Data transmission over radio bearer

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to data transmission on a radio bearer. A method includes obtaining a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, a priority for the adjustable signaling radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from a second device, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between a first device and the second device; determining whether the data is allowed to be transmitted using an adjustable signaling radio bearer; and in accordance with a determination that the data is allowed to be transmitted on the adjustable signalling radio bearer, transmitting the data to the second device on the adjustable signalling radio bearer in accordance with the priority of the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for data transmission over radio bearers. Background Technology

[0002] Above the cellular mobile telecommunications system establishment protocols, which control how data is transmitted between the telephone and the network, are established. These protocols are typically divided into a user plane (UP) and a control plane (CP). The user plane is dedicated to the actual task of transmitting user data between the user and the network, while the control plane is dedicated to ensuring the user plane is operational. In other words, the CP is used to establish the UP, and the CP's task is to ensure that the UP is always running.

[0003] Both the UP and CP use radio bearers for scheduling, which encompass data transmitted from a specific source to a logical destination. The radio bearers for the UP are referred to as the Data Radio Bearer (DRB) and Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) for the CP. Each DRB and SRB is assigned a Logical Channel (LCH), and each LCH also has a priority value. When the UE is scheduled, the MAC layer then allocates the data to be transmitted from one or more DRBs / SRBs according to Logical Channel Prioritization (LCP), using a token bucket mechanism to ensure that higher-priority data is scheduled more frequently than lower-priority data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: obtain a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from a second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second apparatuses; determine whether data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; and, based on the determination that data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, transmit the data to the second apparatus on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0005] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to at least: transmit to a first apparatus a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second apparatuses; and receive data from the first apparatus on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0006] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: obtaining a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from a second device, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between a first device and a second device; determining whether data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; and, based on the determination that data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, transmitting the data to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting to a first device a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from a second device, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second devices; and receiving data from the first device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first device according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: components for obtaining a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from a second device, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second devices; components for determining whether data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; and components for transmitting data to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, based on the determination that data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: means for transmitting to a first apparatus a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of: signaling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second apparatuses; and means for receiving data from the first apparatus on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least the method according to a third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 An example functional architecture for AI / ML used in an air interface is shown; Figure 3 Signaling diagrams for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 4 Signaling diagrams for communication are shown according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 Signaling diagrams for communication are shown according to some other example embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 9A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0016] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0017] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it is to be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize, whether explicitly described or not, that such features, structures, or characteristics apply in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0018] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements combined with “and” or “or” means at least one of these elements, or any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0020] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the execution step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is executed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “possessing,” “containing,” and / or “covering,” as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] The term "circuit system" as used in this application may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) a combination of hardware circuits 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 the (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g. firmware) to operate, but may not exist when the software is not required to operate.

[0023] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claim. As yet another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or a portion thereof, including but not limited to hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit system" also covers, for example (and if applicable to a particular claim element), baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0024] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or under development protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement this disclosure will inevitably emerge. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0025] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Head (RH), Remote Radio Head (RRH), relay, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, low-power node (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds), non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) satellites), spacecraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) split architecture includes centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) at the IAB donor node. An IAB node consists of a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE toward its parent node, and a DU portion that behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0026] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device with wireless communication capabilities. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device can refer to communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image acquisition terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, or any other resources capable of communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in both the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0028] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices, including a first device 110 and a second device 120, can communicate with each other.

[0029] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are described in which the first device 110 operates as a terminal device and the second device 120 operates as a network device having a service area 102 for serving the terminal device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in connection with the first device 110 can be implemented at a network node or other device, and the operations described in connection with the second device 120 can be implemented at the terminal device or other device.

[0030] In some example embodiments where the first device 110 operates as a terminal device and the second device 120 operates as a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0031] Communication in communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols (such as those used by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11), and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0032] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and their connections shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more additional devices may be located in communication environment 100.

[0033] Transmission on the user plane (UP) is based on DRBs, and transmission on the control plane (CP) is based on SRBs. As described above, each DRB and SRB is assigned a logical channel (LCH), and each logical channel (LCH) also has a priority value. When the UE is scheduled, the MAC layer then allocates the data to be transmitted from one or more DRBs / SRBs according to logical channel prioritization (LCP).

[0034] According to the current setting, SRBs always have a higher priority than DRBs because it is assumed that the content in SRBs has a smaller data volume and is crucial for maintaining the radio resource control (RRC) connection. This means that if there is a large amount of data to be sent on the CP, the UP data may be pre-empted or at least have its priority reduced, which may degrade the quality of the connection experience for the user (i.e., the quality of experience QoE).

[0035] SRBs also have fixed priorities in the current 3GPP standards. In most cases, if x < y, then SRBx has a higher priority than SRBy (e.g., SRB1 has a higher priority than SRB2). This makes the use of SRBs inflexible in some applications.

[0036] The application of SRBs with different priorities will be the research on artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) for the new radio (NR) air interface, which is now being carried out in 3GPP Rel-18. The goal is to explore enhancing the air interface by leveraging features that can enable improved support for AI / ML-based algorithms, thereby achieving benefits such as performance enhancement and / or complexity / overhead reduction, as well as in terms of specifications (extensions to existing frameworks and / or creation of new frameworks). Several use cases are considered to enable the identification of a common AI / ML framework that can be used in subsequent projects, including the functional requirements of the AI / ML architecture. The research should also identify areas where AI / ML can improve the performance of air interface functions. The specification impacts will be evaluated to improve the overall understanding of what is required to implement AI / ML technologies for the air interface.

[0037] Figure 2 An example functional architecture 200 for AI / ML of the air interface is shown. For AI / ML, there are some protocols. First, the intention is to generally cover the functional architecture, e.g., covering model-based and / or function-based lifecycle management (LCM). Second, Figure 2 the "model storage" in is only intended as a reference point (if any) for protocol termination, model transfer / delivery, etc. This is not intended to limit the location where the model is actually stored. Third, it is agreed to remove Figure 2The "model" in model management and model reasoning is removed, and the "model" is also removed for action / arrow forms from management to reasoning (to reduce the risk of misunderstanding). Fourth, management can be model-based management or function-based management.

[0038] Furthermore, the following existing frameworks are proposed as a starting point for data collection: SON & MDT, UE-assisted information, RRM measurement reports, Channel State Information (CSI) reporting framework, and LPP providing location information. Regarding AI / ML methods, some aspects of online / real-time training are proposed to be de-prioritized.

[0039] In all aspects of AI / ML, communication systems require device-to-device data collection and reporting.

[0040] Introducing MDT (Multi-Targeting Measurement) reports into communication systems serves a simple purpose: terminal devices collect measurements, which the network then utilizes to optimize the network. This includes two mechanisms: Recorded MDT (where terminal devices collect these measurements in RRC_IDLE mode as part of their routine reselection measurements based on specific events) and Immediate MDT (where the network can use RRM measurements collected in RRC_CONNECTED mode to gather data for the network optimization process). Recorded MDT requires terminal devices to perform and store measurements for subsequent reporting (including a minimum storage requirement of 64kB for the terminal device), which also requires user consent, as the reported information may include, for example, terminal location information. Immediate MDT is transparent to the terminal devices, and the network collects measurements as part of its normal operation.

[0041] The QoE reporting mechanism was introduced in LTE communication systems to allow the network to collect application-layer statistics from terminal devices, that is, to allow the radio network to perceive whether the end-to-end connection quality is good or bad. This was subsequently also used in NR networks.

[0042] For DRBs, a so-called unified bearer is introduced in EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) to make the DRB's anchor point invisible to the end device. The DRB can be anchored to either the primary node (MN) or the secondary node (SN), but the end device will be unaware of this except for the security key configuration. The so-called unified bearer makes the DRB independent of the location of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) anchor point.

[0043] To send any data from a terminal device to a network device, the terminal device needs to establish a radio bearer. There are different radio bearers, but some new types of data, such as AI / ML-related data, have been introduced in the radio access network (RAN). The selection of the (multiple) radio bearers used for the transmission of the new type of data is uncertain. In the current communication specification (3GPP specification) discussion on how to transmit AI / ML-related training data between the terminal device and the network device, there are two main options: CP (i.e., using SRB, such as SRB4) or UP (i.e., using a specific DRB for AI / ML). The discussion focuses on where the training is performed. For CP, this will be inside the 3GPP core network, while for UP, this can also be within some external service outside the CN.

[0044] Based on the above protocol, it can be seen that the CP-based method is preferred for data collection for the (offline) training of the model. This means that there is no latency requirement for collecting such data. However, the collection of data requires the network device to establish an SRB, and considering the traditional behavior, SRB has a higher priority than DRB. Considering that the collection of data for (offline) model training usually has no latency requirement, for this case, it is not expected that SRB has a higher priority than DRB.

[0045] As mentioned above, SRBs always have a higher priority than DRBs because their content is assumed to have a smaller data volume and is crucial for maintaining the RRC connection. This means that if CP has a large amount of data to transmit, UP data may be preempted or at least have its priority reduced, which may degrade the user's experienced connection quality (i.e., quality of experience QoE). One problem with SRBs indexed in a fixed manner (e.g., SRB4) is that their use depends on SRBs with lower indexes and their establishment. To use SRBy, it is usually necessary to establish SRBx (x < y) with lower priority (e.g., at least SRB0, SRB1, SRB2). For AI / ML use cases, the data volume can be at least 10 times the data volume of the normal maximum RRC message size (9 kB) (i.e., about 100 kB in size), which means that the data needs to be segmented into multiple 9 kB segments and transmitted in several RRC messages. This may cause some preemption of the user plane data. If the size of the AI / ML training data further increases in the future, there may be other challenges because RRC only allows a maximum of 16 segments to be transmitted (i.e., the maximum RRC message that can be transmitted is 16k * 9 kB = 151 kB). If the CP option is selected, this may create a bottleneck for AI / ML in the future. Such problems may be relevant to both 5G systems and future 6G systems.

[0046] Another issue with SRBs using a fixed indexing method is that their allocation of logical channel IDs (located between the Radio Link Control (RLC) and Media Access Control (MAC) layers) must always adhere to the critical principle of assigning higher priority to SRBs than to DRBs. Both SRBs and DRBs are mapped to logical channel IDs. Therefore, any new introduction of subsequent SRB IDs (for a new purpose) requires a change to the previously considered fixed allocation of logical channel identifiers to radio bearer identifiers. For example, LCH IDs 0, 1, and 2 are reserved for SRBs 0, 1, and 2, allowing LCH ID = 3 to be assigned to DRB 1. With the introduction of any new SRB ID, the modeling of logical channel identifier to radio bearer identifier allocation needs to be redesigned and the previously established fixed rules modified (e.g., for SRB 3, LCH ID = 3 needs to be reserved for SRB 3, and then subsequent LCH IDs need to be assigned to DRBs). Therefore, according to traditional priority settings, any new SRB introduction affects the fixed range division of logical channel mappings and the processing of radio bearers.

[0047] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a solution for radio bearers with adjustable priorities is proposed. In this solution, a new type of radio bearer, referred to as an adjustable (or adaptive) radio bearer, is introduced. The adjustable radio bearer has adjustable priorities, which can be semi-static (e.g., configured by network signaling) or dependent on radio conditions or one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted on the radio bearer. The priority of the adjustable radio bearer, or the priority for the adjustable radio bearer, can be based on one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted (e.g., data type) and / or one or more radio conditions between the network device and the terminal device.

[0048] In some example embodiments, the new type of radio bearer may be a new type of SRB, referred to as an adjustable or adaptive SRB (aSRB), with adjustable scheduling priorities. The priorities of an aSRB may be semi-static (e.g., configured by network signaling) or dependent on radio conditions or one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted on the radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the new type of radio bearer may be understood as a new type of DRB rather than an SRB.

[0049] This allows the network to define adaptive radio bearers in a hybrid DRB-SRB format for situations where data may not always have the highest priority, while allowing the network to control when an adjustable radio bearer can still be transmitted with high priority without altering the regular LCP process. On the other hand, this hybrid radio bearer enables the option for end devices and network devices to send data via a wireless connection, rather than being treated as a subsequent bearer establishment (following certain radio bearer establishments and at the backbone network, such as for SRB0 / 1 / 2).

[0050] Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the terminal device can also be configured to specify which data is transmitted over the adjustable radio bearer, or it can have more than one adjustable radio bearer, each with its own priority. This allows for greater flexibility in network control over uplink transmissions and provides a “unified radio bearer.” In this case, data that is not useful to the network can wait to be transmitted, while data that is useful to the network or to both the network and the terminal device (e.g., data used for training AI / ML models for both the network and the terminal device) can be transmitted with a higher priority. In some example embodiments, different types of data can have their own adjustable radio bearers with different priorities.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 3 The diagram 300 illustrates signaling for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference is made to... Figure 1 To describe signaling diagram 300. For example... Figure 3 As shown, signaling diagram 300 relates to a first device 110 and a second device 120.

[0053] In signaling diagram 200, first device 110 obtains (310) a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer. From this configuration, first device 110 can derive at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the at least one priority being determined based on at least one of: signaling from second device 120, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between first device 110 and second device 120. For example, obtaining the configuration may include receiving the configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer. The configuration may be received from second device 120 or some other device, such as a network device. In one example, the configuration configures first device 110 to use at least one adjustable radio bearer (e.g., enabling the use of the at least one adjustable radio bearer). Additionally, obtaining the configuration may include obtaining pre-configuration information regarding the priority of the at least one adjustable radio bearer (e.g., defined in one or more cellular standards, to which first device 110 is configured to operate). Therefore, in some examples, the received configuration can be used to activate at least one adjustable radio bearer for the first device 110, but the priority can be determined based on pre-configuration information associated with the activated at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 determines (302) at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of the following: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from the first device 110, or one or more radio conditions between the first device 110 and the second device 120. The second device 120 transmits (305) a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer to the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the configuration at least indicates (e.g., includes one or more information elements indicating priority) at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer. In this case, the first device 110 can receive the configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer from the second device 120.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer may be received by the first device 110 from another network entity other than the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the adjustable radio bearer established by the second device 120 and may determine at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer itself.

[0056] Adjustable radio bearers can be understood as a novel type of radio bearer accompanied by the introduction of adjustable priorities. As described, the adjustability of priorities can mean that the priority of an aSRB can be changed by the network (e.g., a second device 120 or some other network device) or by a first device 110. This differs from known SRBs, which rely on a fixed priority scheme typically defined in cellular specifications. Adjustable radio bearers can be considered a DRB-SRB hybrid because they have adjustable priorities, but are established at the control plane. In some example embodiments, adjustable radio bearers can be classified as a new type of SRB, referred to as aSRB. In some example embodiments, adjustable radio bearers can be classified as a new type of DRB, referred to as aDRB. Hereinafter, for the purposes of discussion, the adjustable radio bearer proposed herein is referred to as “aSRB”. In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second device 120 can control the priority of the adjustable radio bearer via configuration signaling (e.g., RRC signaling can semi-statically fix the priority for the adjustable radio bearer) or dynamically (e.g., the type of data contained on the adjustable radio bearer determines the priority for the adjustable radio bearer). For example, the second device 120 can transmit configuration signaling (e.g., RRC) to the first device 110. The first device 110 can receive the signaling and determine the priority for the adjustable radio bearer based on the received signaling.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the priority of an adjustable radio bearer (e.g., an SRB) may depend on one or more of the following factors: characteristics of the data to be transmitted from the first device 110 (e.g., the type of data), radio conditions, and / or other factors. For example, a first type of data may have a first priority, and a second type of data may have a second priority, where the first priority is higher than the second priority. The priority of the adjustable radio bearer is either a first priority or a second priority based on the type of data (first type data or second type data) transmitted by the first device 110 using the adjustable radio bearer. As an illustrative example, the first priority may be higher than the priority of one or more DRBs, but the second priority may be lower than one or more DRBs. This provides flexibility in configuring the adjustable bearer, as the data type may affect the priority, and thus the data transmission from the first device 110 to the second device 120. Similarly, radio conditions may affect the priority of the adjustable bearer. The determination of the priority for the adjustable radio bearer may be performed at the first device 110 or at the second device 120 based on one or more of the given criteria / examples, where the second device 120 may indicate the priority to the first device 110 as described herein.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the priority of an aSRB can be determined based on the type of data to be transmitted (e.g., recorded data, measurement results, AI / ML data collection, application / upper-layer data, and / or message transmission, etc.). In some example embodiments, the priority of an aSRB can be determined based on the type of embedded data in the SRB (e.g., one or more of CP information, Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages, AI / ML training data, etc.).

[0059] In some example embodiments, the priority for aSRB can be alternatively or additionally determined based on the data termination point (or target), which can be a selective network entity such as a distributed unit (DU), a centralized unit (CU), an operations management and maintenance (OAM) network, a core network (CN), or a cloud-based network entity capable of terminating the SRB.

[0060] In some example implementations, the priority for aSRB can be alternatively or additionally determined based on whether the data is to be segmented. For example, if the data volume is greater than the maximum size of an aSRB, the data needs to be segmented into multiple segments and transmitted using aSRBs in several messages (e.g., RRC messages). In this case, segmented aSRBs can be configured with a lower priority than unsegmented SRBs or aSRBs.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the priority for aSRB may be determined alternatively or additionally based on the importance of the data to the second device 120 (e.g., whether the data to be transmitted is useful to the second device 120). Data transmitted from the first device 110 may be categorized as data useful to the second device 120 (e.g., standardized measurement reports), auxiliary information, and data not useful to the second device 120 (e.g., UE internal measurements). In some examples, data useful to the second device 120 may be more valuable than UE internal data and may be prioritized, and may be (potentially) transparent to the second device. In some example embodiments, if data is segmented for transmission via several RRC messages, different segments may be determined to have different priorities. For example, a segment containing information useful to both the second device 120 and the first device 110 may be prioritized more valuablely than a segment containing UE-specific information that is (potentially) transparent to the second device 120.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the priority of aSRB may alternatively or additionally be determined based on the buffer status of the DRB at the first device 110 and / or the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the DRB at the first device 110. For example, if the first device 110 has a complete buffer of data to be transmitted using the DRB, and that data has strict QoS requirements, then aSRB may have a lower priority than the DRB.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the priority for aSRB can be alternatively or additionally determined based on the use case associated with the data to be transmitted. In some example embodiments, the use case associated with the data can be determined based on the data's termination point and / or can implicitly indicate the data's final destination. For example, the data may terminate only at the RAN, at an entity within the RAN (e.g., CU, DU, cloud), or at a network entity outside the RAN (e.g., cloud, core network, network data analytics functions, management data analytics, etc.). In some example embodiments, the use case associated with the data can be determined based on the purpose of the transmitted data. For example, in AI / ML data collection, the use case may depend on whether the collected data is used for AI / ML model training for a specific optimized sub-use case, such as CSI, beam measurement (BM), positioning, user plane, user plane on NAS, recorded data, etc.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the priority for an aSRB may alternatively or additionally be determined based on one or more radio conditions in one or more serving cells for the first device. For example, if the first device 110 and the second device 120 are in good radio conditions, the aSRB may be determined to have a higher priority because it can be fully transmitted more quickly. That is, the better the radio conditions, the higher the priority. In other words, as radio conditions deteriorate, the priority may be adjusted to a lower level.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may relatively change the priority of the aSRB based on the type of data it is transmitting. In this case, the aSRB may be configured by the second device 120 (or by some other network device) to be used as a link and the link may be opened for transmission. The second device 120 may not need to pass an explicit priority value for the aSRB along with the configuration parameters. In some example embodiments, if two or more SRBs exist, one SRB may be used for control data (frequently or continuously available data), while less frequent and occasional data may be transmitted by the first device 110 on any next available idle SRB (e.g., the second SRB). In some examples, an aSRB with a given priority may be used to transmit one type of data, but at other times, an aSRB with the same priority may be used for different types of data or data with different characteristics. In some examples, an aSRB may be determined to have a high priority for AI / ML data collection, but in other cases, an aSRB may be determined to have the lowest priority among other aSRBs used for other types of data.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the priority for aSRB can be configured by the second device 120 and signaled to the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the priority for aSRB can be determined via a configured priority value. For example, the second device 120 can transmit RRC signaling in the same manner as for DRBs to configure the LCH and LCG for aSRB. In some example embodiments, the priority for aSRB can be determined via network control information. For example, the second device 120 can transmit MAC control elements (CEs) or PDCP control packet data units (PDUs) to provide the currently used priority for aSRB.

[0067] Depending on the type of data contained and the applied priority, aSRBs can be enabled in a specific or more purpose-appropriate format. In some example embodiments, an aSRB may include a nas-SRB for data that is transparent to the radio access network but is used to carry core network signaling (e.g., towards the non-access stratum (NAS)). This can be an SRB typically used for any NAS transmission message, but it can also enable differentiation between different NAS signaling types (e.g., nas-i-SRB, nas-ii-SRB, etc., where "i" indicates the NAS message type). In some example embodiments, an aSRB may include a dSRB for data, a dedicated or de-prioritized SRB, which may be an SRB with lower priority compared to other SRBs. In some example embodiments, an aSRB may include an ai-SRB for AI / ML models or model training data. In some example embodiments, an aSRB may include an xSRB for extended reality service-related data, or any aSRB with data embedded according to a pre-configuration between the first device 110 and the second device 120. In some example embodiments, an aSRB may include an e-SRB, which may be any aSRB having pre-configured embedded data according to the first device 110 and the second device 120.

[0068] The first device 110 determines (325) that data is permitted to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearers. For example, the determination (325) may be based on an obtained configuration. Alternatively, step 325 may indicate that the first device 110 determines that the data to be transmitted is transmitted using one of the at least one adjustable radio bearers. Such a determination may be based on configuration and / or pre-configuration information at the first device 110.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 receives a list of aSRBs and the priority of each of them from the second device 120 or other devices. The first device 110 then transmits data to the appropriate aSRB based on the given priority and the type of data. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be configured to specify which types of data are allowed to be transmitted via the aSRB, or may have more than one aSRB, each with its own priority and allowed data types(s). The first device 110 may then determine whether data is allowed to be transmitted using an aSRB with a specific priority based on the type of data currently awaiting transmission, for example, whether the data type matches the priority for the aSRB. In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may provide criteria upon which the first device 110 makes such a determination. For example, the second device 120 may configure the first device 110 to transmit which data on which aSRB.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 determines whether there is data awaiting transmission on a radio bearer on the control plane, such as data to be transmitted using an SRB. If the awaiting data requires an SRB for transmission, the first device 110 may determine an aSRB for data transmission based on this configuration. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine an appropriate aSRB from the configured aSRBs based on the type of data awaiting transmission and a mapping between the data type and at least one adjustable radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine to use an aSRB that matches the priority given by the second device 120. In some examples, the first device 110 may obtain a mapping from data type to a priority for aSRB or from a corresponding data type to a corresponding priority for aSRB. The first device 110 may use this mapping to determine whether an aSRB can be used or which aSRB to use to transmit the currently awaiting data type. In some example embodiments, the mapping from data type to a priority for aSRB or from a corresponding data type to a corresponding priority for aSRB may be received from the second device 120 or may be preconfigured or predefined at the first device 110. In other words, the second device 120 configures which data to which aSRB and with which priority to the first device 110.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit (315) a UL authorization to the first device 110 for UL transmission. Upon receiving (320) the UL authorization, the first device 110 determines an aSRB for transmitting pending data.

[0072] The so-called "unified bearer" means making the DRB independent of the location of the PDCP anchor point. A similar idea applies to aSRB. The first device 110 (e.g., a terminal device) only knows the (relative) priority of the aSRB and then pushes it to the regular LCP process for scheduling. The first device 110 determines (330) the priority for the adjustable radio bearer to use and applies the priority for the adjustable radio bearer during the LCP process.

[0073] The first device 110 transmits (335) data to the second device 120 on a determined adjustable radio bearer according to the priority for the adjustable radio bearer. The data on the adjustable radio bearer can be transmitted based on the LCP process. In the case of determining the priority for the adjustable radio bearer (e.g., SRB), a token bucket mechanism can be used in the LCP process to ensure that higher priority data is scheduled for transmission more often than lower priority data.

[0074] The second device 120 receives (340) data from the first device 110 on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearers, the data being transmitted by the first device 110 according to priority for the adjustable radio bearers.

[0075] In some example embodiments, depending on the configuration, in some cases, at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer (e.g., at least one priority for at least one aSRB) may be adjusted to be lower than at least one priority for at least one DRB. In some example embodiments, when multiple aSRBs are configured, at least one priority for at least one of the multiple aSRBs is lower than at least one priority for at least one DRB.

[0076] In some example embodiments, at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer (e.g., at least one priority for at least one aSRB) is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one SRB. That is, SRB(s) with a fixed high priority can be maintained for use. In some example embodiments, at least one SRB with a fixed priority may include SRB 0 configured to request a connection and having a first fixed priority, and / or SRB 1 configured to establish a connection and having a second fixed priority. Typically, the first fixed priority for SRB 0 and the second fixed priority for SRB 1 are higher than the priority of the DRB. The first fixed priority for SRB 0 and the second fixed priority for SRB 1 may also be higher than the priority for aSRB when compared to an aSRB.

[0077] In some example embodiments, a certain number of SRBs can be inverted into aSRBs, which can be adaptively configured as any of the nas-SRB, d-SRB, ai-SRB, xSRB, e-SRB, and / or any other type of aSRB as described above. For example, in addition to SRB 0 and SRB 1 mapped to LCH ID 0, four SRBs can be reserved for aSRBs and mapped to LCH ID 2 through LCH ID 5. Table 1 below shows such an example. In this example, LCH ID 6 through the maximum LCH ID can be assigned to DRBs. It should be understood that in other examples, more than four or fewer SRBs can be reserved for aSRBs, and / or a fixed priority can be configured for more than two SRBs.

[0078] Table 1. Two fixed SRBs (SRB0, SRB1) and four SRBs reserved for aSRB

[0079] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may have the following configurations for at least one or both: an SRB0 with a first fixed priority and an SRB1 with a second fixed priority. The first device 110 may also have a configuration for an aSRB with an adjustable priority. For example, the configuration may be received from the second device. The first device 110 may determine the SRB for transmitting data from SRB0, SRB1, and the adjustable signaling radio bearer based on the type of data to be transmitted. The first device 110 may use the determined SRB (e.g., SRB0, SRB1, or SRB) to transmit data to the second device 120. For example, a first fixed priority and / or a second fixed priority may be pre-configured for the first device 110 (e.g., via cellular specifications). The adjustable priority may be determined as indicated in the various examples herein. Thus, for example, if the first device 110 determines to use an aSRB to transmit data, it may use an aSRB with an associated priority to transmit data. As discussed, priority can depend on, for example, the type of data, since, for example, an aSRB can be adapted to transmit multiple types of data with one or more different priorities.

[0080] In some example embodiments, there may not be SRBs with fixed priorities, and all SRBs may have adjustable priorities. For example, all SRBs may be considered as aSRBs. In some cases, for a specific type(s) of data, one or more aSRBs may be configured as dedicated SRBs and have a higher priority than other aSRBs. For example, a first SRB (e.g., SRB 0) may be configured as an aSRB dedicated to a first type of data, and a second SRB (e.g., SRB 1) may be configured as an aSRB dedicated to a second type of data. The first type of data may be more important than the second type of data, and therefore SRB 0 may have a higher priority than SRB 1. In some examples, SRB 0 may be dedicated to data used for very initial access or critical access, and SRB 1 may be dedicated to data used for very initial access, critical access, or security settings.

[0081] In addition to SRB 0 and SRB 1, one or more other aSRBs may exist, which can be determined to have at least one priority lower than the priority for SRB 0 and / or the priority for SRB 1. In some example embodiments, a number of SRBs can be inverted into any other aSRB, which can be adaptively configured as any of the nas-SRB, d-SRB, ai-SRB, xSRB, e-SRB and / or any other type of aSRB as described above. Table 2 below shows such an example. In this example, LCH ID 0 can be assigned to SRB 0, which can be a d-SRB, and LCH ID 1 can be assigned to SRB 1, which can be another d-SRB. Furthermore, LCH IDs from 2 to the maximum adjustable number of SRBs can be assigned to other aSRBs. Then, LCH IDs from the maximum adjustable number of SRBs plus one to the maximum LCH ID can be assigned to the DRB. It should be understood that in other examples, more than two aSRBs with higher priorities can be configured for dedicated data.

[0082] Table 2. Two SRBs reserved for a critical adjustable SRB and multiple SRBs reserved for any aSRB

[0083] According to example embodiments of this disclosure, for situations where data may not always have the highest priority, the network side (e.g., the second device 120) can define adaptive radio bearers in a DRB-SRB hybrid form, while allowing the network to control when an aSRB can still be transmitted with a higher priority without altering the regular LCP process. On the other hand, such hybrid radio bearers can enable communication options between terminal devices and network devices for transmitting data via radio, rather than being limited to treating it as a subsequent bearer establishment (after establishing certain bearers via radio and at the backbone network, such as SRB0 / 1 / 2).

[0084] Additionally, the terminal side (e.g., the first device 110) can be configured to transmit which data on adjustable radio bearers, or can have more than one adjustable radio bearer, each with its own priority. This allows for greater flexibility in network control of uplink transmissions and provides a “unified radio bearer.” In this configuration, data that is not useful to the network can wait to be transmitted, while data that is useful to the network or to both the network and the terminal device (e.g., data used by both the network and the terminal device to train AI / ML models) can be transmitted with a higher priority. In some example embodiments, different types of data can have their own adjustable radio bearers with different priorities.

[0085] In some example embodiments, after the second device 120 configures one or more aSRBs, the first device 110 can use the one or more aSRBs without receiving information from the second device 120 for activating the aSRB(s).

[0086] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may rely on availability information about one or more aSRBs. Figure 4 Signaling diagram 400 for communication is shown according to such an example embodiment.

[0087] In signaling diagram 400, first device 110 obtains (410) the configuration for aSRB. The priority for aSRB can be determined in any of the ways described above. In some example embodiments, second device 110 determines (402) the priority for aSRB and transmits (405) the configuration for aSRB to first device 110 to at least indicate the priority for aSRB. In other example embodiments, the configuration for aSRB may be obtained by first device 110 from other network entities, or the priority for aSRB may be determined by first device 110.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may not use the aSRB until it receives information from the second device 120 for activating the aSRB. The second device 120 can perform (412) aSRB activation with the first device 110 by transmitting availability information indicating that the aSRB is activated. By receiving the availability information, the first device 110 can determine that the configured aSRB is activated and can then use the aSRB for data transmission.

[0089] In some example embodiments, availability information may have been provided to the first device in advance by the second device 120 (e.g., it may be pre-configured), so no further signaling from the second device 120 is required.

[0090] For data transmission, the second device 120 may transmit (415) a UL authorization for the first device 110. Upon receiving the UL authorization (420), the first device 110 may decide to perform data transmission on the UL authorization. Based on this configuration, the first device 110 determines (425) that data transmission on the aSRB is permitted. Based on the determination that data transmission on the aSRB is permitted, the first device 110 transmits (435) data on the aSRB to the second device 120 according to the priority for the aSRB.

[0091] Specifically, the first device 110 can determine (430) the priority to be used for the aSRB and apply the priority for the aSRB during the LCP process. The priority for the aSRB can be explicitly configured by the second device 120 in the configuration, or it can be determined by the first device 110 based on the type of data it is transmitting. The data can then be transmitted on the aSRB based on the LCP process. The second device 120 receives (440) the data on the aSRB from the first device 110.

[0092] It should be understood, for reference Figure 3 The example embodiments described in signaling diagram 300 are also applicable to Figure 4 Signaling diagram 400 in the middle.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may report information for the second device 120 to determine the configuration(s) for one or more aSRBs. Figure 5A signaling diagram 500 for communication according to such an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In signaling diagram 500, a first device 110 obtains a configuration for a plurality of aSRBs, the priority of which for adjustable signaling radio bearers is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from a second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second devices. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 transmits (505) information to the second device 120 indicating at least one type of data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120. The data to be transmitted by the first device 110 can be classified into different types according to various classification criteria. In some examples, the data may include data types useful to the second device 120, as well as data types that are useless to the second device 120 but transparent. The first device 110 may indicate other types of data to the second device 120.

[0094] The second device 120 receives (510) information from the first device 110 and determines (512) appropriate priorities for a plurality of aSRBs based at least in part on at least one type of data to be transmitted from the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the second device 120 transmits (515) a plurality of configurations for the plurality of aSRBs to the first device 110, which at least indicate priorities for the aSRBs. In some example embodiments, the plurality of configurations may be transmitted to the first device 110 from other network entities.

[0095] Using the multiple configurations obtained for the aSRB (e.g., from the second device 120 or from other network entities, or by the first device 110 itself), the first device 110 determines (540) a specific aSRB for data transmission from a plurality of aSRBs based on the multiple configurations. The determined specific aSRB may sometimes be referred to as the first aSRB.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine that data is waiting to be transmitted on an SRB in the control plane, and then determine whether the data is permitted to be transmitted using the SRB. Based on the determination that data transmission on the SRB is permitted, the first device 110 may determine a first aSRB from a plurality of aSRBs for transmitting data based on multiple configurations.

[0097] Specifically, the first device 110 can determine (545) the priority to be used for the determined aSRB and apply the priority for the aSRB during the LCP process. The priority for the aSRB can be explicitly configured in the configuration by the second device 120, or it can be determined by the first device 110 based on the type of data it is transmitting.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine one or more aSRBs for use without receiving information from the second device 120 indicating that the aSRB(s) are activated. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may not use the aSRBs until it receives information from the second device 120 for activating the aSRBs. Figure 5 As shown, the second device 120 can perform (522) aSRB activation with the first device 110 by transmitting availability information indicating that the aSRB is activated. By receiving the availability information, the first device 110 can determine that the configured aSRB is activated and can then use the aSRB for data transmission. In some example embodiments, the availability information may have been pre-provided from the second device 120 to the first device (e.g., it may have been pre-configured), so no further signaling from the second device 120 is required.

[0099] For data transmission, the second device 120 may transmit (530) a UL authorization for the first device 110. Upon receipt of the UL authorization (535), the first device 110 may decide to perform data transmission on the UL authorization and determine the aSRB for data transmission from a plurality of configured aSRBs.

[0100] The first device 110 transmits (550) data on the determined aSRB according to the priority for the aSRB. For example, if the priority for the aSRB is determined, the data can then be transmitted on the aSRB based on the LCP process. The second device 120 receives (555) the data on the aSRB from the first device 110.

[0101] It should be understood, for reference Figure 3 Signaling diagram 300 and Figure 4 The example embodiments described in signaling diagram 400 are also applicable to Figure 5 Signaling diagram 500 in the image.

[0102] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 600 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0103] At block 610, the first device 110 obtains a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first device and the second device.

[0104] In some example embodiments, this configuration indicates the priority for adjustable signaling radio bearers.

[0105] At box 620, the first device 110 determines whether data is permitted to be transmitted using an adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0106] In block 630, data is transmitted to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, based on the determination that data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0107] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: determining, based on the type of data and the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, that data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer, or wherein the first means is configured to: receive from the second means a mapping from the type of data to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, and determine, based on the mapping, that data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0108] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes transmitting data on an adjustable signaling radio bearer without receiving information from the second means for activating the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0109] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: determining that an adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated based on pre-configured availability information or availability information received from a second device; and transmitting data to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer based on the determination that the adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured with at least one of the following: a signaling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) having a first fixed priority or a signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) having a second fixed priority, wherein the first fixed priority and the second fixed priority are higher than the priority of the data radio bearer; and wherein the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer is lower than at least one of the first fixed priority or the second fixed priority, and / or wherein the priority of at least one adjustable signaling radio bearer is lower than at least one priority of at least one data radio bearer.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the adjustable signaling radio bearer is configured as one of signaling radio bearers 2 (SRB2) to 5 (SRB5).

[0112] In some example embodiments, the adjustable signaling radio bearer is one of the following: signaling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) dedicated to a first type of data, signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) dedicated to a second type of data, or at least one other signaling radio bearer having at least one priority lower than that of SRB0 or ​​SRB1.

[0113] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 700 is described by the angle of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0114] At block 710, the second device 120 transmits to the first device a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second devices.

[0115] In some example embodiments, this configuration indicates the priority for adjustable signaling radio bearers.

[0116] At box 720, the second device 120 receives data from the first device on an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first device according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0117] In some example embodiments, method 700 further includes determining the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer based on at least one of the following: the type of embedded data, the data termination point, the configuration priority value for the adjustable signaling radio bearer, whether the data should be segmented, the importance of the data to the second device, the radio conditions between the first and second devices, the buffer state of the data radio bearer at the first device, the quality of service requirements of the data radio bearer at the first device, network control information, or data-related use cases.

[0118] In some example embodiments, at least one type of data is permitted to be transmitted using an adjustable signaling radio bearer, and / or, wherein the second device is further configured to transmit to the first device a mapping from at least one type of data to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0119] In some example embodiments, method 700 further includes transmitting a configuration for the adjustable signaling radio bearer to the first device, without transmitting information for activating the adjustable signaling radio bearer to the first device.

[0120] In some example embodiments, method 700 further includes transmitting availability information to a first device, the availability information indicating that an adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated.

[0121] In some example embodiments, a first device capable of performing any method 600 (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 600. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device includes: components for obtaining a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from a second device, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second devices; components for determining whether data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; and components for transmitting data to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, based on the determination that data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0123] In some example embodiments, this configuration indicates the priority for adjustable signaling radio bearers.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for determining, based on the type of data and the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, that data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; or wherein the first apparatus further includes: means for receiving from the second apparatus a mapping from the type of data to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, and means for determining, based on the mapping, that data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device further includes a component for transmitting data on an adjustable signaling radio bearer without receiving information from the second device for activating the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for determining that an adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated based on pre-configured availability information or availability information received from the second device; and a component for transmitting data to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer based on the determination that the adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured with at least one of the following: a signaling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) having a first fixed priority or a signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) having a second fixed priority, wherein the first fixed priority and the second fixed priority are higher than the priority of the data radio bearer; and wherein the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer is lower than at least one of the first fixed priority or the second fixed priority, and / or wherein the priority of at least one adjustable signaling radio bearer is lower than at least one priority of at least one data radio bearer.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the adjustable signaling radio bearer is configured as one of signaling radio bearers 2 (SRB2) to 5 (SRB5).

[0129] In some example embodiments, the adjustable signaling radio bearer is one of the following: signaling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) dedicated to a first type of data, signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) dedicated to a second type of data, or at least one other signaling radio bearer having at least one priority lower than that of SRB0 or ​​SRB1.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 600 or the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the components include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to perform.

[0131] In some example embodiments, a second device capable of performing any method 700 (e.g., Figure 1 The second device 120 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 700. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: means for transmitting to the first device a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first and second devices; and means for receiving data from the first device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first device according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0133] In some example embodiments, this configuration indicates the priority for adjustable signaling radio bearers.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: a component for determining the priority of an adjustable signaling radio bearer based on at least one of the following: the type of embedded data, the data termination point, the configuration priority value for the adjustable signaling radio bearer, whether the data should be segmented, the importance of the data to the second device, the radio conditions between the first and second devices, the buffer state of the data radio bearer at the first device, the quality of service requirements of the data radio bearer at the first device, network control information, or a data-related use case.

[0135] In some example embodiments, at least one type of data is permitted to be transmitted using an adjustable signaling radio bearer, and / or, wherein the second means further includes: a component for transmitting to the first means a mapping from at least one type of data to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device further includes a component for transmitting a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer to the first device without transmitting information for activating the adjustable signaling radio bearer to the first device.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for transmitting availability information to the first device, the availability information indicating that an adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated.

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of method 700 or second device 120. In some example embodiments, the components include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform.

[0139] Figure 8 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown. As shown, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processors 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processors 810.

[0140] Communication module 840 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0141] As a non-limiting example, processor 810 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following as non-limiting examples: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 800 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0142] Memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, miniature optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that will not be maintained during power loss.

[0143] Computer program 830 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 810. The instructions of program 830 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 830 may be stored in memory, such as ROM 824. Processor 810 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 822.

[0144] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of program 830, so that device 800 can perform as described in the reference. Figures 3 to 7 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0145] In some example embodiments, program 830 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 800 (such as in memory 820) or other storage device accessible to device 800. Device 800 may load program 830 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile) rather than a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0146] Figure 9 An example of a computer-readable medium 900 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. The computer-readable medium 900 stores a program 830 thereon.

[0147] In general, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as examples of non-limiting examples.

[0148] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. The functionality of the program module can be combined or split as needed among program modules in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions for the program module can execute in a local device or a distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside in both local storage media and remote storage media.

[0149] Program code for implementing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0150] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried on any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0151] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0152] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that they be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all the operations shown be performed in order to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processes can be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, they should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as a description of features that may be specific to certain embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0153] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

[0154] The abbreviations used in this article are listed below, along with their unabbreviated forms. It should be noted that widely established and unique abbreviations are considered to be known.

[0155] List of abbreviations

Claims

1. A first 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 first device to at least: A configuration is obtained for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first device and the second device; Determine whether the data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; as well as Based on the determination that the data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data is transmitted to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is configured to: Based on the type of data and the priority for the adjustable signaling radio bearer, it is determined whether the data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer, or The first device is configured such that: Receive from the second device a mapping from the type of the data to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, and Based on the mapping, it is determined that the data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first apparatus is configured to: The data is transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer without receiving information from the second device for activating the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first apparatus is further configured to: Based on pre-configured availability information or availability information received from the second device, it is determined that the adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated; and Based on the determination that the adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated, the data is transmitted to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first apparatus is configured with at least one of: a signaling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) having a first fixed priority or a signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) having a second fixed priority, wherein the first fixed priority and the second fixed priority are higher than the priority of the data radio bearer; and The priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer is lower than at least one of the first fixed priority or the second fixed priority, and / or the priority of the at least one adjustable signaling radio bearer is lower than at least one priority of at least one data radio bearer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the adjustable signaling radio bearer is configured as one of signaling radio bearers 2 (SRB2) to 5 (SRB5).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adjustable signaling radio bearer is one of the following: Signaling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) is dedicated to Type 1 data. Signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) dedicated to Type II data, or At least one other signaling radio bearer, the at least one other signaling radio bearer having at least one priority that is lower than the priority of SRB0 or ​​the priority of SRB1.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the configuration indicates the priority for the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

9. A second 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 second device to at least: The configuration for the adjustable signaling radio bearer is transmitted to the first device, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first device and the second device; as well as Data is received from the first device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first device according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second apparatus is further configured to: The priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer is determined based on at least one of the following: Types of embedded data The end point of the data, Regarding the configuration priority value of the adjustable signaling radio bearer, Should the data be segmented? The importance of the data to the second device Radio conditions between the first device and the second device The buffer state of the data radio bearer at the first device. Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for data radio bearers at the first device Network control information, or Use cases related to the data.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one type of data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer, and / or, The second device is further configured to: The first device is transmitted a mapping from the at least one type of the data to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second apparatus is configured such that: The configuration for the adjustable signaling radio bearer is transmitted to the first device, but information for activating the adjustable signaling radio bearer is not transmitted to the first device.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second apparatus is configured such that: Availability information is transmitted to the first device, the availability information indicating that the adjustable signaling radio bearer is activated.

14. A method comprising: The first device obtains a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first device and the second device; Based on the determination that data is to be transmitted on the signaling radio bearer, determine whether the data is permitted to be transmitted using the adjustable signaling radio bearer; as well as Based on the determination that the data is permitted to be transmitted on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data is transmitted to the second device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

15. A method comprising: The second device transmits a configuration for an adjustable signaling radio bearer to the first device, the priority of which is adjustable based on at least one of the following: signaling from the second device, one or more characteristics of the data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first device and the second device; as well as Data is received from the first device on the adjustable signaling radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first device according to the priority of the adjustable signaling radio bearer.

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