Methods, apparatuses and computer programs

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses and computer programs. A method of a first network entity is provided, the method comprising: exchanging, with at least one second network entity, one or more first messages comprising an information element, the information element comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; determining, based on the one or more first messages, usage information associated with the information element; determining, based on the usage information, a second sequence of the plurality of bits comprised in the information element, the second sequence being different from the first sequence; and sending, to the at least one second network entity, information indicating the second sequence of the plurality of bits comprised in the information element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various examples of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer programs, particularly but not limited to the exchange of information elements between network entities. Background Technology

[0002] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks. Communication devices may be served by application servers.

[0003] Such communication networks operate according to standards provided by, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards provided by 3GPP include so-called 3GPP standards for cellular technology generations, such as 3GPP standards for 4G technology and 3GPP standards for 5G technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Examples of this disclosure will be described with reference to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various examples of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. In view of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will be able to understand other features, aspects, and elements. For example, it should be understood that other aspects can be provided by combination of any two or more aspects described below.

[0005] According to one aspect, a method for providing a first network entity is provided, the method comprising: exchanging one or more first messages including information elements with at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; determining usage information associated with the information elements based on the one or more first messages; determining a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements, the second sequence being different from the first sequence, based on the usage information; and sending information to at least one second network entity indicating the second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements.

[0006] The first sequence can be a default sequence of multiple bits included in one or more information elements.

[0007] The method may further include: receiving an indication from at least one second network entity that a second sequence is accepted by at least one second network entity, and using the second sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity based on the indication; or receiving an indication from at least one second network entity that a second sequence is not accepted by at least one second network entity, and using the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity.

[0008] Determining the information to be used may include: determining the variation pattern of multiple bits included in the information element between one or more first messages.

[0009] Determining the change pattern may include: determining the pattern of the same two or more bits changing between one or more first messages; and / or determining the frequency or number of bit changes between one or more first messages; and / or determining location information associated with a first network entity and / or at least one second network entity when one or more first messages are exchanged.

[0010] Determining the second sequence may include arranging multiple bits based on a determined pattern of the same two or more bits changing between one or more first messages and / or a determined frequency or number of times each bit changes between one or more first messages.

[0011] Arranging multiple bits may include: arranging two or more bits that change frequently together between one or more first messages as the same octet or consecutive octets in the information element; and / or arranging one or more bits that change frequently between one or more first messages toward the beginning of the information element; and / or arranging one or more bits that do not change frequently between one or more first messages toward the end of the information element.

[0012] The method may further include: receiving one or more second messages including information elements from at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence; and / or sending one or more third messages including information elements to at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence.

[0013] The method may further include: determining that one or more octet bits included in the first sequence are absent in the information elements included in one or more first messages; and determining that the absence of one or more octet bits in the information elements included in one or more first messages indicates that the one or more octet bits are not supported by at least one second network entity.

[0014] The method may further include: determining that one or more octet bits included in the second sequence are absent in the information element included in one or more second messages; and determining that the absence of one or more octet bits in the information element included in one or more second messages indicates that the bits of the one or more octet bits have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element.

[0015] The method may further include: determining that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to a previous transmission of the information element; and sending one or more third messages including the information element to at least one second network entity, the information element including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence, wherein the determined one or more octet bits that have not changed relative to a previous transmission are omitted from the information element included in the one or more third messages.

[0016] The method may further include: receiving information from at least one second network entity, the information indicating the capability of the at least one second network entity to support different sequences of bits included in an information element, wherein determining the second sequence includes: determining the second sequence based on the indicated capability of the at least one second network entity.

[0017] The method may further include: sending information to at least one second network entity, the information indicating the capability of the first network entity to support different sequences of multiple bits included in the information element, wherein determining the second sequence includes: determining the second sequence based on the indicated capability of the at least one second network entity and the indicated capability of the first network entity.

[0018] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message; or information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message.

[0019] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity and / or the capabilities of a first network entity may include information indicating that the respective network entity supports smart signaling protocols.

[0020] The first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one user equipment; or the first network entity may include user equipment, and at least one second network entity may include at least one network function; or the first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one additional network function.

[0021] The determination of the information to be used and the determination of the second sequence can be performed by an artificial intelligence / machine learning model implemented at the first network entity.

[0022] According to a second aspect, a method for a second network entity is provided, the method comprising: exchanging one or more information elements with at least one first network entity, the one or more information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; and receiving information from at least one first network entity, the information indicating a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

[0023] The first sequence can be a default sequence of multiple bits included in one or more information elements.

[0024] The method may further include: sending an indication to at least one first network entity that a second sequence has been accepted by at least one second network entity, and using the second sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity based on the indication; or sending an indication to at least one first network entity that a second sequence has not been accepted by at least one second network entity, and using the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity.

[0025] The method may further include: sending one or more second messages including information elements to at least one first network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence; and / or receiving one or more third messages including information elements from at least one first network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence.

[0026] The method may further include: determining that one or more octet bits included in the first sequence are absent in the information elements included in one or more first messages; and determining that the absence of one or more octet bits in the information elements included in one or more first messages indicates that the one or more octet bits are not supported by at least one first network entity.

[0027] The method may further include: determining that one or more octet bits included in the second sequence are absent in the information element included in one or more third messages; and determining that the absence of one or more octet bits in the information element included in one or more third messages indicates that the bits of the one or more octet bits have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element.

[0028] The method may further include: determining that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to a previous transmission of the information element; and sending one or more second messages including the information element to at least one first network entity, the information element including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence, wherein the determined one or more octet bits that have not changed relative to a previous transmission are omitted from the information element included in the one or more second messages.

[0029] The method may further include: sending information to at least one first network entity, the information indicating the capability of a second network entity to support different sequences of multiple bits included in an information element, wherein receiving the information indicating the second sequence is based on the information indicating the capability of the second network entity.

[0030] The method may further include: receiving information from at least one first network entity, the information indicating the first network entity's ability to support different sequences of bits included in an information element, wherein receiving the information indicating a second sequence is based on the indication capability of at least one second network entity and the indication capability of the first network entity.

[0031] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message; or information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message.

[0032] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity and / or the capabilities of the first network entity may include: information indicating that the user equipment supports the smart signaling protocol.

[0033] The first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one user equipment; or the first network entity may include user equipment, and at least one second network entity may include at least one network function; or the first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one additional network function.

[0034] The determination of the information to be used and the determination of the second sequence can be performed by an artificial intelligence / machine learning model implemented at the first network entity.

[0035] According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method according to either the first or second aspect.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect, a first network entity is provided, the first network entity comprising: means for exchanging one or more first messages including information elements with at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; means for determining usage information associated with the information elements based on the one or more first messages; means for determining a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements based on the usage information, the second sequence being different from the first sequence; and means for sending information to at least one second network entity, the information indicating the second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements.

[0037] The first sequence can be a default sequence of multiple bits included in one or more information elements.

[0038] The first network entity may further include: a component for receiving an indication from at least one second network entity that the second sequence is accepted by at least one second network entity, and a component for using the second sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity based on the indication; or a component for receiving an indication from at least one second network entity that the second sequence is not accepted by at least one second network entity, and a component for using the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity.

[0039] The component used to determine the information may include: a component for determining the variation pattern of multiple bits included in the information element between one or more first messages.

[0040] The components used to determine the change pattern may include: components for determining the pattern of the same two or more bits changing between one or more first messages; and / or components for determining the frequency or number of bit changes between one or more first messages; and / or components for determining location information associated with a first network entity and / or at least one second network entity when one or more first messages are exchanged.

[0041] The component for determining the second sequence may include: a component for arranging multiple bits based on a determined pattern of the same two or more bits changing between one or more first messages and / or a determined frequency or number of times each bit changes between one or more first messages.

[0042] The component for arranging multiple bits may include: a component for arranging two or more bits that change frequently together between one or more first messages into the same octet or consecutive octets in an information element; and / or a component for arranging one or more bits that change frequently between one or more first messages toward the beginning of an information element; and / or a component for arranging one or more bits that do not change frequently between one or more first messages toward the end of an information element.

[0043] The first network entity may further include: a component for receiving one or more second messages including information elements from at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence; and / or a component for sending one or more third messages including information elements to at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence.

[0044] The first network entity may further include: a component for determining that one or more octet bits included in the first sequence are absent in the information elements included in one or more first messages; and a component for determining that one or more octet bits absent in the information elements included in one or more first messages indicate that one or more octet bits are not supported by at least one second network entity.

[0045] The first network entity may further include: a component for determining that one or more octet bits included in the second sequence are absent in the information element included in one or more second messages; and a component for determining that the one or more octet bits absent in the information element included in one or more second messages indicate that the one or more octet bits have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element.

[0046] The first network entity may further include: a component for determining that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to previous transmissions of the information element; and a component for sending one or more third messages including the information element to at least one second network entity, the information element including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence, wherein the determined one or more octet bits that have not changed relative to previous transmissions are omitted from the information element included in the one or more third messages.

[0047] The first network entity may further include: a component for receiving information from at least one second network entity, the information indicating the capability of at least one second network entity to support different sequences of bits included in an information element, wherein the component for determining the second sequence includes a component for determining the second sequence based on the indicated capability of at least one second network entity.

[0048] The first network entity may further include: a component for sending information to at least one second network entity, the information indicating the first network entity's ability to support different sequences of multiple bits included in an information element, wherein the component for determining the second sequence includes a component for determining the second sequence based on the indication capability of at least one second network entity and the indication capability of the first network entity.

[0049] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message; or information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message.

[0050] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity and / or the capabilities of a first network entity may include information indicating that the respective network entity supports smart signaling protocols.

[0051] The first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one user equipment; or the first network entity may include user equipment, and at least one second network entity may include at least one network function; or the first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one additional network function.

[0052] The components used to determine the information used and the components used to determine the second sequence may include: an artificial intelligence / machine learning model implemented at the first network entity.

[0053] According to a fifth aspect, a second network entity is provided, the second network entity comprising: a component for exchanging one or more information elements with at least one first network entity, the one or more information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; and a component for receiving information from at least one first network entity, the information indicating a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

[0054] The first sequence can be a default sequence of multiple bits included in one or more information elements.

[0055] The second network entity may further include: a component for sending an indication to at least one first network entity that the second sequence has been accepted by at least one second network entity, and a component for using the second sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity based on the indication; or a component for sending an indication to at least one first network entity that the second sequence has not been accepted by at least one second network entity, and a component for using the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of information elements between the first network entity and at least one second network entity.

[0056] The second network entity may further include: a component for sending one or more second messages including information elements to at least one first network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence; and / or a component for receiving one or more third messages including information elements from at least one first network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence.

[0057] The second network entity may further include: a component for determining that one or more octet bits included in the first sequence are absent in the information elements included in one or more first messages; and a component for determining that one or more octet bits absent in the information elements included in one or more first messages indicate that one or more octet bits are not supported by at least one first network entity.

[0058] The second network entity may further include: a component for determining that one or more octet bits included in the second sequence are absent in the information element included in one or more third messages; and a component for determining that the one or more octet bits absent in the information element included in one or more third messages indicate that the one or more octet bits have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element.

[0059] The second network entity may further include: a component for determining that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to previous transmissions of the information element; and a component for sending one or more second messages including the information element to at least one first network entity, the information element including a plurality of bits arranged according to a second sequence, wherein the determined one or more octet bits that have not changed relative to previous transmissions are omitted from the information element included in the one or more second messages.

[0060] The second network entity may further include: a component for sending information to at least one first network entity, the information indicating the second network entity's ability to support different sequences of multiple bits included in an information element, wherein receiving the information indicating the second sequence is based on information indicating the capabilities of the second network entity.

[0061] The second network entity may further include: a component for receiving information from at least one first network entity, the information indicating the first network entity's ability to support different sequences of multiple bits included in an information element, wherein receiving the information indicating the second sequence is based on the indication capability of at least one second network entity and the indication capability of the first network entity.

[0062] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message; or information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity may be included in the registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity may be included in the registration acceptance message.

[0063] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity and / or the capabilities of the first network entity may include: information indicating that the user equipment supports the smart signaling protocol.

[0064] The first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one user equipment; or the first network entity may include user equipment, and at least one second network entity may include at least one network function; or the first network entity may include network functions, and at least one second network entity may include at least one additional network function.

[0065] According to a sixth aspect, a computer-readable medium including instructions, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method according to either the first or second aspect.

[0066] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to either the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0067] Many different aspects have been described above. As previously mentioned, it should be understood that other aspects can be provided by combining any two or more of the above aspects. Other features, aspects, and elements will become clear in light of the following. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings (Figures), which are only non-limiting and illustrative examples, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 An example of a communication network to which the examples disclosed herein can be applied is shown;

[0070] Figure 2This is a schematic block diagram illustrating user equipment, communication networks, and data networks implemented according to an example;

[0071] Figure 3 An example of 5G mobility management capability information elements is shown;

[0072] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The methods are shown based on some examples;

[0073] Figure 6 The signaling exchange is shown according to some examples; and

[0074] Figure 7 The apparatus is shown according to some examples. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Some examples of this disclosure can be implemented in communication networks, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): WiMAX, GSM (2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), LTE, LTE Advanced and Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as NR), or any future RAT, such as 6G. Furthermore, communication within the communication network can 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), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0076] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" can refer to a node in a communication network through which user equipment can access the network and / or through which the node can control wireless communication within a cell and manage wireless resources within the cell. A network node or network device can be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), or access node. Depending on the technology used, a network device can be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Headend (RH), a Remote Radio Headend (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites), or an airborne network equipment.

[0077] The term "terminal device" can refer to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. For example, a terminal device can be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or mobile station (MS). Terminal devices can include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), automobiles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and so on.

[0078] As used herein, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include, for example, physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmission" and / or "reception" can refer to wireless transmission and / or reception over radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0079] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of a communication network in which the examples disclosed herein can be implemented. The communication network, or cellular communication network, may include network node 110 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and network node 112 providing one or more other cells, such as cell 102. For example, each cell may be a macrocell, microcell, femtocell, or picocell. A cell may define the coverage area or service area of ​​a corresponding access node.

[0080] Network node 110 can provide radio access to a communication network to user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs). Radio access may include downlink (DL) communication from the network node to UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data to the network. Examples of downlink channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data to the user equipment.

[0081] Multiple UEs 120 and 122 can exist in this system. Each UE can be served by the same or different network nodes 110 and 112. UEs can be configured with dual connectivity (DC), where a UE (e.g., UE 120) can be connected to multiple network nodes 110 and 112. UEs (120 and 122) can communicate with each other when a device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between UEs via a so-called sidelink (SL). For example, this D2D communication can be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0082] In a communication network with multiple network nodes, these nodes can connect to each other via interfaces. For example, the LTE specification refers to this interface as the X2 interface. The interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes, can be called the Xn interface. Network nodes 110 and 112 can also be connected to the core network 116 of the communication network via another interface.

[0083] The following examples are explained with reference to communication devices capable of communicating with a communication system. Before explaining the various examples of this disclosure in detail, please refer to… Figure 2 Briefly explain the fifth-generation communication system (5GS), its access network and core network (5GC), and communication equipment.

[0084] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the communication system is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The illustration shows a user equipment (UE) 200 communicating with an application server (not shown) of a third-party application function (not shown) via a communication network and a managed data network 202. The communication network includes a radio access network 206 (e.g., a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN)) and a core network 208 (e.g., a 5G core network (5GC)), which operate based on fifth-generation radio access technologies, such as those described in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard for new radio. The core network 208 includes network functions (generally referred to as network functions, collectively as network functions) that can be connected to a management system configured to manage the communication network, as described in further detail below.

[0085] Radio access network 206 includes one or more radio access network (RAN) nodes (also called base stations). RAN nodes can provide one or more cells. For example, a cell can be a macro cell, micro cell, femtocell, or picocell. A cell defines the coverage area or service area of ​​a RAN node. For example, a RAN node can be a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a remote radio headend (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or a low-power node. RAN nodes can be deployed in non-terrestrial network (NTN) equipment, such as satellites (e.g., low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites or geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites), aircraft, or drones, where such NTN equipment forms a non-terrestrial network, such as a ground station. RAN nodes can also be deployed on the ground, in which case the RAN node can be referred to as a terrestrial network equipment. An RAN that includes terrestrial network equipment is generally referred to as a terrestrial network.

[0086] RAN nodes can have a split architecture, where the functionality of the RAN node (e.g., eNB or gNB) is distributed among various entities. A RAN node with a split architecture can include Radio Units (RUs) (also known as Remote Radio Headers (RRHs)), Centralized Units (CUs), and one or more Distributed Units (DUs). DUs can be connected to RUs via fronthaul. DUs can be connected to CUs via midhaul or F1 interfaces. CUs can be connected to the core network (e.g., core network 108) via backhaul. In a RAN node with a split architecture, the operation of the RAN node can be performed by either a CU or a DU. A CU can control one or more DUs.

[0087] The RU converts radio signals sent to and from the antenna into digital signals for transmission over a packet network, handles the digital front-end (DFE) and lower PHY layers, and includes digital beamforming capabilities. A DU is a logical entity (e.g., software) hosted on a server near the RU and running on that server. A CU is a logical entity hosted on a server and running on that server. A CU can be hosted on its own server and running on that server, or it can be hosted on the same server hosting and running the DU located near the RU and running on that server. A DU includes a subset of the RAN node's functionality (e.g., eNB or gNB), depending on the functionality breakdown, and a CU includes additional RAN node functionality not included in the DU's subset of functionality. A DU may include a subset of the RAN node's protocol stack layers, and a CU may include additional layers of the protocol stack not included in the DU's subset of layers. For example, in some implementations, the DU may include the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer of the protocol stack for the RAN node, while the CU may include layers of the RAN node's protocol stack above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. The operation of the DU is controlled by the CU.

[0088] Core network 208 can have a service-based architecture. The network functions of core network 208 include Access and Mobility Function (AMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Unified Data Repository (UDM), and Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF). For ease of illustration, other network functions of core network 208 are described in... Figure 2 Not shown, such as Binding Support Function (BSF) and Billing Function (CHF).

[0089] AMF processes access, authorization, and authentication of user equipment (including UE 200), and manages the mobility of user equipment 200 when it moves between different radio access networks, cells, or locations.

[0090] The SMF is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and terminating Protocol Data Unit sessions in core network 208. The SMF manages user plane resources and interacts with the UPF in core network 208 to ensure that data packets are correctly routed and forwarded.

[0091] The UDM performs the authentication process, stores and manages user data, including subscriber profiles, authentication certificates, and authorization policies; implements security mechanisms to protect user data and resources of the communication network (e.g., core network 208) from unauthorized access attacks and vulnerabilities; and interacts with other network functions of core network 208 (such as PCF) to enforce access control policies, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and service restrictions based on user profiles and subscription plans. The UDM is also responsible for managing the registration of network functions serving user equipment 200.

[0092] The Network Analysis Data Function (NWAF) is configured to collect or retrieve data about one or more network functions (NFs) in the core network, generate analyses based on the data collected or retrieved by the NWAF about one or more NFs, and provide the generated analyses to itself or other NFs that have requested analyses generated by the NWAF. The NWAF may include an Analysis Logic Function (AnLF) configured to generate analyses (e.g., generate statistics and / or generate predictions) based on data collected and / or retrieved by the NWAF about one or more NFs. The NWAF also includes analysis services exposed by the NWAF to provide analyses generated by the AnLF. The NWAF further includes a Model Training Logic Function (NWDAF (MTLF)) configured to train an AI / ML model, which can be used by the AnLF to generate analyses based on data collected or retrieved from one or more network functions and / or OAM entities.

[0093] The functions of other network functions of core network 208 will not be described in further detail.

[0094] Information can be exchanged as one or more Information Elements (IEs) between nodes or entities in a communication network (e.g., between a UE and an access node, or between network functions). Each IE consists of multiple bits arranged in a specific sequence. The bit sequence can be grouped into multiple octets, each octet consisting of eight bits.

[0095] Figure 3 An example of a 5G Mobility Management (5GMM) capability IE as defined in 3GPP TS 24.501 is shown, which is sent from the UE to the network in a registration request message. Figure 3As shown, the 5GMM capability IE is at least 11 octets long (octets 12-15 are reserved, TS 24.501 version 18.8.0). The bits included in the IE indicate the UE's ability to support different features associated with 5GMM. For example, ten bits are distributed across octets 5, 6, 9, and 10 associated with Proximity Service (ProSe). A capability bit set to a value of 1 indicates support for a feature, and a capability bit set to a value of 0 indicates non-support for a feature.

[0096] While some examples in this disclosure are described with respect to 5GMM capability IE, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not necessarily limited to 5GMM capability IE, and the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to application to 5GMM capability IE.

[0097] Some current signaling protocols use a rule-based approach for definition, where procedures and IEs are defined by 3GPP specifications and hard-coded. For example, referring again to the 5GMM capability IE, if the IE does not include an optional octet, it indicates that not all bits included in the octet are supported; that is, if only one bit of an octet is supported, the entire octet is included in the IE. To send an octet, all preceding octets must be sent; for example, to send octet 10, all octets 1-9 must be included in the IE.

[0098] Therefore, signaling overhead can be very high when a large number of IEs and large-size IEs are sent between network entities. Existing IE sequences and signaling protocols may not be optimal in terms of the amount of data transmitted. For example, referring to 5GMM capability IEs, if a UE needs to update the network about its ability to support ProSe-related features, according to existing protocols, the UE would need to send a 5GMM capability IE consisting of ten octet bits, even if only ten of these bits are actually related to ProSe.

[0099] Some examples disclosed herein can address one or more of these problems. Some examples can provide methods for optimizing bit sequences included in an IE to reduce signaling overhead. Bit sequences in an IE can be dynamically adapted based on usage information associated with the IE. Therefore, an IE can have adaptable bit sequences (e.g., in a flexible manner). Such an IE may be referred to herein as a "flexible IE".

[0100] refer to Figure 4 It illustrates a method performed by a first network entity based on some examples.

[0101] At 400, the method includes: exchanging one or more first messages comprising information elements with at least one second network entity, the information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence.

[0102] At 402, the method includes: determining usage information associated with an information element based on one or more first messages.

[0103] At 404, the method includes: determining a second sequence of multiple bits included in an information element based on usage information, the second sequence being different from the first sequence.

[0104] At 406, the method includes: sending information to at least one second network entity, the information indicating a second sequence of multiple bits included in an information element.

[0105] refer to Figure 5 It illustrates a method performed by a second network entity based on some examples.

[0106] At 500, the method includes: exchanging one or more first messages including information elements with at least one first network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence.

[0107] At 502, the method includes: receiving information from at least one first network entity, the information indicating a second sequence of multiple bits included in an information element.

[0108] In some examples, the first network entity can be a UE, and the second network entity can be a network function, such as an AMF. In some examples, the first network entity can be an AMF, and the second network entity can be a UE. In some examples, the first network entity can be an NWDAF, and the second network entity can be an AMF.

[0109] In some examples, the exchange may include: a first network entity sending one or more first messages including an IE to a second network entity and / or receiving one or more first messages including an IE from the second network entity. For example, a UE (as the first network entity) may send one or more first messages including an IE to an AMF (as the second network entity). As another example, an AMF (as the first network entity) may receive one or more first messages including an IE from a UE (as the second network entity). As yet another example, an NWDAF (as the first network entity) may receive one or more first messages including an IE from an AMF (as the second network entity). The exchange may be performed via one or more intermediate network entities; for example, messages exchanged between the UE and the AMF may be sent and received via an access node. Therefore, for example, the UE sending a first message to the AMF may include: the UE sending a first message to the access node, and the access node sending a first message to the AMF.

[0110] The first sequence can be a default sequence of multiple bits included in one or more IEs. The default sequence can be determined based on hard-coded information at the network entity, for example, based on 3GPP specifications. As mentioned earlier, Figure 3 The example default sequence for 5GMM-capable IE is shown in the image.

[0111] In some examples, the first network entity may determine usage information associated with the IE. In some examples, determining the usage information may include determining the variation pattern of multiple bits included in the IE between one or more first messages. For example, the first network entity may swap the IE in a first message within a first message, and swap the IE again in a second message within a first message. The first network entity may determine the variation of multiple bits included in the IE between the first and second messages within the first message.

[0112] As an example, referring to the 5GMM capability IE, the UE (as the second network entity) can send a 5GMM capability IE to the AMF (as the first network entity), where bits 5, 6, 9, and 10 of the eight-bit byte are set to a value of 0 to indicate that the UE does not support ProSe. Later, the UE can send a 5GMM capability IE to the AMF, where bits 5, 6, 9, and 10 of the eight-bit byte are set to a value of 1 to indicate that the UE (e.g., now) supports ProSe. The AMF can determine the pattern of change in the bits included in the IE, and thus determine that the bits in bytes 5, 6, 9, and 10 associated with ProSe have changed.

[0113] In some examples, determining the change pattern may include determining the pattern of the same two or more bits changing between one or more first messages; and / or determining the frequency or number of times the bits change between one or more first messages.

[0114] Referring to the previous example, if bits 5, 6, 9, and 10 of the octet of the 5GMM capability IE associated with ProSe are changed between first messages, the AMF (as the first network entity) can determine the pattern of these bit changes between messages. Thus, over a period of time and / or using usage information from a large number of UEs, the AMF can determine the pattern of certain bits in the IE that frequently change together. Furthermore, the AMF can determine the frequency or number of times bits 5, 6, 9, and 10 of the octet of the 5GMM capability IE associated with ProSe are changed between first messages.

[0115] In some examples, the first network entity can determine a confidence level associated with the usage information. When the determined confidence level associated with the usage information is higher than a threshold, the first network entity can confidently determine that the observed usage is accurate.

[0116] After determining the usage information associated with the IE, the first network entity can then determine a second sequence of multiple bits to be included in the IE, which differs from the first sequence, based on the usage information. In some examples, the first network entity can determine the second sequence when the determined confidence level is higher than a threshold.

[0117] In some examples, determining the second sequence may include arranging multiple bits based on a determined pattern of the same two or more bits changing between one or more first messages and / or a determined frequency or number of times each bit changes between one or more first messages.

[0118] For example, a first network entity may arrange two or more bits that change frequently together between one or more first messages into identical or consecutive octets in an IE. That is, bits that change frequently together can be grouped together in a second sequence. Bits that change frequently together can indicate the correlation or relationship between these bits, such as their association with the same or similar characteristics. By arranging the second sequence in this way, some examples can be obtained where, when packet bits change between consecutive transmissions of IE, no or very few intermediate IEs need to be transmitted.

[0119] Alternatively, the first network entity may arrange one or more bits based on the frequency of change of one or more bits. For example, one or more bits that change frequently between one or more first messages may be arranged toward the beginning of the information element; and / or one or more bits that do not change frequently between one or more first messages may be arranged toward the end of the information element. That is, frequently changing bits may be placed at the beginning of the IE, and infrequently changing bits may be placed at the end of the IE. By arranging the second sequence in this way, the transmission of a large number of bits with infrequently changing values ​​can be avoided.

[0120] In some examples, when one or more first messages are exchanged, a first network entity may arrange one or more bits based on location information associated with the first network entity and / or at least one second network entity. Therefore, the first network entity may determine the second sequence based on the location information. The location information may include any information indicating the location of the first network entity and / or the second network entity, such as, but not limited to, GPS location, tracking area, cell ID, etc.

[0121] Referring again to an earlier example of 5GMM capability IE, if the ten bits related to ProSe included in the first (default) sequence of octets 5, 6, 9, and 10 change frequently and together, while the other bits in the IE do not change frequently, then the first network entity can determine the second sequence, in which the ten bits related to ProSe are arranged in the first two available octets (octets 3 and 4), and the remaining bits are arranged after the ProSe-related bits.

[0122] In some examples, after determining the second sequence, the first network entity may send information to one or more second network entities indicating the second sequence of multiple bits included in the IE. The information indicating the second sequence may be sent in an IE structure update request message.

[0123] After a first network entity has sent a second sequence to at least one second network entity, the first and second network entities may exchange one or more additional messages including an IE, where the IE comprises multiple bits arranged according to the second sequence. For example, the first network entity may receive one or more second messages including an IE, where the IE comprises multiple bits arranged according to the second sequence, from the second network entity; and / or send one or more third messages including an IE, where the IE comprises multiple bits arranged according to the second sequence, to at least one second network entity.

[0124] As mentioned earlier, according to the current specification, if an octet is not included in an IE (Internet Explorer), it indicates that all bits included in the octet are not supported. In other words, currently, the absence of an octet in an IE is interpreted as a lack of support for bits included in an octet.

[0125] Therefore, in some examples, the first network entity may determine that one or more octet bits included in the first sequence are not present in the IE included in one or more first messages; and determine that one or more octet bits not present in the IE included in one or more first messages indicate that one or more octet bits are not supported by the second network entity.

[0126] In some examples, the rules or protocols relating to the interpretation of bits included in the IE can be modified for the second sequence. In some examples, the absence of an octet in the IE, according to the second sequence, can be interpreted as indicating that the value of the bit included in the octet has not changed relative to previous transmissions of the IE. For example, in a 5GMM-capable IE, the bit in the octet can be set to a value of 1 or 0 depending on the capability. Then, when the 5GMM-capable IE is transmitted again and the capability has not changed (meaning the 1 or 0 value in the octet has not changed), that octet can be omitted from the IE.

[0127] Therefore, in some examples, a first network entity may determine that one or more octet bits included in the second sequence are absent from the IE included in one or more second messages; and the determination of the absence of one or more octet bits in the IE included in one or more second messages indicates that the one or more octet bits have not changed relative to previous transmissions of the IE. Furthermore, in some examples, a first network entity may determine that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to previous transmissions of the IE; and send one or more third messages including the IE to at least one second network entity, the IE comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence, wherein the determined one or more octet bits that have not changed relative to previous transmissions are omitted from the IE included in one or more third messages.

[0128] In this way, the size of the IE exchanged between the first and second network entities can be reduced because the bits of the unchanged octets can be omitted. Combined with the arrangement of the second sequence as described above, some examples thus enable more efficient sequences where frequently changing octets are placed at the beginning of the IE, while infrequently changing bits are grouped into the last octets of the IE. This means that infrequently changing octets can often be omitted from the IE, thereby reducing the size of the IE used for transmission.

[0129] In some examples, after sending information indicating a second sequence to at least one second network entity, the first network entity may receive an indication from at least one second network entity whether it accepts the second sequence. This indication of acceptance by at least one second network entity may be received within an IE structure update accept or IE structure update reject message.

[0130] When at least one second network entity accepts the second sequence, the first network entity can receive an indication from the at least one second network entity that the second sequence has been accepted. Based on the indication that the second sequence has been accepted, the first network entity can use the second sequence in subsequent transmissions of the IE between the first network entity and the at least one second network entity.

[0131] When at least one second network entity does not accept the second sequence, the first network entity can receive an indication from at least one second network entity that the second sequence has been rejected. Based on the indication that the second sequence has been rejected, the first network entity can fall back to using the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of the IE between the first network entity and at least one second network entity, and / or determine a new second sequence based on the received indication that the second sequence has been rejected. This allows the first and second network entities to negotiate a second sequence that they both accept.

[0132] In some examples, determining the information used and determining the second sequence can be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) model implemented at the first network entity.

[0133] While using the second sequence, the first network entity can continue to monitor usage information associated with the IE to determine whether the bit sequence can be further adjusted to optimize the bit sequence included in the IE (e.g., based on the principles described above).

[0134] In some examples, before the first network entity determines the second sequence, both the first and second network entities can indicate their respective capabilities to support flexible IEs, i.e., their ability to support IEs with different bit sequences included in the IE. This can help ensure that the second sequence is determined only if both entities are capable of supporting it.

[0135] For example, a first network entity may receive information from at least one second network entity indicating that the at least one second network entity supports the capability of different sequences of multiple bits included in the IE. Alternatively, the first network entity may send information to at least one second network entity indicating that the first network entity supports the capability of different sequences of multiple bits included in the IE. Determining the second sequence may be based on the indicated capability of at least one second network entity and / or the indicated capability of at least one first network entity.

[0136] Information indicating the capabilities of the first and second network entities can be sent as part of the registration process. For example, information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity can be included in a registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity can be included in a registration acceptance message. Alternatively, information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity can be included in a registration request message, and information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity can be included in a registration acceptance message. In other examples, information indicating the capabilities of the first and second network entities can be sent in different messages (e.g., different NAS messages, or entirely new messages created for this purpose) or otherwise retrieved (e.g., from network storage entities and / or from previously stored memory).

[0137] Information indicating the capabilities of at least one second network entity and / or the capabilities of a first network entity may include information indicating that the respective network entity supports a Smart Signalling Protocol (SSP). SSP can be viewed as a flexible, adaptive signaling protocol that can optimize its signaling by leveraging AI to adapt and customize its Interface and processes based on usage conditions. The flexible Interface described herein can be considered an aspect / enabler of SSP. As previously mentioned, SSP support can be negotiated between the UE and the network. SSP can be applied to any signaling protocol, such as NAS, RRC, etc.

[0138] refer to Figure 6 It illustrates signaling exchange based on some examples. Figure 6 In the example, the first network entity is the AMF, the second network entity is the UE, and the IE is the 5GMM capability IE described earlier. It should be understood that messages exchanged between the UE and the AMF can be transmitted via... Figure 6 It is sent by an access node (e.g., gNB) not shown in the figure.

[0139] At 600, the UE sends a registration request message to the AMF, which includes an indication that the UE supports Flexible IE.

[0140] At position 602, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE, which includes an indication that the AMF supports flexible IE.

[0141] At position 604, the UE sends a registration request message to the AMF that includes the previously described 5GMM capability IE. The registration request message is an example of one or more of the previously described first messages.

[0142] At position 606, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0143] At 608, the AMF determines the usage information associated with the 5GMM IE, as previously described. In some examples, the AMF can obtain this information from multiple UEs (for clarity, ...). Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) Receive usage information for 5GMM IE.

[0144] At 610, the AMF determines a second sequence of multiple bits included in the 5GMM IE, as previously described.

[0145] At 612, the AMF sends information to the UE indicating the second sequence, as previously described.

[0146] At 614, the UE sends an instruction to the AMF to accept the second sequence, as previously described.

[0147] At 616, the UE sends one or more second messages to the AMF including 5GMM capabilities, which include multiple bits arranged according to a second sequence, as previously described. For example, the UE can send a registration request message including 5GMM capabilities (IE) according to the second sequence, excluding the unchanged bits in the octet, as previously described.

[0148] At point 618, the AMF can send a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0149] An example has been described where a first network entity can determine usage information associated with an IE exchanged between the first and second network entities, and adapt the bit sequence included in the IE based on the usage information. A second bit sequence enables the omission of more octets of bits included in the IE when sending the IE according to the second sequence, thereby reducing signaling overhead associated with the IE. Because the sequence is determined based on usage information, the sequence can be flexibly and dynamically adapted, thus providing improvements over the current IE sequence, which is fixed and unadaptable.

[0150] In some examples, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing any of the previously described method steps.

[0151] For example, in some examples, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for exchanging one or more first messages including information elements with at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; means for determining usage information associated with the information elements based on the one or more first messages; means for determining a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements based on the usage information, the second sequence being different from the first sequence; and means for sending information to at least one second network entity indicating the second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements.

[0152] In some examples, an apparatus is provided comprising: a component for exchanging one or more information elements with at least one first network entity, the one or more information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; and a component for receiving information from at least one first network entity, the information indicating a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

[0153] In cases where the first network entity and / or the second network entity is a network function (e.g., AMF or NWDAF as described above), the device may include a network function that includes at least components for performing the operations described above.

[0154] In some examples, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least any of the previously described method steps.

[0155] For example, in some examples, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: exchange one or more first messages including information elements with at least one second network entity, the information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; determine usage information associated with the information elements based on the one or more first messages; determine a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements, the second sequence being different from the first sequence, based on the usage information; and send information to at least one second network entity indicating the second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information elements.

[0156] In some examples, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: exchange one or more information elements with at least one first network entity, the one or more information elements including a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; and receive information from at least one first network entity indicating a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

[0157] While examples using the terms "a," "an," or "some" may be mentioned in this disclosure, this does not necessarily mean that the same example is mentioned each time, nor does it necessarily mean that a particular feature applies only to a single example. Individual features from different examples may also be combined to provide other examples. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or property is described in conjunction with examples, those skilled in the art can apply those features, structures, or properties in conjunction with other examples, whether or not explicitly described. 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.

[0158] It should be understood that the references to various network functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.) in the foregoing can be implemented by means of performing at least some of the functions associated with these network functions. Furthermore, means configured to implement network functions can also be configured as virtual network function instances that implement those network functions.

[0159] It should be understood that these devices may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as wireless components or wireless headends for transmission and / or reception. Although these devices are described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0160] It should be noted that while some examples have been described for 5G networks, similar examples can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some example architectures of wireless networks, technologies, and standards have been described above by way of example, other examples can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0161] It is also noted in this document that various changes and modifications may be made to the various examples described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0162] As used herein, the phrases “at least one of A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” and “A and / or B” refer to (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “A, B, and / or C” refer to (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0163] As used herein, the term “or” means non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise stated (e.g., “otherwise” or “or in alternatives”).

[0164] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, “perform a step in response to A” does not mean that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, but may include one or more intermediate steps. Similarly, “perform a step or function based on A” does not mean that the step or function is performed solely based on “A”, as it may include one or more additional conditions.

[0165] Figure 7 A block diagram of apparatus 10 is shown by way of example. For example, apparatus 10 includes at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15, which, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause apparatus 10 to perform at least one or more methods disclosed herein. In some examples, at least one memory and instructions (e.g., computer program code, software, etc.) are configured, together with at least one processor, to cause apparatus 10 to perform one or more methods disclosed herein.

[0166] Processor 12 may include, or be configured as, one or more circuit systems configured to perform various stages of the methods described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit system” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a purely hardware circuit implementation, such as an implementation in an analog, digital, and / or quantum circuit system; and (b) a combination of (multiple) hardware circuits and software, such as, where applicable: (i) a combination of (multiple) analog, digital, or quantum hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) any or all portions of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital and / or quantum processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as an apparatus, computing device, user equipment, or server) to perform various functions; and (c) any or all portions of (multiple) hardware circuits, such as (multiple) microprocessors, (multiple) processors, and / or (multiple) quantum processors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when the software is not required to operate. This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this disclosure, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term "circuit system" also encompasses only the implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to certain claim elements, the term "circuit system" also encompasses baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0167] The memory 14 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may include a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least partially located outside the device 10, but may be accessed by the device 10.

[0168] Instruction 15 may be included in a computer-readable medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. 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 the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM) versus read-only memory (ROM).

[0169] For example, device 10 may be a terminal device, such as the UE described above. As another example, the device may be included in such a terminal device, for example, as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. Device 10 may be made or configured to perform at least one or more of the methods described in the examples.

[0170] As another example, device 10 can be a network node, such as the network node described above. In another example, the device can be included in such a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control a network node. Device 10 can be made or configured to perform at least one or more of the methods described in the examples.

[0171] The device may include one or more entities of any protocol layer, such as a MAC entity, RRC entity, RLC entity, PDCP entity, or PHY entity. In some examples, the entity may be configured to perform at least one or more methods from the examples described.

[0172] Device 10 may include a wireless interface 16. Wireless interface 16 may provide communication capabilities to device 10. Wireless interface 16 may include a receiver configured to receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Wireless interface 16 may include a transmitter configured to transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Receivers may include more than one receiver. Transmitters may include more than one transmitter. Wireless interface 16 may include a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Transceivers may include more than one transceiver.

[0173] Device 10 may include a user interface 18, which includes at least one of, for example, a keypad, microphone, touch display, monitor, speaker, etc. User interface 18 can be used by a user to control the device. User interface 18 may be external to device 10. For example, device 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, via a wireless or wired connection, and device 10 may be controlled by a user via the computer.

[0174] In some examples, at least some of the processes described herein can be performed by means including components for performing at least some of the processes. Components for performing the method steps disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of means 10. For example, at least one processor 12, memory 14, and computer program code form components for performing one or more methods disclosed herein, as well as any examples thereof. As used herein, the term “component” shall be interpreted in the singular, i.e., meaning a single element; or in the plural, i.e., meaning a combination of single elements. Thus, the term “component for [performing A, B, C]” shall be interpreted to encompass means in which only one component is used to perform A, B, and C, or means in which separate components are used to perform A, B, and C, or means in which partially or completely overlapping components are used to perform A, B, and C. Furthermore, the terms “component for performing A, component for performing B, and component for performing C” should be interpreted as covering an apparatus in which only one component is used to perform A, B, and C, or an apparatus in which a single component is used to perform A, B, and C, or an apparatus in which partially or completely overlapping components are used to perform A, B, and C.

[0175] The independent claims define the scope of protection sought by the various examples of this disclosure. Examples and features described in this disclosure that are not within the scope of the independent claims, and if any, shall be interpreted as examples that help to understand the various examples of this disclosure.

[0176] Although examples of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent that the examples are not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and are intended to illustrate rather than limit the examples. It should be understood that the scope of this disclosure can be implemented and adapted in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described examples can, and must, be combined with other examples in various ways.

Claims

1. A method for a first network entity, the method comprising: Exchange one or more first messages comprising information elements with at least one second network entity, the information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; Based on the one or more first messages, usage information associated with the information element is determined; Based on the usage information, a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information element is determined, the second sequence being different from the first sequence; as well as Send information to the at least one second network entity, the information indicating the second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the information element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sequence is a default sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The first network entity receives an indication that the second sequence is accepted by the first network entity, and based on the indication, the second sequence is used in subsequent transmissions of the information element between the first network entity and the first network entity. or The first network entity receives an indication that the second sequence is not accepted by the at least one second network entity, and uses the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of the information element between the first network entity and the at least one second network entity.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the usage information includes: Determine the variation pattern of the plurality of bits included in the information element between the one or more first messages.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the change pattern comprises: Determine the pattern of the same two or more bits that change between the one or more first messages; and / or Determine the frequency or number of bit changes between the one or more first messages; and / or Determine the location information associated with the first network entity and / or the at least one second network entity when the one or more first messages are exchanged.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the second sequence comprises: The plurality of bits are arranged based on a determined pattern of the same two or more bits changing between the one or more first messages and / or a determined frequency or number of times each bit changes between the one or more first messages.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein arranging the plurality of bits comprises: Two or more bits that change frequently together between the one or more first messages are arranged as the same octet or consecutive octets in the information element; and / or One or more bits that change frequently between the one or more first messages are arranged toward the beginning of the information element; and / or One or more bits that do not change frequently between the one or more first messages are arranged to be aligned to the end of the information element.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Receive one or more second messages including the information element from the at least one second network entity, the information element comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence; and / or Send one or more third messages, including the information element, to the at least one second network entity, the information element comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Determining that none of the information elements included in the one or more first messages contain bits of one or more octet bytes included in the first sequence; and Determine the bit indication of the one or more octets that are not present in the information elements included in the one or more first messages: the bits of the one or more octets are not supported by the at least one second network entity.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: Determining that none of the bits in the one or more octets included in the second sequence are present in the information elements included in the one or more second messages; and Determine the bit indication of one or more octets that are not present in the information element included in the one or more second messages: the bits of the one or more octets have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element.

11. The method according to claims 8 to 10, further comprising: It is determined that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element; as well as Send the one or more third messages, including the information elements, to the at least one second network entity. The information elements include a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence. Bits of one or more octets that are unchanged relative to the previous transmission are omitted from the information elements included in the one or more third messages.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Information is received from the at least one second network entity, the information indicating the at least one second network entity's ability to support different sequences of the plurality of bits included in the information element. Determining the second sequence includes: determining the second sequence based on the indication capability of the at least one second network entity.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The first network entity sends information to the at least one second network entity, the information indicating the first network entity's ability to support different sequences of the plurality of bits included in the information element. Determining the second sequence includes: determining the second sequence based on the indication capability of the at least one second network entity and the indication capability of the first network entity.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The information indicating the capabilities of the at least one second network entity is included in the registration request message, and the information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity is included in the registration acceptance message; or The information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity is included in the registration request message, and the information indicating the capabilities of the at least one second network entity is included in the registration acceptance message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the information indicating the capabilities of the at least one second network entity and / or the information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity comprises: Information instructing the relevant network entities to support the smart signaling protocol.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first network entity includes network functions, and the at least one second network entity includes at least one user equipment; or The first network entity includes a user equipment, and the at least one second network entity includes at least one network function; or The first network entity includes network functions, and the at least one second network entity includes at least one additional network function.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the usage information and determining the second sequence are performed by an artificial intelligence / machine learning model implemented at the first network entity.

18. A method for a second network entity, the method comprising: Exchange one or more information elements with at least one first network entity, the one or more information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to a first sequence; as well as Information is received from the at least one first network entity, the information indicating a second sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first sequence is a default sequence of the plurality of bits included in the one or more information elements.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising: Send an indication to the at least one first network entity that the second sequence has been accepted by the at least one second network entity, and use the second sequence in subsequent transmissions of the information element between the first network entity and the at least one second network entity based on the indication; or Send an indication to the at least one first network entity that the second sequence has not been accepted by the at least one second network entity, and use the first sequence in subsequent transmissions of the information element between the first network entity and the at least one second network entity.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: Sending one or more second messages including the information elements to the at least one first network entity, the information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence; and / or Receive one or more third messages from the at least one first network entity, the information element comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: Determining that none of the information elements included in the one or more first messages contain bits of one or more octet bytes included in the first sequence; and Determine the bits of the one or more octets that are not present in the information elements included in the one or more first messages to indicate that the bits of the one or more octets are not supported by the at least one first network entity.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising: It is determined that none of the bits in the information elements included in the one or more third messages are bits included in the second sequence; and Determine the bit indication of one or more octets that are not present in the information element included in the one or more third messages: the bits of the one or more octets have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element.

24. The method according to claims 21 to 23, further comprising: It is determined that one or more octet bits have not changed relative to the previous transmission of the information element; as well as Send the one or more second messages, including the information elements, to the at least one first network entity, the information elements comprising a plurality of bits arranged according to the second sequence. Bits of one or more octets that are unchanged relative to the previous transmission are omitted from the information elements included in the one or more second messages.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, further comprising: The information is sent to the at least one first network entity, indicating the second network entity's ability to support different sequences of the plurality of bits included in the information element. The information indicating the second sequence is received based on the information indicating the capabilities of the second network entity.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: Information is received from at least one first network entity, the information indicating the first network entity's ability to support different sequences of the plurality of bits included in the information element. The information indicating the second sequence is received based on the indication capability of the at least one second network entity and the indication capability of the first network entity.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein: The information indicating the capabilities of the at least one second network entity is included in the registration request message, and the information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity is included in the registration acceptance message; or The information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity is included in the registration request message, and the information indicating the capabilities of the at least one second network entity is included in the registration acceptance message.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the information indicating the capabilities of the at least one second network entity and / or the information indicating the capabilities of the first network entity comprises: Information indicating that the user equipment supports the smart signaling protocol.

29. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein: The first network entity includes network functions, and the at least one second network entity includes at least one user equipment; or The first network entity includes a user equipment, and the at least one second network entity includes at least one network function; or The first network entity includes network functions, and the at least one second network entity includes at least one additional network function.

30. An apparatus for communication, comprising: Components for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

31. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

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