Methods, apparatus and computer programs for communication networks

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling a radio access network node of a radio access network of a communication network, the apparatus comprising: receiving a request for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with a user equipment of the communication network when the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network; the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; and, in response to the request, communicating with the user equipment using the modified at least one radio resource.

Description

[0001] Related applications This patent application claims the benefit of priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202311089946, filed on December 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, and computer program for a communication network. Some examples relate to a method, apparatus, and computer program for controlling a radio access network of a communication network to switch the radio access network from an energy-saving (ES) mode to a higher-performance mode (or vice versa). Background Technology

[0003] 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. Services can be provided to communication devices by an application server.

[0004] Such communication networks operate according to standards provided by, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of these standards are the so-called 4G (fourth generation) and 5G (fifth generation) standards provided by 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0006] An apparatus for controlling a radio access network node of a radio access network of a communication network, the apparatus comprising: receiving a request for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with a user equipment of the communication network when the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; and, in response to the request, communicating with the user equipment using the modified at least one radio resource.

[0007] According to some examples, receiving the request includes: receiving a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) message containing the request from the Session Management Function (SMF).

[0008] According to some examples, NGAP messages are received from SMF via the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0009] According to some examples, the component is used to: send an indication to the SMF that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0010] According to some examples, receiving a request includes receiving a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) message from a user equipment that includes the request.

[0011] According to some examples, the component is used to: send an RRC message to the user equipment, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0012] According to some examples, the request includes a request for more data used in the service.

[0013] According to some examples, the request includes a request for speed testing of a network that includes radio access network nodes.

[0014] According to some examples, modifying at least one radio resource of a radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in a second mode includes at least one of the following: increasing the number of antennas used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the transmit power used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the bandwidth used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the transmission time used by the radio access network for communication; and changing the state of at least one capacity cell of the radio access network from silent or dormant to active.

[0015] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a radio access network node.

[0016] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not a radio access network node.

[0017] According to some examples, the apparatus includes control devices for radio access network nodes.

[0018] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided for controlling a radio access network node of a radio access network of a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a request for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with a user equipment communicating with the communication network when the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network; modifying at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; and communicating with the user equipment using the modified at least one radio resource in response to a service request.

[0019] According to some examples, receiving a request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode includes receiving a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) message from the Session Management Function (SMF).

[0020] According to some examples, receiving a request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode includes receiving an NGAP message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the AMF receives the NGAP message from the SMF.

[0021] According to some examples, at least one processor can be configured to cause the device to perform: sending an indication to the SMF that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0022] According to some examples, receiving a request includes receiving a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) message from a user equipment that includes the request.

[0023] According to some examples, at least one processor can be configured to cause the device to perform: sending an RRC message to the user equipment, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0024] According to some examples, the request includes a request for more data used in the service.

[0025] According to some examples, modifying at least one radio resource of a radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in a second mode includes at least one of the following: increasing the transmit power used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the number of antennas used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the bandwidth used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the transmission time used by the radio access network for communication; and changing the state of at least one capacity cell of the radio access network from silent or dormant to active.

[0026] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a radio access network node.

[0027] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not a radio access network node.

[0028] According to some examples, the apparatus includes control devices for radio access network nodes.

[0029] According to one aspect, a method for controlling a radio access network node of a communication network is provided, the method comprising: receiving a request for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with a user equipment in a communication network when the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network; modifying at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; and, in response to the request, communicating with the user equipment using the modified at least one radio resource.

[0030] According to some examples, receiving a request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode includes receiving a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) message from the Session Management Function (SMF).

[0031] According to some examples, receiving a request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode includes receiving an NGAP message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the AMF receives the NGAP message from the SMF.

[0032] According to some examples, the method includes sending an indication to the SMF that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0033] According to some examples, receiving a request includes receiving a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) message from a user equipment that includes the request.

[0034] According to some examples, the method includes sending an RRC message to a user equipment, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

[0035] According to some examples, the request includes a request for more data used in the service.

[0036] According to some examples, the request includes a request for speed testing of a network that includes radio access network nodes.

[0037] According to some examples, modifying at least one radio resource of a radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in a second mode includes at least one of the following: increasing the transmit power used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the number of antennas used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the bandwidth used by the radio access network for communication; increasing the transmission time used by the radio access network for communication; and changing the state of at least one capacity cell of the radio access network from silent or dormant to active.

[0038] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a radio access network node.

[0039] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not a radio access network node.

[0040] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided for controlling a radio access network node of a communication network, including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following: when the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, receiving a request for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with a user equipment in a communication network, the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; and, in response to the request, communicating with the user equipment using the modified at least one radio resource.

[0041] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: determining a request from a user equipment to a radio access network (RAN) requesting the RNA to operate in a second mode for communicating with the user equipment, wherein the RNA is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the RNA, and the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying the request to include an indication of operation of the RNA in the second mode; and sending the modified request to a RNA node of the RNA.

[0042] According to some examples, sending a modified request includes sending an NGAP message from the SMF to the radio access network node.

[0043] According to some examples, sending a modified request includes sending an NGAP message to the AMF, which then forwards the NGAP message to the radio access network node.

[0044] According to some examples, the component is used to: receive from a radio access network node an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0045] According to some examples, the component is used to: send a list of applications for a user equipment to the user plane function and an indication that the user plane function should report when any application in the application list is requested by the user equipment; wherein determining that the user equipment requests the radio access network to operate in the second mode includes: receiving from the user plane function an indication that an application in the application list is requested by the user equipment.

[0046] According to some examples, sending a request includes sending an RRC message from a user equipment to a radio access network node.

[0047] According to some examples, the component is used to: receive an RRC message from a radio access network node, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in a first mode.

[0048] According to some examples, the component is used to: store a list of applications for a user equipment; wherein determining that a user equipment requests the radio access network to operate in a second mode includes: receiving instructions to request applications from the application list.

[0049] According to some examples, the request includes a request for speed testing of a network that includes radio access network nodes.

[0050] According to some examples, the device is at least one of the following: a user equipment; for a user equipment; included in a user equipment.

[0051] According to some examples, the device is at least one of the following: SMF; for SMF; included in SMF.

[0052] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a radio access network node.

[0053] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not a radio access network node.

[0054] According to one aspect, 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 perform: determining a request from a user equipment to a radio access network (RAN) requesting the RNA to operate in a second mode for communication with the user equipment, wherein the RNA is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the RNA, and the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying the request to include an indication of operation of the RNA in the second mode; and sending the modified request to a RNA node of the RNA.

[0055] According to some examples, sending a service request includes sending an NGAP message from the SMF to the radio access network node.

[0056] According to some examples, sending a service request includes sending an NGAP message to the AMF, whereby the AMF forwards the NGAP message to the radio access network node.

[0057] According to some examples, at least one processor can be configured to cause the device to perform: receiving from a radio access network node an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network is scheduled to operate in the first mode.

[0058] According to some examples, at least one processor can be configured to cause the device to perform: sending a list of applications for a user equipment to a user plane function and an indication that the user plane function should report when any application in the application list is requested by the user equipment; wherein determining that the user equipment requests the radio access network to operate in the second mode includes: receiving from the user plane function an indication that an application in the application list is requested by the user equipment.

[0059] According to some examples, sending a request includes sending an RRC message from a user equipment to a radio access network node.

[0060] According to some examples, at least one processor can be configured to cause the device to perform: receiving an RRC message from a radio access network node, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

[0061] According to some examples, at least one processor can be configured to cause the device to perform: storing a list of applications for a user equipment; wherein determining a request from a user equipment to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in a second mode includes: receiving instructions to request applications from the application list.

[0062] According to some examples, the request includes a request for speed testing of a network that includes radio access network nodes.

[0063] According to some examples, the device is at least one of the following: a user equipment; for a user equipment; included in a user equipment.

[0064] According to some examples, the device is at least one of the following: SMF; for SMF; included in SMF.

[0065] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a radio access network node.

[0066] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not a radio access network node.

[0067] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: determining that a user equipment requests a radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with the user equipment, wherein the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, and the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying the request to include an indication of operation of the radio access network in the second mode; and sending the modified request to a radio access network node of the radio access network.

[0068] According to some examples, sending a modified request includes sending an NGAP message from the SMF to the radio access network node.

[0069] According to some examples, sending a modified request includes sending an NGAP message to the AMF, which then forwards the NGAP message to the radio access network node.

[0070] According to some examples, the method includes receiving from a radio access network node an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

[0071] According to some examples, the method includes: sending a list of applications for a user equipment to a user plane function and an indication that the user plane function should report when any application in the application list is requested by the user equipment; wherein determining that the user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in a second mode includes: receiving from the user plane function an indication that an application in the application list has been requested by the user equipment.

[0072] According to some examples, sending a request includes sending an RRC message from a user equipment to a radio access network node.

[0073] According to some examples, the method includes: receiving an RRC message from a radio access network node, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in a first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

[0074] According to some examples, the method includes: storing a list of applications for a user equipment; wherein determining that a user equipment requests a radio access network to operate in a second mode includes: receiving instructions for applications in the requesting application list.

[0075] According to some examples, the request includes a request for speed testing of a network that includes radio access network nodes.

[0076] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a radio access network node.

[0077] According to some examples, at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not a radio access network node.

[0078] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions stored thereon, for at least performing the following: determining that a user equipment requests a radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with the user equipment, wherein the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, and the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; modifying the request to include an indication of operation of the radio access network in the second mode; and sending the modified request to a radio access network node of the radio access network.

[0079] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0080] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that other embodiments can be provided by any combination of two or more of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0081] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A representation of a communication network including a fifth-generation communication network is shown; Figure 2 An example UE-assisted method is shown for switching a radio access network from ES mode to a higher performance mode; Figure 3An example of a core network auxiliary method for transitioning a radio access network from ES mode to a higher performance mode is shown; Figure 4 An example method performed by a radio access network node of a radio access network is shown; Figure 5 An example method performed by network functions of the core network is shown; Figure 6 The illustration shows a method for using some example embodiments. Figure 1 The representation of a communication system device; Figure 7 A representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown; and Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile memory medium for storing instructions is shown, which, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform one or more steps of the methods disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Network Energy Saving (NES) mechanisms can be used in communication networks, such as radio access networks, to enable the communication network to operate in Energy Saving (ES) mode. An example considers a scenario where a UE is requesting a service from a communication network operating according to a radio access technology (such as 5G technology specified by 3GPP), which requires the communication network to operate in a higher performance mode than it might be in when operating in ES mode. The service requested by the UE can be relatively "data-starved" (i.e., requiring relatively high data throughput from the communication network to optimally deliver the service to the user equipment) and can include, for example, network speed tests (e.g., Ookla speed tests), video streaming, gaming applications, and extended reality (XR) application requests.

[0083] Due to the exponential increase in traffic being transmitted on communication networks (e.g., wireless communication networks such as cellular or mobile networks), NES mechanisms are increasingly being used in communication networks, increasing demands (coverage, throughput, latency) and increasing operating expenses (OPEX) costs. NES mechanisms are used to ensure the minimum quality of service achievable by a communication network when communication equipment provides services to subscribers. In a communication network, the radio access network (RAN) consumes approximately 80% of the network's energy. NES mechanisms can be used in the RAN to optimize RAN operation for energy efficiency by using sleep modes, mute modes, or by shutting down the radio resources of the RAN. Sleep modes or mute modes are particularly effective in reducing energy consumption in the radio units (RUs) of the RAN's base transceiver stations (BTSs), which consume the majority of the RAN's BTS energy. Power amplifiers (PAs) are typically the most energy-consuming components in RUs. Energy consumption in RUs increases further with the introduction of massive MIMO antenna arrays. The use of sleep mode and mute technology to disable the BTS's RU and baseband hardware components helps reduce BTS power consumption, especially in low to medium load scenarios with low capacity requirements.

[0084] When a communication network operates in ES mode, an entire cell (e.g., the entire RU) or a sub-component of the RU (e.g., certain transmit (TX) or receive (RX) radio frequency (RF) chains, which are circuits connecting the RF system interface to antennas and controlled antenna elements) can be deactivated as the traffic load in the communication network (e.g., traffic transmitted by the communication network) drops below a threshold level. The threshold level may include a predefined low-load threshold. In some examples, the traffic load in the communication network (e.g., the amount of traffic transmitted by the communication network RAN) must be below the threshold level for a predefined period of time before the communication network switches to ES mode operation.

[0085] ES mode may include applying at least one of the following in a communication network: Reduce at least one radio resource in at least one of the time domain, frequency domain, antenna / space domain, or power domain.

[0086] ● Reduce at least one radio resource in the frequency domain by using a carrier bandwidth for communication that is less than the available carrier bandwidth of the RAN (e.g., using 20 MHz out of the available 100 MHz); ● Reduce at least one radio resource in the time domain by using transmission time for communication that is less than the available transmission time of the RAN (e.g., by scheduling data using 50% of the available time slots); ● Reduce at least one radio resource in the antenna / space domain by using fewer transmit (TX) antennas than the number of available TX antennas in the RAN; ● Reduce at least one radio resource in the power domain by using a TX power level that is less than the maximum TX power supported by the RAN; ● Reduce at least one radio resource, wherein at least one radio resource of the RAN is not transmitting and / or receiving traffic (e.g., data) at full capacity (e.g., at maximum throughput), but has not been powered off; ● The hardware component in the BTS that enables at least one of the reduced radio resources of the RAN can enter a sleep mode or a power-off mode. ● (in at least one spatial direction) shut down at least one cell or part of a cell in the RAN of the communication network.

[0087] The communication network requires a transition time (which can be relatively long in some examples) to exit operation in ES mode (e.g., transition) while simultaneously powering on the necessary hardware to reactivate the cell or TX RF chain. This transition time may be due to one or more BTSs powering on the hardware to reactivate the cell's TX RF chain. This means the RAN provides lower data capacity during the transition from operating in ES mode to operating in a higher performance mode. By reducing the transition time between operating in ES mode and operating in a higher performance mode, the amount of time the RAN can remain operating in ES mode is increased, while still providing the benefit of the RAN being able to operate in higher performance mode for applications that require more traffic (e.g., data) throughput from the UE (e.g., more data that needs to be sent and / or received by the RAN).

[0088] The radio resources of a communication network can be modified to switch the network from operating in ES mode to operating in a higher performance mode. Modifying the radio resources of the communication network to switch it from ES mode to a higher performance mode may include at least one of the following: ● Increase (e.g., incrementally) at least one radio resource of the communication network from sleep mode to a mode in which the RAN of the communication network has a higher data rate for transmitting data; ● Powering up at least one radio resource from a power outage; ● Unmute one or more RF transceivers; ● Turn on at least one previously closed cell in the network — in some examples, this could be a capacity cell (discussed further in the paragraphs below); ● Increase the bandwidth used for communication; ● Increase the transmission time used for communication.

[0089] Capacity cells, operating at higher carrier frequencies compared to coverage cells, are used to increase the data rate of the RAN when necessary. The difference between capacity cells and coverage cells is that coverage cells are used to maintain coverage levels in the network and are therefore less likely to have an ES mode applied to them, as this could reduce coverage in the network. In contrast, capacity cells are used to increase network capacity when needed and are therefore more likely to activate ES mode, as ES mode is typically applied when peak capacity in the RAN is not required. In some examples, capacity cells switch from ES mode to a higher performance mode.

[0090] Currently, communication networks can switch from ES (Effective Service) mode to a higher-performance mode in response to increased load, such as when a predefined high-load threshold is met for a certain period of time. For example, in the case of cell shutdown, cell reactivation is performed when the Physical Resource Block (PRB) utilization exceeds a threshold for a certain period. This can result in relatively long cell reactivation times, such as several minutes, causing problems for applications requiring higher data throughput from the communication network. For example, when a speed test of the communication network is requested (often called a network speed test), the test typically takes 20-30 seconds to execute. If the network speed test is started when the communication network is in ES mode, the results will indicate that the network speed is lower than what the network can achieve in higher-performance mode. Therefore, the speed test results indicate a lower performance level for the communication network compared to the results of a speed test performed when the network is in high-performance mode.

[0091] Some examples described herein provide a method for determining that a UE and / or Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session requires a larger data capacity than currently available in the communication network (in the RAN, core network functions, and / or transport network), and that, in order to be properly served, the UE / PDU session requires at least a portion of the network to transition from ES mode to a higher performance mode. Furthermore, some examples describe methods for indicating which portion of the network needs to exit ES mode to serve the UE / PDU session. Additionally, some examples enable the RAN or core network to determine when to move from a higher performance mode to ES mode.

[0092] In the following explanation, various example embodiments are described with reference to a communication device (e.g., a UE) capable of communicating with a communication network. Before explaining in detail embodiments of the methods and apparatus of this disclosure, please refer to... Figure 1 A brief explanation of the communication network, which includes the fifth-generation communication system (5GS), radio access network, and core network (5GC).

[0093] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a communication network is shown, comprising a cellular or mobile communication system (e.g., a 5G communication system (5GS)) and a data network. The 5GS may include a radio access network, such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) or a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), and a 5G core network (5GC). Application functions may be deployed as trusted application functions in the 5GS, or they may be deployed or hosted on one or more application servers in the data network. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects the UE to the data network via the access network and the 5GC (e.g., the 5GC's UPF).

[0094] 5G-RAN or NG-RAN may include one or more radio access nodes, such as gNodeBs (gNBs). A gNB may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed units connected to one or more centralized gNodeB (gNB) units. In a communication network, the radio access network (RAN) typically consumes approximately 80% of the network's energy. NES mechanisms can be used in the RAN to optimize RAN operation for energy efficiency by using sleep modes, silent modes, or by shutting down the radio resources of the radio access network.

[0095] 5GC can include the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Open Function; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM); Application Function (AF); Authentication Server Function (AUSF); Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); Session Management Function (SMF); and User Plane Function (UPF). Figure 1 Various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that can be implemented between various components of the system are also shown.

[0096] The RAN is considered to be in ES mode if at least one RAN node in the network is in ES mode. The first RAN node can receive a request to communicate with the UE in a higher performance mode by modifying at least one radio resource of the RAN (e.g., modifying at least one radio resource of the first RAN node and / or at least one radio resource of the second RAN node), thereby enabling the RAN to operate in the higher performance mode. For example, this request can be received by the first RAN node from the UE or the SMF.

[0097] In the first scenario, the first RAN node can operate in ES mode with data capacity A). In response to receiving this request, the first RAN node can: ● Modify at least one radio resource of the first RAN node such that the resource operates with a data capacity B), which is greater than the data capacity B; and / or ● A request is made for a second RAN node in ES mode with data capacity C) to modify at least one radio resource to operate under data capacity D). The second RAN node may be in the same RAN as the first RAN node.

[0098] In the second scenario, when the first RAN node receives a request, it can operate at peak data capacity. In response to this request, the first RAN node can request the second RAN node, which is in ES mode with data capacity E), to modify at least one radio resource to operate at data capacity F. The second RAN node can be in the same RAN as the first RAN node.

[0099] Figure 2 A first example UE-assisted method for switching the RAN from ES mode to a higher performance mode is shown.

[0100] At point 201, RAN 202 enters ES mode. For example, when the data throughput in the RAN falls below a threshold level, the RAN can decide to switch from ES mode.

[0101] At point 203, RAN 202 notifies UE 200 that RAN 202 is operating in ES mode. Other UEs within the RAN's coverage area can also be notified that the network is in ES mode. For example, the RAN can notify UE 200 by sending an RRC message that includes an indication (e.g., a flag or bit value) indicating that RAN 202 is operating in ES mode.

[0102] At position 205, UE 200 may store an indication that RAN 202 is operating in ES mode (e.g., updating the network ES status information to "active"). In some examples, UE 200 may display an indication that the network is in ES mode on its screen. For example, UE 200 may display green leaves, etc., on its screen.

[0103] It should be noted that in some examples, 201 to 205 may be optional, and UE 200 may not be aware that RAN 202 is operating in ES mode. In such examples, UE 200 may determine that the service required for the UE requires a higher data rate than currently available, and UE 200 may then proceed with 207a and / or 209a. According to some examples, UE 200 may determine that the service requires a higher data rate than currently available by determining that an application acting as a client of the service requires a higher data rate than currently available.

[0104] In addition to or replacing 209a, 207a through 207c can be executed. 209a through 209c can be executed before 207a through 207c.

[0105] At 207a, UE 200 determines that a higher data rate (higher data throughput) is required for the application running on the UE. For example, UE 200 may have requested to establish a PDU session, and for example when sending and / or receiving services through the PDU session at the UE.

[0106] UE 200 can determine the need for a higher data rate based on internal triggers at the UE. Internal triggers can include service requests for applications such as XR, game video streaming, or HD video streaming (note the examples below regarding speed testing for 209a to 209c). The list of applications including internal triggers can be pre-loaded in UE 200 or generated based on historical information (e.g., observations of each service related to, for example, data volume, requested throughput, and session length). Alternatively, ML-based predictions of traffic volume and / or throughput requirements can be applied. The decision-making entity performing the determination can include upper layers of the device, such as the application layer. If the determination is positive, the decision-making entity sends an indication to the RRC layer, which then sends an indication for a high-capacity / performance mode to RAN node 202 at 207b during the service request procedure or random access procedure (by modifying the service request or random access procedure to include this indication).

[0107] As a supplement or alternative to using internal triggering at UE 200 to determine a higher data rate, UE 200 may determine the need for a higher data rate based on network configuration. Network configuration may include a Data Resource Bearer (DRB) ID and a data volume threshold for each DRB, which triggers the UE to determine the need for a higher data rate when exceeded. Network configuration may also include a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow ID and a data volume threshold for each DRB, which triggers the UE to determine the need for a higher data rate when exceeded. In some examples, network configuration may instruct UE 200 on the data rate it should request for a specific QoS ID or DRB ID.

[0108] At 207b, UE 200 sends an indication to RAN node 202 that the network is operating in a mode with a higher data rate than the data rate currently being used by the network. This indication may be included in a modified service request sent by UE 200. In some examples, this indication may be sent during the random access procedure. The indication may request the required higher data capacity, or it may request the highest possible data capacity. This indication may be included in an RRC message.

[0109] In some examples, this indication may be included in the UE assistance information sent at 207b. In some examples, this indication may be included in the 5G QoS identifier (5QI) or QoS class.

[0110] At 207c, RAN node 202 determines whether the required data rate for UE 200 or the indicated PDU session for UE 200 can be achieved in the current ES mode. If not, RAN node 202 can determine to switch the network from ES mode to a higher performance mode. This can be performed using the method described above for switching from ES mode to a higher performance mode.

[0111] According to some examples, at 209a, RAN node 202 can transform the RAN including RAN node 202 by modifying the radio resources of RAN node 202. In some examples, RAN node 202 can alternatively or additionally modify the radio resources of other RAN nodes in the RAN, for example by activating and / or using inter-RAN carrier aggregation (CA) or EN-DC (EUTRAN-DC: Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA-Dual Connectivity (DC))).

[0112] At 209a, UE 200 requests a network speed test (e.g., an Ookla speed test) for the RAN, which includes RAN node 200. At 209b, UE 200 may instruct RAN node 202 to perform a network speed test. UE 200 can instruct RAN node 202 to perform a network speed test by sending an RRC message that includes the instruction to perform the network speed test. At 209c, RAN node 202 determines that a higher performance mode is needed and switches the network to a "performance mode" with higher data throughput. In some examples, the performance mode has the network's peak data capacity.

[0113] According to some examples, at 209c, RAN node 202 can transform the network including RAN node 202 by modifying the radio resources of RAN node 202. In some examples, RAN node 202 can alternatively or additionally modify the radio resources of other RAN nodes in the network, for example, by activating and / or using inter-node CA or EN-DC.

[0114] Figure 3 The second example method flow is shown, in which the core network auxiliary RAN node 202 switches the network from ES mode to a higher performance mode.

[0115] At point 311, RAN node 302 notifies SMF 306 that the network is in ES mode. For example, RAN node 302 may notify SMF 306 that some capacity cells are shut down in the network (or any other ES mechanism discussed above is being used in the network).

[0116] At 313, SMF 306 transmits the information received at 311 to UPF 308.

[0117] At 315, SMF 306 configures an application detection list for UPF 308 for performance mode detection. This can be performed using PFCP or N4 signaling to UPF 308. In some examples, the application detection list may include network speed tests (e.g., Ookla speed test), video streaming, gaming applications, and extended reality (XR) application requests. When UE 300 requests one of these applications, the network can switch from ES mode to a higher performance mode (i.e., a mode with greater network data throughput). In other examples, UPF 308 may be configured with a busy traffic mode in the network that, when detected, indicates that the network should switch from ES mode to a higher performance mode. The detection event configured at 315 can be configured to be activated only when the network is in ES mode, and not activated otherwise.

[0118] At 317, UE 300 initiates an application that triggers the event configured at 315. This event includes both UE 300 and AF310. At 319, UPF 308 detects that the event configured at 315 has been triggered. At 321, UPF 308 then reports to SMF 306 when the configured event occurred. Optionally, UPF 308 can indicate which QoS flow was involved in the event.

[0119] At 323, the core network can predict the required throughput of UE 300 directly or based on instructions from AF 310. This can be performed by a core network entity or a combination of core network entities, including at least one of AMF 304, SMF 306, or UPF 308.

[0120] At position 325, SMF 306 notifies RAN node 302 that the triggering event has occurred. This can be done by SMF 306 sending an instruction directly to RAN node 302 (e.g., in a 6G network), or by SMF 306 sending an instruction to RAN node 302 via AMF 304. This instruction can be sent as part of an NGAP PDU message. In some examples, this instruction can be sent as part of an NGAP PDU session resource modification message.

[0121] At 329, RAN node 302 transitions the network from ES mode to a higher performance mode. This can be performed by, as described above, transitioning the network or at least a portion of the network (e.g., RAN node 302 itself) to the higher performance mode by modifying the network's radio resources. According to some examples, at 329, RAN node 302 can transition the network including RAN node 302 by modifying its own radio resources. In some examples, RAN node 302 may alternatively or additionally modify the radio resources of other RAN nodes in the network, for example, by activating and / or using inter-node CA or EN-DC.

[0122] Figure 4 An example method flow is shown. For example, this method can be performed by a RAN node (such as RAN node 202 or RAN node 302). This method can also be performed by a device for controlling a radio access network node in a radio access network used to control a communication network.

[0123] At 400, the method includes: when the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, receiving a request for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with a user equipment and a communication network, the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity.

[0124] At 402, the method includes: modifying at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in a second mode.

[0125] At 404, the method includes: in response to the request, communicating with a user equipment using at least one modified radio resource.

[0126] Figure 5 An example method flow is shown. For example, this method can be executed by a UE such as UE 200 or UE 300 or an SMF such as SMF 306.

[0127] At 500, the method includes: determining a request from a user equipment to a radio access network that requires the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with the user equipment, wherein the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, and the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity.

[0128] At 502, the method includes: modifying the request to include instructions for the operation of the radio access network in a second mode.

[0129] In 504, the method includes sending a modified request to a radio access network node of the radio access network.

[0130] Figure 6 It shows at least one implementation or includes Figure 1 The illustrated example is a session management device 600 for the core network of a communication network. Device 600 may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 611a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 611b, at least one processor 612, 613, and a network interface 614. At least one processor 612, 613 may be coupled to RAM 611a and ROM 611b. At least one processor 612, 613 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 615 for session management functions. Execution of the software code 615 for session management functions (or execution of the instructions of the software code 615 for session management functions) may, for example, cause the device to perform... Figure 4 The method is illustrated. Software code 615 may be stored in ROM 611b. Device 600 may interconnect with another device 600 for controlling other network functions of the 5GC. In some embodiments, one or more network functions of the 5GC are deployed or hosted on device 600. In alternative embodiments, the device may include software code for additional network functions of the core network of a communication network. Device 600 may include computing devices (e.g., servers), computing systems (such as distributed computing systems), or virtual machines provided by a cloud computing system. In some examples, device 600 may include a cloud computing system (e.g., a cloud core network) that includes session management functions and Figure 1 Other network functions of the core network shown.

[0131] Figure 7 A communication device 700 (such as) is shown. Figure 1 Examples of terminals shown are provided. Communication device 700 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of communication device 700 include user equipment, mobile station (MS) or mobile device (such as a mobile phone or so-called smartphone), computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., a USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet computer equipped with wireless communication capabilities, machine-type communication (MTC) device, Internet of Things (IoT) type communication device, or any combination thereof. Communication device 700 may include a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving, for example, wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) carrying communication. Communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia data, machine data, etc.

[0132] Communication device 700 can receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) via air or radio interface 707 through suitable means for receiving, and can transmit wireless signals via suitable means for transmitting. Figure 7 In this diagram, the transceiver is schematically designated by block 706. Transceiver 706 may include, for example, radio components and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device and may include one or more antenna elements. The antenna arrangement may be a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna.

[0133] The communication device 700 may be provided with at least one processor 701, at least one memory ROM 702a, at least one RAM 702b, and other possible components 703 for software and hardware-assisted execution of tasks configured to be performed, including access to a radio access network (e.g., Figure 1 The control of access and communication with 5G-RAN (or NG-RAN) and other communication devices shown herein. At least one processor 701 is coupled to RAM 702b and ROM 702a. At least one processor 701 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 708 (e.g., at least one processor can execute instructions of software code 708). Execution of software code 708 can, for example, allow the communication device to perform one or more operations, including those described herein. Software code 708 can be stored in ROM 702a.

[0134] The processor, ROM and RAM, transceiver, and other circuitry (e.g., modem) of the communication device can be located on a circuit board, in a chipset, or in a system-on-a-chip. The circuit board, chipset, or system-on-a-chip is indicated by reference numeral 704. The communication device 700 may optionally have a user interface, such as a keyboard 705, a touchscreen or keyboard, or combinations thereof. Optionally, depending on the type of communication device, one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may be provided.

[0135] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile memory medium 800a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or digital multifunction disk (DVD)) and 800b (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick) is shown, which store instructions and / or parameters 802, which, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform one or more steps of any method flow described herein.

[0136] It should be understood that the above references to various network functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, TNF, etc.) may include means for performing at least some of the functions associated with those network functions. Furthermore, means including a network function may include a virtual network function instance of that network function.

[0137] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as a radio section or radio head, for or for transmitting and / or receiving. Although the device has been described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0138] Note that while some embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some examples of wireless networks, technologies, and standards have been described above by way of example, these embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0139] It should also be noted that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0140] As used herein, “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0141] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0142] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions), and (c) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, such as multiple microprocessors or part of multiple microprocessors, but which may not exist when the software is not required to operate.

[0143] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term "component" herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0144] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (e.g., in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to execute embodiments during program runtime. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0145] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block in the logical flow shown in the accompanying drawings may represent a program step, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0146] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0147] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, (multiple) digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0148] The various example embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is primarily a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0149] The scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this disclosure that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0150] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications taught will still fall within the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. As a non-limiting and illustrative example, another exemplary embodiment exists, which includes a combination of one or more exemplary embodiments with any other exemplary embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling a radio access network node of a radio access network in a communication network, the apparatus comprising components for: When the radio access network is operating in a first mode with a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, a request is received for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with user equipment communicating with the communication network, the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; Modify at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; In response to the request, the user equipment is communicated using the at least one modified radio resource.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving the request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode comprises: Receive Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) messages from the Session Management Function (SMF).

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving the request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode comprises: Receive NGAP messages from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the AMF receives the NGAP messages from the SMF.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the component is used for: Send an indication to the SMF that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving the request comprises: Receive a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) message including the request from the user equipment.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the component is used for: Send an RRC message to the user equipment, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the request includes a request for more data for the service.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein modifying the at least one radio resource of the radio access network to cause the radio access network to operate in the second mode comprises at least one of the following: Increase the transmission power used for communication by the radio access network; Increase the number of antennas used for communication by the radio access network; Increase the bandwidth used for communication by the radio access network; Increase the transmission time used for communication by the radio access network; Change the state of at least one capacity cell of the radio access network from silent or dormant to active.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of the radio access network node.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not the radio access network node.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus includes a control device for the radio access network node.

12. A method for controlling a radio access network node in a communication network, the method comprising: When the radio access network is operating in a first mode with a first data capacity less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, a request is received for the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with user equipment communicating with the communication network, the second mode having a second data capacity greater than the first data capacity; Modify at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode; In response to the request, the user equipment is communicated using the at least one modified radio resource.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving the request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode comprises: Receive Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) messages from the Session Management Function (SMF).

14. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving the request for operation of the radio access network in the second mode comprises: Receive NGAP messages from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the AMF receives the NGAP messages from the SMF.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising: Send an indication to the SMF that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving the request comprises: Receive a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) message including the request from the user equipment.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: Send an RRC message to the user equipment, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

18. The method of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the request includes a request for more data for the service.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein modifying the at least one radio resource of the radio access network to enable the radio access network to operate in the second mode comprises at least one of the following: Increase the transmission power used for communication by the radio access network; Increase the number of antennas used for communication by the radio access network; Increase the bandwidth used for communication by the radio access network; Increase the transmission time used for communication by the radio access network; Change the state of at least one capacity cell of the radio access network from silent or dormant to active.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of the radio access network node.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not the radio access network node.

22. A computer program comprising instructions, wherein the computer program, when executed by at least one processor of the device, causes the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21.

23. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of the device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21.

24. An apparatus comprising components for: The user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with the user equipment, wherein the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity that is less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, and the second mode has a second data capacity that is greater than the first data capacity; The request is modified to include instructions for the operation of the radio access network in the second mode; The modified request is sent to the radio access network nodes of the radio access network.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein sending the modified request comprises: Send NGAP messages from SMF to the radio access network node.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein sending the modified request comprises: Send an NGAP message to the AMF, wherein the AMF forwards the NGAP message to the radio access network node.

27. The apparatus according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the component is used for: The radio access network node receives an indication that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the component is used for: Send a list of applications for the user device to the user plane function and an indication that the user plane function should report when any application in the application list is requested by the user device; Determining that the user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in the second mode includes: The user plane function receives an indication that an application in the application list has been requested by the user device.

29. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein sending the request comprises: The user equipment sends an RRC message to the radio access network node.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the component is used for: Receive an RRC message from the radio access network node, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the component is used for: Store a list of applications for the user device; Determining that the user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in the second mode includes: Receive an instruction requesting applications from the application list.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the request includes a request for a speed test of the network including the radio access network node.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of the radio access network node.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not the radio access network node.

35. A method comprising: The user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in a second mode for communicating with the user equipment, wherein the radio access network is operating in a first mode having a first data capacity that is less than the peak data capacity of the radio access network, and the second mode has a second data capacity that is greater than the first data capacity; The request is modified to include instructions for the operation of the radio access network in the second mode; The modified request is sent to the radio access network nodes of the radio access network.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein sending the modified request comprises: Send NGAP messages from SMF to the radio access network node.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein sending the modified request comprises: Send an NGAP message to the AMF, wherein the AMF forwards the NGAP message to the radio access network node.

38. The method according to claim 36 or claim 37, further comprising: The radio access network node receives an indication that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, further comprising: Send a list of applications for the user device to the user plane function and an indication that the user plane function should report when any application in the application list is requested by the user device; Determining that the user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in the second mode includes: The user plane function receives an indication that an application in the application list has been requested by the user device.

40. The method of claim 35, wherein sending the request comprises: The user equipment sends an RRC message to the radio access network node.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: Receive an RRC message from the radio access network node, the RRC message including an indication that the radio access network is operating in the first mode or that the radio access network has been scheduled to operate in the first mode.

42. The method according to claim 40 or claim 41, further comprising: Store a list of applications for the user device; Determining that the user equipment's request to the radio access network requires the radio access network to operate in the second mode includes: Receive an instruction requesting applications from the application list.

43. The method of any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the request includes a request for a speed test of the network including the radio access network node.

44. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of the radio access network node.

45. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the at least one radio resource includes at least one radio resource of a second radio access network node that is not the radio access network node.

46. ​​A computer program comprising instructions, wherein the computer program, when executed by at least one processor of the device, causes the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 35 to 45.

47. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 35 to 45.

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