).

[0130] Assuming a shift from 5G, the DU transmits certain "capabilities / information" or configuration features to the CU before any UE service request. Utilizing the concept of a "lightweight DU" in 6G (where the DU handles lower-layer and user plane processing), it's assumed that the DU will provide the CU with the necessary information about its resources, enabling the CU to perform radio resource allocation and TNL address allocation for each UE service request without querying the DU for this information. Following a radio bearer establishment (or addition) request for the UE, the CU configures the DU and UE using configurations associated in two domains: RNL and TNL, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0131] The proposed method can also be applied to 6G RAN split architecture ( Figure 2 and Figure 8 This method inherits the 5G RAN split, where the RAN node is split into CU-CP nodes, CU-UP nodes, and DU nodes. The network interfaces can be the same as those in 5G (i.e., NG interface, E1 interface, and F1 interface). Similarly, in this case, it is assumed that the DU will provide the aforementioned information about its resources to the CU before any UE service request. In this deployment (particularly, this deployment can be anticipated during the transition from 5G to 6G networks), modifications can still be applied. More specifically, the DL TNL address needs to be transmitted to the CU-UP / RAN-UP via the E1 interface. However, this address is transmitted by the CU-CP without waiting for the DU to provide the address. This involves a message change regarding the association between the DUTNL address and the radio bearer ID.

[0132] The detailed process for assigning session addresses to radio bearer identifiers can include, for example: Figure 8 The following steps are shown: 1. When a UE context is established or modified (e.g., due to the establishment or addition of a PDU session), the network entity managing the control plane (e.g., RAN CU or gNB-CU-CP) needs to establish a bearer context in the TNL and RNL for the UE.

[0133] a. Triggering means that the CU associates the request by allocating radio resources (at the DU) to the requested session address; b. The CU generates the DU configuration and UE configuration; 2. During this phase, the RAN CU or gNB-CU-CP can transmit the bearer DL TNL address in the message to the RAN network entity (RAN DU) that supports user plane processing; a. For a simple architecture (RAN split into DU and CU), this means that the radio bearer ID and its association with the DU TNL address are assigned in the RAN CU; b. Alternatively, for architectures equipped with 5G interfaces and message reuse, gNB-CU-CP sends a bearer context establishment request to gNB-CU-UP. Although message interaction is not avoided, at this stage, gNB-CU-CP can already communicate the bearer DL TNL address as an association result. The bearer context establishment request and response to gNB-CU-UP are for allocating endpoints for the established radio bearer, rather than requesting and waiting for an address (as in 5G). 3. The DU configuration message is sent from the CU to the DU, where the DL TNL address is used as an information element in the message; a. If the RAN CU manages the RRC, the RAN CU can send messages directly to the UE (without providing the embedded RRC configuration to the DU for transmission to the UE by the DU) (as in... Figure 7 (like in the middle) 4. Alternative locations (such as in...) Figure 8 As in the example, a UE context modification command (UECONTEXT MODIFICATION COMMAND) including the DU configuration (with TNL address) and an RRC reconfiguration message for equipping the UE with a new bearer configuration (using bearer ID) are sent from gNB-CU-CP to gNB-DU; a. gNB-DU does not require configuration confirmation (as received in the DU configuration), which speeds up the establishment of the overall connection. From an E2E perspective, after the bearer context is established, confirmation can be made later using the UE's reply to the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0134] 5. The RRC configuration for the UE, with the associated radio bearer ID, is sent to the UE.

[0135] 6. In the architecture that reuses 5G processes and interfaces, including the UL RRC message transmission (ULRRC MESSAGE TRANSFER) after RRC reconfiguration is completed, the gNB-DU forwards it to the CU. 7. • The RRC reconfiguration from the UE confirms the tunnel allocation in the RNL; a. Alternative locations, including tunnel allocation in the TNL (Transmission Acknowledgment of TRC message after RRC reconfiguration completion). Implementation examples can provide a solution that maximizes or at least increases the reusability of the 5G split architecture (by maintaining the same logical split, such as the protocol layers in the CU and DU as in 5G, and the responsibilities in the CU for handling UE configuration), while reducing connection latency. It can reduce DU responsibilities, minimize or at least reduce DU interactions during service establishment, and simplify the F1 interface.

[0136] In a typical split-architecture system, a single UE request in the UL may fail to be processed without exchanging several messages between the involved NG-RAN entities (CU and DU). By definition and function, the DU, as a distributed entity, is the network entity to which the UE sends messages. However, the DU cannot understand messages or identify the UE (because it does not manage the RRC protocol). It may blindly forward the message to the CU-CP. After processing the message, the CU-CP needs to receive information about the lower-layer configuration from the DU to construct a response message in the DL destined for the UE.

[0137] From an E2E system perspective, to establish a data path for a UE, the radio bearer context in the Radio Network Layer (RNL) needs to be associated with the IP tunnel in the Transport Network Layer (TNL). To create a radio bearer context in the RAN, the CU-CP needs to communicate with the DU to learn about available radio resources and with the CU-UP (in cases where the CU is further split) to associate the radio resources with PDU session resources. This means that for the radio bearer associated with the UE, the IP tunnel address needs to be associated (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (See steps 14 and 15 in the text).

[0138] Note that logical nodes in a decomposed architecture can be physically separated by vast distances (e.g., the distance between a CU and a DU can be on the order of hundreds of kilometers). Therefore, any information exchange between them will suffer from relatively long propagation delays. Latency is already a key KPI, and it is expected to be even more stringent for 6G technology than for 5G.

[0139] The existing 5G CU and DU coordination is neither optimal nor useful for 6G RAN because it actually maximizes or at least increases latency, since all requests need to be executed in both CU and DU to eventually establish a connection. With the anticipated redesign of 6G RAN, redundant messages should be identified and subsequently excluded from the overall connection establishment framework as much as possible.

[0140] For the information exchange problem, a clever solution is to pre-provide DU capabilities to the 6G CU-CP. In this case, the messages used to establish associations ( Figure 1 Sections 14 and 15 introduce additional hops throughout the process, becoming redundant. With the CU possessing information related to the DU's capabilities, bearer context negotiation is unnecessary. Therefore, simply achieving more efficient information exchange (compared to 5G) may not reduce latency. The protocol must be redesigned to incorporate a new and ingenious solution. Thus, the implementation addresses this variation throughout the bearer establishment / modification process.

[0141] The embodiments propose an efficient bearer context establishment / modification process that is achieved by reducing the overhead (signaling) in allocating DU resources (and, in some embodiments, the TNL address required when the process is triggered, for example, by a UE service request or for some other reason). The embodiments can be applied to two possible variations of the RAN split architecture in 6G. Specifically, the embodiments propose allocating IP tunnels for radio bearers from the transport network layer (TNL) to the radio network layer (RNL) such that the involved process (i.e., the association of the radio bearer to the endpoint (i.e., the TNL address)) is completed by a single network entity (i.e., the CU-CP or “RAN CP”), without first requesting information from the DU as was previously required in 5G each time (e.g., in a UE service request).

[0142] Then, the CU-CP / RAN-CP uses the immediate results of this association (i.e., the identifiers of the assigned bearer and tunnel addresses) to configure the participating and auxiliary network entities (i.e., DUs, and possibly RAN-UPs / CU-UPs) and UEs.

[0143] Therefore, when the CU is split into CP nodes and UP nodes (split variant 2), based on the trigger received in the RAN (e.g., user service request, core network signaling), the CU-CP / RAN-CP selects the DU for handling the user's radio resources, associates the DU with the endpoint of the radio resource bearer (i.e., TNL address) without first obtaining the endpoint of the radio resource bearer from the DU, associates the radio bearer identifier with the session address (i.e., TNL address), and transmits the TNL address to the RAN-UP / CU-UP.

[0144] The advantage of this implementation is that the entire process triggered by each UE service request or modification is accelerated (unlike 5G). Given the stringent latency requirements of 6G, this will significantly reduce overall CP latency, which is a drawback of existing 5G CP.

[0145] This concept assumes a RAN split architecture that can have two variations. For 6G, the simplest form of the split architecture assumes that the RAN node is split into CU and DU, where the CU specifically hosts the control plane (C-Plane) functionality (RAN-CP / CU-CP), and the CU can communicate directly with the UE (which requires the CU to host the RRC protocol).

[0146] In this regard, a base station can have multiple entities, such as a control plane unit and a distributed unit. The distributed unit provides radio coverage to user equipment via at least one cell and handles the physical layer of the base station's radio protocol stack, while the control plane unit handles the radio resource control layer of the base station's radio protocol stack. The base station is configured such that the distributed unit sends information about its characteristics or capabilities to the control plane unit in an actively initiated message. This allows the control plane unit to assign the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed unit to both the distributed unit and the user equipment, using the capability information and the information in the service request.

[0147] The following description provides further details on alternatives, modifications, and variations: gNB includes, for example, nodes that provide NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and are connected to the 5GC via the NG interface, for example, according to 3GPP standard specifications.

[0148] The gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) includes, for example, logical nodes that host the gNB's RRC (Radio Resource Control) protocol, SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) protocol, and PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) protocol, or host the en-gNB's RRC and PDCP protocols that control the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU.

[0149] A gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) includes, for example, a logical node that hosts the RLC (Radio Link Control), MAC (Media Access Control), and PHY (Physical) layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. A gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-CU.

[0150] The gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP) includes, for example, a logical node that controls the control plane portion of the en-gNB or gNB-hosted RRC and the gNB-CU's PDCP protocol. The gNB-CU-CP terminates the E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-UP and the F1-C interface connected to the gNB-DU.

[0151] The gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP) includes, for example, a logical node that hosts the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol for the gNB-CU on the en-gNB, and hosts the user plane portions of both the PDCP and SDAP protocols for the gNB-CU on the gNB. For example, according to 3GPP standards, the gNB-CU-UP terminates the E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-CP and the F1-U interface connected to the gNB-DU.

[0152] Different functional divisions between central and distributed units are possible, for example, as referred to as the following options: Option 1 (Class 1A split): - The functional breakdown in this option is similar to the 1A architecture in a DC. The RRC is located in the central unit. PDCP, RLC, MAC, physical layer, and RF are located in distributed units.

[0153] Option 2 (3C-like split): - The functional breakdown in this option is similar to the 3C architecture in a DC (Distributed Control). RRC and PDCP are located in the central unit. RLC, MAC, physical layer, and RF are located in distributed units.

[0154] Option 3 (Split within RLC): - Low RLC (part of the RLC functionality), MAC, physical layer, and RF are located in the distributed unit. PDCP and high RLC (the remaining RLC functionality) are located in the central unit.

[0155] Option 4 (RLC-MAC split): - MAC, physical layer, and RF are located in the distributed unit. PDCP and RLC are located in the central unit.

[0156] Alternatively, as described, for example, in section 11 of 3GPP TR 38.801 V 14.0.0 (2017-03) incorporated by reference.

[0157] gNB supports different protocol layers, such as Layer 1 (L1) - the physical layer.

[0158] NR's Layer 2 (L2) is broken down into the following sublayers: Media Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), among which, for example: The physical layer provides a transmission channel to the MAC sublayer; - The MAC sublayer provides logical channels to the RLC sublayer; - The RLC sublayer provides RLC channels to the PDCP sublayer; - The PDCP sublayer provides radio bearers to the SDAP sublayer; - The SDAP sublayer provides QoS flows to 5GC; - Comp. refers to header compression, and Segm. refers to segmentation; - The control channels include (BCCH, PCCH).

[0159] RAN (Radio Access Network) nodes, network nodes, central nodes, or distributed nodes (e.g., gNBs, base stations, gNB CUs, or gNB DUs, or portions thereof) may be implemented using means, for example, having at least one processor and / or at least one memory (with computer-readable instructions (computer programs)), configured to support and / or provide and / or process functions and / or features associated with the CU and / or DU, and / or at least one protocol (sub)layer of the RAN, such as layer 2 and / or layer 3. They may also be implemented using specific components configured to perform corresponding specific tasks, such as layer 3 components for performing layer 3 operations, layer 2 components for performing layer 2 operations, etc. The central node may, for example, implement CU-CP and / or CP-UP functions.

[0160] The gNB CU and gNB DU portions can be co-located or physically separated, for example. The gNB DU can even be further divided into two parts: for example, one part includes the processing equipment, and the other part includes the antenna. The Central Unit (CU) can also be referred to as BBU / REC / RCC / C-RAN / V-RAN, O-RAN, or a portion thereof. The Distributed Unit (DU) can also be referred to as RRH / RRU / RE / RU, or a portion thereof.

[0161] gNB-DU supports one or more cells and can therefore be used as a serving cell, for example, for user equipment (UE).

[0162] User equipment (UE) may include wireless or mobile devices, devices having a radio interface for interacting with a RAN (Radio Access Network), smartphones, vehicle-mounted devices, IoT devices, M2M devices, or others. Such a UE or device may include: at least one processor; and 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 device to perform at least certain operations, such as an RRC connection to the RAN. The UE may be configured, for example, to generate messages (e.g., including a cell ID) to be transmitted via radio to the RAN (e.g., to reach and communicate with a serving cell). The UE may generate and transmit, and may receive, RRC messages containing one or more RRC PDUs (Packet Data Units).

[0163] When an RRC connection has been established, the UE is in either the RRC_CONNECTED (RRC connected) state or the RRC_INACTIVE (RRC inactive) state.

[0164] In the RRC_CONNECTED state, the UE can: Store the AS context; - Transmit unicast data to / from the UE; - Monitor the control channels associated with the shared data channels to determine whether data should be scheduled for the data channels; - Provides channel quality and feedback information; - Perform neighboring cell measurements and measurement reports; The RRC protocol includes, for example, the following main functions: -RRC connection control; - Measurement configuration and reporting; - Establishing / modifying / releasing measurement configurations (e.g., intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT measurements); - Establishment and release of the measurement gap; - Measurement report.

[0165] List of some abbreviations used:

[0166] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the steps of the various methods described above can be performed by a programmed computer. In this document, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine- or computer-readable and encoded with a program of machine-executable or computer-executable instructions that perform some or all of the steps of the methods described above. The program storage device can be, for example, a digital memory, a magnetic storage medium such as a disk and magnetic tape, a hard disk drive, or an optically readable digital data storage medium. Embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above. As used herein, the term "non-transient" is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0167] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a device (such as a mobile phone or server) that works together with (multiple) hardware processors and software components (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories to enable the device to perform various functions, and (c) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors, such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate (but such software may not exist when it is not required to operate).

[0168] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0169] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that modifications may be made to the given examples without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0170] The features described above may be used in combinations other than those explicitly described.

[0171] Although the functionality has been described with reference to certain features, these functions can be performed by other features regardless of whether they are described or not.

[0172] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, these features may exist in other embodiments, whether or not they are described.

[0173] While efforts have been made in the foregoing description to draw attention to those features of the invention that are considered particularly important, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection for any patentable features or combinations thereof mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not they have been specifically emphasized.

Claims

1. A control plane device for a base station, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the control surface device to perform at least the following: The system receives configuration features of the distributed device from the base station, the configuration features providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device for communication with the user equipment, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, and processing at least the physical layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane device being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station. The configuration features are stored in at least one memory of the control surface device; In response to receiving a service request from the user equipment, information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device is retrieved from the at least one memory; as well as Based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics, assign at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment.

2. The control plane apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control plane apparatus is configured to: perform the step of receiving the configuration features from the distributed device before receiving the service request from the user equipment.

3. The control plane device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the configuration feature includes an indication of radio resources available to the distributed device.

4. The control plane device according to claim 3, wherein the step of assigning the physical layer configuration includes: From the radio resources that are currently available to the distributed device according to the stored configuration characteristics, radio resources for communication between the distributed device and the user equipment are selected.

5. The control plane apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control plane apparatus is further configured to: update the at least one memory storing the configuration characteristics based on the resources allocated to the distributed apparatus.

6. The control plane apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration features are received during the network establishment process.

7. The control plane device according to claim 6, wherein the network establishment process includes: The process is executed when the network is established, or when the interface is configured, or during the interface configuration update.

8. The control plane apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control plane apparatus is configured to: in response to receiving a service request from another user equipment, determine whether configuration information for providing radio coverage to the other user equipment by a distributed means is stored in the at least one memory; and if the configuration information is present: Retrieve the information regarding the configuration characteristics of the distributed device, and, based on the configuration characteristics and the user equipment service request, assign at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the other user equipment and the distributed device; and, in the absence of the configuration information: Generate a message for transmitting to the distributed device, requesting configuration information from the distributed device.

9. The control surface device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control surface device is further caused to perform: This triggers the transmission of an instruction to the distributed device regarding the assigned physical layer configuration.

10. The control surface device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control surface device is further caused to perform: This triggers the transmission of an instruction to the user equipment regarding the assigned physical layer configuration.

11. The control plane apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory is configured to store configuration characteristics of a plurality of distributed devices, each of the distributed devices providing radio coverage via at least one cell.

12. The control plane apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control plane apparatus is further configured to: select a distributed means for providing radio coverage for the user equipment, and retrieve information from the data storage regarding the configuration characteristics of the selected distributed means for use in the assignment configured in the physical layer.

13. The control plane apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the assigned physical layer configuration includes a transport network layer (TNL) address.

14. The control plane apparatus of claim 13, wherein the assignment of the physical layer configuration includes: Allocate IP tunnels for radio bearers from the TNL to the radio network layer RNL.

15. The control surface apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control surface apparatus includes a gNB-CU node.

16. The control plane apparatus of claim 15, wherein the control plane apparatus is configured to host the control plane portion of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and the base station includes a corresponding user plane control apparatus configured to host the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol.

17. The control plane apparatus according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 13 or 14, wherein the control plane apparatus is further configured to: transmit the TNL address to the corresponding user plane control apparatus.

18. A method performed at a control plane device of a base station, the method comprising: The configuration characteristics of the distributed device are received from the distributed device of the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device for communication with the user equipment, the distributed device providing radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell, wherein the distributed device processes at least the physical layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane device processes at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station. The configuration features are stored in at least one memory of the control surface device; Receive service requests from user equipment; Retrieve information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device from the at least one memory; as well as Based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics, assign at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment.

19. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions operable, when executed by a processor on a control plane device of a base station, to control the control plane device: The control plane device receives configuration characteristics of the distributed device from the base station, the configuration characteristics providing an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device for communication with the user equipment, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and to process at least the physical layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane device being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station. Store the configuration features; In response to receiving a service request from the user equipment, information about the configuration characteristics of the distributed device is retrieved; as well as Based on the service request and the retrieved information about the configuration characteristics, assign at least the physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device to the distributed device and the user equipment.

20. A distributed device for a base station, the distributed device comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the distributed device to perform at least the following: A message is generated that provides an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device of the base station for communication with a user equipment, the distributed device being configured to provide radio coverage to the user equipment via at least one cell and to process at least the physical layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, and the control plane device being configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station. This triggers the transmission of the message to the control plane device.

21. The distributed device of claim 20, wherein the message generated by the distributed device includes configuration characteristics of the distributed device, the configuration characteristics including information required for physical layer configuration of the communication between the distributed device and the user equipment.

22. The distributed device of claim 21, wherein the configuration feature includes information indicating radio resources available to the distributed device.

23. The distributed apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the configuration feature includes indication of at least one of the following: Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources, Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration, and the range of Cell Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), and the configuration feature additionally includes at least some other auxiliary information; wherein the other auxiliary information includes: The system includes indicators of support for specific functions, explicit configuration of radio resources, frequency capabilities, (multiple) frequency bands, bandwidth portions, bandwidth capabilities, channel capabilities, cell information, cell identifiers, beam configuration, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), scheduling capabilities such as the maximum number of UEs that can be supported simultaneously, timing limits, measurement gap information, cell group configuration, reference signal configuration, time-domain tables, cell-specific operations, HW information such as antenna configuration, carrier aggregation support, local carrier aggregation, (de)modulation modes, and maximum capabilities.

24. The distributed device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the distributed device is configured to transmit the configuration features during the network establishment process.

25. The distributed device according to claim 24, wherein the network establishment process includes: The process is executed when the network is established, or when the interface is configured, or during the interface configuration update.

26. The distributed device according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the transmission of the configuration feature is an actively initiated transmission.

27. The distributed device according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the device is further configured such that: The control plane device receives a network configuration command, the command including at least physical layer configuration required for communication between the user equipment and the distributed device; Configure resources based on the network configuration commands; and Use the configured resources to communicate with the user equipment.

28. A method executed at a distributed means of a base station, the distributed means providing radio coverage to a user equipment via at least one cell, and processing at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack of the base station, wherein a control plane means of the base station is configured to process at least a portion of a radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the method comprising: Generate a message that provides an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device to communicate with user equipment; as well as The message is transmitted to the control surface device.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising: Receive configuration commands from the control surface device; Configure the resources indicated by the configuration command; as well as The configured resources are used to transmit messages to the user equipment.

30. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions, said computer-readable instructions being operable, when executed by a processor on a distributed device of a base station, to control said distributed device at least: Generate a message that provides an indication that the distributed device can be configured by the control plane device to communicate with user equipment; and The message is transmitted to the control plane device. The distributed device is configured to provide radio coverage to a user equipment via at least one cell and process at least the physical layer of a radio protocol stack, wherein the control plane device of the base station is configured to process at least a portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack.

31. A user plane apparatus for a base station, the user plane apparatus being configured to process at least a user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the user plane apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user-plane device to perform at least the following: The system receives a bearer context establishment request from the control plane apparatus of the base station, the control plane apparatus being configured to process at least the control plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; as well as Based on the bearer context request and the TNL address, a bearer is established for communication between the user equipment and the distributed devices of the base station.

32. The user plane apparatus of claim 31, further comprising: performing the transmission of an instruction that the bearer context establishment has been performed, as a bearer context establishment response.

33. A method executed at a user plane device of a base station, the user plane device processing at least a user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the method comprising: The control plane device of the base station receives a bearer context establishment request, which processes at least the control plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, and the bearer context establishment request includes a transport network layer (TNL) address. as well as Based on the bearer context request and the TNL address, a bearer is established for communication between the user equipment and the distributed devices of the base station.

34. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions operable, when executed by a processor on a user plane device of a base station, to control the user plane device to at least: A bearer context establishment request is received from the control plane apparatus of the base station, the control plane apparatus being configured to process at least the control plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, the bearer context establishment request including a transport network layer (TNL) address; and Based on the bearer context request and the TNL address, a bearer is established for communication between the user equipment and the distributed devices of the base station. The user plane device is configured to process at least the user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station, and the user plane device is configured to process at least the user plane portion of the radio resource control layer of the radio protocol stack of the base station.

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