Methods, apparatuses and computer programs

Abstract

A method performed by a relay access node is provided, the method comprising: sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs, and particularly, but not exclusively, to configuring relay access nodes. 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, such as those provided by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards issued 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] Some exemplary embodiments 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 exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit its scope. In view of this disclosure, other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, it should be understood that additional aspects may be provided by combination of any two or more aspects described below.

[0005] According to one aspect, a relay access node is provided, the relay access node including components for: sending cell parameter information of one or more cells for the relay access node to an access and mobility management function; receiving configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0006] Sending may include sending cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment has been registered with the first access and mobility management function; and receiving may include receiving configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0007] Sending may include: sending cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function, to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different from the first access and mobility management function; and receiving may include: receiving configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0008] Sending may include sending cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in a non-user equipment association message; and receiving may include receiving configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in another non-user equipment association message.

[0009] For each of one or more cells, the parameter information may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier; the cell's operating frequency; the cell's list of permitted public land mobile networks and / or independent non-public networks; the cell's tracking area code; or the network slice associated with the cell.

[0010] The component can also be used to: determine the updated configuration for the relay access node; and implement the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0011] Determining the updated configuration may include: receiving the updated configuration from the access and mobility management function; or receiving location information associated with the trunk user equipment from the trunk user equipment and selecting the updated configuration from a list of pre-configured configurations for the trunk access node.

[0012] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0013] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0014] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for an access and mobility management function configured to perform: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; determining a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; and sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

[0015] Receiving may include receiving cell parameter information from the relay access node via a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; sending may include sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0016] Receiving may include: receiving cell parameter information from the relay access node; sending may include: sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different from the second access and mobility management function.

[0017] The configuration for the relay access node can also be determined based on additional cell parameter information associated with the second access node and / or one or more other neighboring access nodes to which the relay user equipment is attached, and wherein the determined configuration minimizes interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or minimizes interference between the relay access node and at least one of the one or more other access nodes.

[0018] The determination may include: obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a relay access node from operational, regulatory, and management functions or a spectrum access system; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a second access node from a unified data management function; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

[0019] The determination may include: obtaining policy information associated with the relay access node from the policy control function; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0020] The component can be used for access and mobility management functions, which are also configured to perform: determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment or a trunk access node; determining an updated configuration for the trunk access node in response to determining the change in the location of the trunk user equipment or the trunk access node; and sending the updated configuration to the trunk access node.

[0021] Determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment may include at least one of the following: determining a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; determining a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or determining a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0022] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0023] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0024] According to one aspect, a relay user equipment is provided, the relay user equipment including components for: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; creating a non-access stratum message, the non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and sending the non-access stratum message to access and mobility management functions.

[0025] The component can also be used to: receive configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and send configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0026] The component can also be used to: receive updated configurations for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and send updated configurations for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0027] The component can also be used to: send location information associated with the relay user equipment to the relay access node, wherein the location information can be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in the location of the relay user equipment.

[0028] Determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment may include at least one of the following: determining a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; determining a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or determining a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0029] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0030] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0031] According to one aspect, a relay access node is provided, the relay access node including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay access node to at least: send cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node to an access and mobility management function; receive configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implement the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0032] At least one processor can be configured to cause a relay access node to: send cell parameter information to a first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment has been registered with the first access and mobility management function; and receive configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0033] At least one processor can be configured to cause a relay access node to: send cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different from the first access and mobility management function; and receive configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0034] At least one processor can be configured to cause a relay access node to: send cell parameter information to a first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in a non-user equipment association message; and receive configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in another non-user equipment association message.

[0035] For each of one or more cells, the parameter information may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier; the cell's operating frequency; the cell's list of permitted public land mobile networks and / or independent non-public networks; the cell's tracking area code; or the network slice associated with the cell.

[0036] At least one processor can be configured to cause the relay access node to: determine an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implement the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0037] At least one processor can be configured to cause the relay access node to: receive an updated configuration from the access and mobility management functions; or receive location information associated with the relay user equipment from the relay user equipment, and select the updated configuration from a list of pre-configured configurations for the relay access node.

[0038] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0039] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0040] According to one 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 an access and mobility management function to at least: receive cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; determine a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; and send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

[0041] At least one processor can be configured to enable the access and mobility management function to: receive cell parameter information from a relay access node via a relay user equipment, the relay access node being associated with the relay user equipment; send configuration for the relay access node via the relay user equipment to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function can be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0042] At least one processor can be configured to enable the access and mobility management function to: receive cell parameter information from a relay access node; send configuration information for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function can be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different from the second access and mobility management function.

[0043] At least one processor may be configured to enable access and mobility management functions to: attach a relay user equipment to the second access node based on additional cell parameter information associated with the second access node and / or one or more other neighboring access nodes; determine a configuration for the relay access node; and wherein the determined configuration minimizes interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or minimizes interference between the relay access node and at least one of one or more other access nodes.

[0044] At least one processor can be configured to enable the access and mobility management functions to: obtain information indicating one or more possible configurations for a relay access node from operational, regulatory, and management functions or a spectrum access system; and determine the configuration for the relay access node based on received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtain information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from a unified data management function; and determine the configuration for the relay access node based on received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node.

[0045] At least one processor can be configured to enable the access and mobility management functions to: obtain policy information associated with the relay access node from the policy control functions; and determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0046] At least one processor can be configured to enable the access and mobility management functions to: determine a change in the location of a trunk user equipment or a trunk access node; determine an updated configuration for the trunk access node in response to determining the change in the location of the trunk user equipment or the trunk access node; and send the updated configuration to the trunk access node.

[0047] At least one processor can be configured to enable the access and mobility management function to determine a change in the location of a trunk user equipment based on at least one of the following: a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0048] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0049] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0050] According to one aspect, a relay user equipment is provided, the relay user equipment including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay user equipment to at least: receive cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; create a non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and send the non-access stratum message to an access and mobility management function.

[0051] At least one processor can be configured to cause the relay user equipment to: receive configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and send configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0052] At least one processor can be configured to cause a relay user equipment to: receive an updated configuration for a relay access node from an access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and send the updated configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0053] At least one processor can be configured to cause the relay user equipment to: send location information associated with the relay user equipment to the relay access node, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in the location of the relay user equipment.

[0054] At least one processor can be configured to cause the relay user equipment to determine at least one of the following: a change in another access node serving the relay user equipment; a change in location information associated with the relay user equipment; or a change in the tracking area code of the relay user equipment.

[0055] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0056] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0057] According to one aspect, a method is provided performed by a relay access node, the method comprising: sending cell parameter information of one or more cells for the relay access node to an access and mobility management function; receiving configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0058] Sending may include sending cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment has been registered with the first access and mobility management function; and receiving may include receiving configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0059] Sending may include: sending cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function, to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different from the first access and mobility management function; and receiving may include: receiving configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0060] Sending may include sending cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in a non-user equipment association message; and receiving may include receiving configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in another non-user equipment association message.

[0061] For each of one or more cells, the parameter information may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier; the cell's operating frequency; the cell's list of permitted public land mobile networks and / or independent non-public networks; the cell's tracking area code; or the network slice associated with the cell.

[0062] The method may further include: determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implementing the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0063] Determining the updated configuration may include: receiving the updated configuration from the access and mobility management function; or receiving location information associated with the trunk user equipment from the trunk user equipment and selecting the updated configuration from a list of pre-configured configurations for the trunk access node.

[0064] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0065] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0066] According to one aspect, a method performed by an access and mobility management function is provided, the method comprising: receiving cell parameter information of one or more cells for a relay access node from a relay access node; determining a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; and sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

[0067] Receiving may include receiving cell parameter information from a relay access node via a relay user equipment, the relay access node being associated with the relay user equipment; sending may include sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0068] Receiving may include: receiving cell parameter information from the relay access node; sending may include: sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different from the second access and mobility management function.

[0069] The configuration for the relay access node can also be determined based on additional cell parameter information associated with the second access node and / or one or more other neighboring access nodes to which the relay user equipment is attached, and wherein the determined configuration minimizes interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or minimizes interference between the relay access node and at least one of the one or more other access nodes.

[0070] The determination may include: obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a relay access node from operational, regulatory, and management functions or a spectrum access system; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a second access node from a unified data management function; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

[0071] The determination may include: obtaining policy information associated with the relay access node from the policy control function; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0072] The method may further include: determining a change in the location of a relay user equipment or a relay access node; in response to determining the change in the location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending the updated configuration to the relay access node.

[0073] Determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment may include at least one of the following: determining a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; determining a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or determining a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0074] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0075] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0076] According to one aspect, a method performed by a relay user equipment is provided, the method comprising: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; creating a non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and sending the non-access stratum message to access and mobility management functions.

[0077] The method may further include: receiving configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0078] The method may further include: receiving an updated configuration for a relay access node from an access and mobility management function via another non-access stratum message; and sending the updated configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0079] The method may further include: sending location information associated with the relay user equipment to the relay access node, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in the location of the relay user equipment.

[0080] Determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment may include at least one of the following: determining a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; determining a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or determining a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0081] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0082] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0083] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a relay access node, cause the relay access node to perform at least the following: send cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node to an access and mobility management function; receive configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implement the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0084] Sending may include sending cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment has been registered with the first access and mobility management function; and receiving may include receiving configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0085] Sending may include: sending cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function, to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different from the first access and mobility management function; and receiving may include: receiving configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0086] Sending may include sending cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in a non-user equipment association message; and receiving may include receiving configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via a relay user equipment in another non-user equipment association message.

[0087] For each of one or more cells, the parameter information may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier; the cell's operating frequency; the cell's list of permitted public land mobile networks and / or independent non-public networks; the cell's tracking area code; or the network slice associated with the cell.

[0088] When executed by the relay access node, this instruction can cause the relay access node to also perform: determining the updated configuration for the relay access node; and implementing the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0089] Determining the updated configuration may include: receiving the updated configuration from the access and mobility management function; or receiving location information associated with the trunk user equipment from the trunk user equipment and selecting the updated configuration from a list of pre-configured configurations for the trunk access node.

[0090] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0091] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0092] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; determining a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; and sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

[0093] Receiving may include receiving cell parameter information from a relay access node via a relay user equipment, the relay access node being associated with the relay user equipment; sending may include sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0094] Receiving may include: receiving cell parameter information from the relay access node; sending may include: sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different from the second access and mobility management function.

[0095] The configuration for the relay access node can also be determined based on additional cell parameter information associated with the second access node and / or one or more other neighboring access nodes to which the relay user equipment is attached, and wherein the determined configuration minimizes interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or minimizes interference between the relay access node and at least one of the one or more other access nodes.

[0096] The determination may include: obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a relay access node from operational, regulatory, and management functions or a spectrum access system; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a second access node from a unified data management function; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

[0097] The determination may include: obtaining policy information associated with the relay access node from the policy control function; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0098] When executed by the device, the instruction may cause the device to also perform: determine a change in the location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; in response to determining the change in the location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determine an updated configuration for the relay access node; and send the updated configuration to the relay access node.

[0099] Determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment may include at least one of the following: determining a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; determining a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or determining a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0100] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0101] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0102] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a relay user equipment, cause the relay user equipment to perform at least the following: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; creating a non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and sending the non-access stratum message to access and mobility management functions.

[0103] When executed by a relay user equipment, this instruction can cause the relay user equipment to also perform: receiving configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and sending configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0104] When executed by a relay user equipment, this instruction can cause the relay user equipment to also perform: receiving an updated configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; and sending an updated configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0105] When executed by a relay user equipment, this instruction can cause the relay user equipment to also perform the following: send location information associated with the relay user equipment to the relay access node, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in the location of the relay user equipment.

[0106] Determining a change in the location of a trunk user equipment may include at least one of the following: determining a change in an additional access node serving the trunk user equipment; determining a change in location information associated with the trunk user equipment; or determining a change in the tracking area code of the trunk user equipment.

[0107] The relay access node can be a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment can be a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

[0108] The relay access node can be a g-Node B.

[0109] 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 any one of the foregoing aspects.

[0110] Many different aspects have been described above. As mentioned earlier, it should be understood that additional aspects can be provided through any combination of two or more of the aforementioned aspects. Other features, aspects, and elements will become apparent in light of the following text. Attached Figure Description

[0111] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described only by non-limiting and illustrative examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0112] Figure 1 This illustrates a representation of a fifth-generation communication system;

[0113] Figure 2 The illustration shows a method for using some example embodiments. Figure 1 The representation of a communication system device;

[0114] Figure 3 A representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown;

[0115] Figure 4 An example backhaul connection between the UE and 5GC is shown;

[0116] Figure 5 The methods are shown based on some examples;

[0117] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example signaling procedure for configuring a relay access node is shown;

[0118] Figure 8 A schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium according to some examples is shown; and

[0119] Figure 9 An example architecture based on VMR is shown, based on some examples. Detailed Implementation

[0120] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are explained with reference to communication devices capable of communicating with a communication system. Before explaining the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in detail, a fifth-generation communication system (5GS), its access network and core network (5GC), and communication devices are referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Briefly explained.

[0121] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G communication system (5GS) is shown. The 5GS may include a user equipment (UE) or terminal 100, an access network such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) 101 or a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network 102, and one or more application functions 103. Application functions 103 may be deployed as trusted application functions within the 5GS, or may be deployed or hosted on one or more application servers in a data network (DN) 104. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects the UE to the data network via the access network and 5GC 102 (e.g., the 5GC's UPF).

[0122] 5G-RAN 101 may include one or more radio access nodes, such as gNodeBs (gNBs). A gNB may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed units (DUs) connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized units (CUs).

[0123] 5GC may include the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Open Function (NEF) 105; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM) 106; Application Function (AF) 103; Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 107; Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 108; Session Management Function (SMF) 109; and User Plane Function (UPF) 110. Figure 1 It also shows the various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that can be implemented between the various elements of the system.

[0124] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the control Figure 1 Access networks (e.g., Figure 1 An example of a control device 200 for the functions of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN (illustrated). Control device 200 may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and a network interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. Execution of software code 215 may, for example, cause the device to perform operations for controlling access network functions. Software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. Control device 200 may interconnect with another control device 200 for controlling another function of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN. In some example embodiments, each function of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN is deployed or hosted on control device 200. In alternative example embodiments, two or more functions of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN may share a control device.

[0125] Figure 3 An example of a communication device 300 is illustrated, such as Figure 1The communication device 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of the communication device 300 include user equipment, mobile station (MS) or mobile device (such as a mobile phone or so-called "smartphone"), computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., a USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet computer provided with wireless communication capabilities, machine-type communication (MTC) device, Internet of Things (IoT) type communication device, or any combination of these devices. The communication device 300 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.

[0126] Communication device 300 can receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) via an air interface or radio interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit wireless signals via appropriate means for transmitting. Figure 3 In the diagram, the transceiver is schematically represented by block 306. Transceiver 306 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.

[0127] The communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one ROM memory 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware-assisted execution of the tasks it is designed to perform, including control of the access network (e.g., Figure 1 The diagram illustrates access to the 5G-RAN (or NG-RAN) network and communication with that access network and other communication devices. At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308, for example, can allow the execution of one or more operations of the communication device. The software code 308 can be stored in ROM 302a.

[0128] Processors, ROM, and RAM, transceivers, and other circuitry of the communication device (e.g., modems) may be provided on a circuit board, in a chipset, or on a system-on-a-chip. Circuit boards, chipsets, or on-a-chip are indicated by reference numeral 304. The communication device 300 may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, or a combination thereof. Depending on the type of communication device, optionally one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may be provided.

[0129] In some examples, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) architecture can be used to increase the coverage area of ​​a communications network. An IAB architecture may include an IAB donor gNB and one or more IAB nodes to which the UE can connect.

[0130] An IAB node can include an IAB-DU (which can perform similar functions to a gNB-DU) and an IAB-MT. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the backhaul connection between the UE and the 5GC can be implemented using one or more IAB nodes. In the "upstream" direction (i.e., towards the 5GC), the IAB-MT component of the IAB node connects the IAB node to the IAB-DU component of one or more upstream nodes. In the "downstream" direction (i.e., towards the UE), the IAB-DU component of the IAB node connects the IAB node to the IAB-MT component of one or more downstream nodes. Upstream nodes can be referred to as parent nodes, and downstream nodes can be referred to as child nodes.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown, the UE can establish a connection with the IAB node via the NR Uu interface between the UE and the IAB-DU component of the IAB node. The IAB node can establish a connection with the IAB donor gNB via the F1 interface between the IAB-DU and the IAB-CU of the so-called IAB donor gNB. The F1 interface can be used for control plane traffic, such as for configuring the IAB node. The IAB node can also establish a connection with the IAB donor gNB via the NR Uu interface between the IAB-MT of the IAB node and the IAB donor gNB's IAB donor DU. The NR Uu interface can be used for user plane traffic between the 5GB node and the UE.

[0132] In some examples, one or more additional IAB nodes may exist upstream between the IAB node and the IAB donor gNB. An IAB node can establish a connection with one of the other IAB nodes via the NrUu interface between its IAB-MT and the IAB-DU of the other IAB node. The other IAB nodes can similarly establish connections with the IAB donor gNB. The IAB donor gNB can then establish connections via the NG interface (e.g., as...). Figure 1 The N2 and N3 interfaces (described) establish a connection with 5GB. Therefore, the UE and 5GC can exchange user plane traffic via the NR Uu interface between the IAB donor gNB and (multiple) IAB nodes.

[0133] Some recent developments in the IAB architecture have introduced Mobile Base Station Relay (MBSR). While IAB nodes are static, MBSR nodes can be mobile. The mobile base station acts as a relay between the UE and the 5G network, providing the UE with an NR access link and wirelessly (using NR) connecting to the 5G core via the IAB donor gNB. MBSRs can be installed in moving vehicles and can serve UEs that may be inside or outside the vehicle (or entering / leaving the vehicle). An example of an MBSR is a Vehicular Relay (VMR).

[0134] Figure 9 An example architecture based on VMR is shown, based on some examples. Figure 4 As illustrated, in some architectures, the VMR node includes a VMR-UE co-located with the VMR-gNB. That is, the VMR node includes a complete access node (gNB), i.e., including both CU and DU components, unlike the DU component which only includes the access node (as previously described for the IAB node). Figure 9 As shown, the VMR-gNB can establish an interface connection with the 5GC's NG (e.g., N2 and N3) without implementing an IAB donor gNB. A VMR-UE can be any UE that can become a VMR-UE, for example, depending on some subscription, such as in certain locations and time periods. If not acting as a VMR-UE, the UE can behave as a regular UE; and when the UE acts as a VMR-UE, the VMR-gNB can activate and prepare to serve one or more remote UEs. Unlike the IAB architecture, the VMR-gNB can use the VMR-UE's PDU session to carry control plane data and user plane data from remote UEs connected to the VMR-gNB. For example, a remote UE connected to the VMR-gNB can send control plane data to the VMR-gNB. The VMR-gNB can send control plane data to VMR-UEs associated with the VMR-gNB. The VMR-UE can transparently send control plane data to the 5GC (e.g., to the UPF) via the VMR-UE's PDU session.

[0135] While in some cases, utilizing the VMR-gNB and VMR-UE architecture described above can simplify network deployment, there may be issues associated with such architectures.

[0136] For example, the AMF serving the VMR-UE may be the same as or different from the second AMF. The VMR-UE and VMR-gNB may also belong to the same or different PLMNs. Therefore, the Tracking Area Code (TAC) of the VMR-UE may be different from the TAC of the VMR-gNB (and thus the TAC of the remote UE served by the VMR-gNB).

[0137] Furthermore, when a VMR is installed on a mobile vehicle, the TA / cell / gNB serving the VMR-UE can change as the vehicle moves. Since the VMR-gNB is co-located with the VMR-UE, the TA of the VMR-gNB (and the TA of the remote UE connected to the VMR-gNB) can also change. Accordingly, the configuration parameters used for the VMR-UE and VMR-gNB (such as cell ID, operating frequency, etc.) can also change. This can cause and result in interference for the VMR-gNB when it moves into the coverage area of ​​another gNB (which can be another VMR-gNB or a static gNB). Additionally, the VMR-gNB will determine its configuration for proper operation; for example, the VMR-gNB will identify which TAC it will broadcast, which network slices it will support, etc.

[0138] Therefore, it is beneficial to configure and dynamically update cell configuration parameters (e.g., VMR-gNB operating frequency, bandwidth, etc.) to avoid or minimize interference, and to update the VMR-gNB's TAC as the VMR-gNB moves. It is also beneficial to handle TAC (de)synchronization and dynamically update the TAC between the VMR-UE and the VMR-gNB.

[0139] Some examples can solve one or more of these problems.

[0140] refer to Figure 5 It shows a method based on some examples.

[0141] At 500, a method includes sending cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node to an access and mobility management function. At 502, the method includes receiving configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information. At 504, the method includes implementing the received configuration for the relay access node. The methods of steps 500-504 can be performed by the relay access node.

[0142] At 506, a method includes receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node. At 508, the method includes determining a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information of a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node. At 510, the method includes sending the configuration for the relay access node to a relay user equipment or a relay access node. The methods of steps 506-510 can be performed by an AMF (Advanced Management Function).

[0143] At 512, a method includes receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node. At 514, the method includes creating a non-access stratum message, the non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information. At 516, the method includes sending the non-access stratum message to access and mobility management functions. The methods of steps 512-516 can be performed by a relay user equipment.

[0144] In some examples, the relay access node can be an MBSR (Mobile Base Station Relay) gNB, a VMR (Vehicle Relay) gNB, or a MWAB (Mobile Radio Access Backhaul) gNB node. Similarly, in the examples, the relay UE can be an MBSR UE, a VMR UE, or a MWAB UE.

[0145] In some examples, the AMF can determine the configuration of the relay access node based on cell parameter information of one or more cells used for the relay access node and location information associated with the relay UE associated with the relay access node. The AMF can be an AMF associated with the static access node serving the relay UE (which may be referred to herein as the first AMF), or it can be an AMF associated with the relay access node but different from the first AMF (which may be referred to herein as the second AMF). The relay UE may have already been registered with the first AMF. The relay UE may be a VMR-UE. The relay access node may be a VMR-gNB. The static access node serving the relay UE may be a gNB.

[0146] In some examples, a relay access node can send cell parameter information for one or more cells to a relay UE. The relay UE can then send the cell parameter information to a first AMF via a static access node. For example, the relay UE can create a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message including the cell parameter information and send that NAS message to the first AMF via a static access node. The NAS message may include indications related to the relay access node's configuration.

[0147] Then, the first AMF can determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the location information associated with the relay UE. The first AMF can then send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay UE via the static access node, and the relay UE can subsequently send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0148] In some examples, the relay access node can send cell parameter information for one or more cells provided by the relay access node to the second AMF. The second AMF can then determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the location information associated with the relay UE. The second AMF can then send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0149] In some examples, for each cell, the cell parameter information may include at least one of the following: • The identifier of the cell; • The operating frequency of the cell; • A list of permitted public terrestrial mobile networks and / or independent non-public networks for the community; • The tracking area code of the cell; or • Multiple network slices associated with a cell.

[0150] In some examples, the configuration of the AMF (i.e., the first AMF or the second AMF) used to determine the relay access node can be determined by: obtaining one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from the Operation, Supervision and Management (OAM) function or Spectrum Access System (SAS) in the network of the corresponding AMF; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information, the location information associated with the relay UE, and one or more possible configurations.

[0151] In some examples, the configuration of the AMF (i.e., the first AMF or the second AMF) used to determine the relay access node can be determined by: obtaining information from the UDM in the network of the corresponding AMF indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node (to which the relay UE is connected); and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information, the location information associated with the relay UE, and one or more possible configurations.

[0152] In some examples, the configuration of the AMF (i.e., the first AMF or the second AMF) used for the relay access node can be determined by: obtaining policy information associated with the second access node from the PCF in the network of the corresponding AMF (e.g., according to Clause 4.16 of 3GPP TS 23.502); and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information, the location information associated with the relay UE, and the policy information associated with the second access node.

[0153] In some examples, the AMF (i.e., the first AMF or the second AMF) used to configure the relay access node can be determined based on cell parameter information (of the relay access node), location information associated with the relay UE, and additional cell parameter information associated with one or more other access nodes (e.g., one or more other relay access nodes and / or one or more static access nodes). In some examples, the determined configuration can minimize interference between the relay access node and at least one of the one or more other access nodes.

[0154] In some examples, the location information associated with the relay UE may include at least one of the following: • Information identifying the access node serving the relay UE; • Relay UE location information (e.g., GPS location); or • TAC for relay UE.

[0155] In some examples, location information associated with a relay UE can be sent from the relay UE (via a static access node) or from a static access node serving the relay UE to an AMF that determines the configuration for the relay access node. For example, a static access node can send location information associated with the relay UE as part of the user's location information. In some examples, the relay UE and / or the static access node serving the relay UE can periodically and / or in response to changes in the relay UE's location (e.g., due to changes in location information associated with the relay UE) to the AMF.

[0156] In some examples, the configuration for the relay access node can be updated periodically or in response to a change in the location of the relay UE.

[0157] In some examples, the relay access node may be configured with a list of possible configurations for the relay access node, where each possible configuration is associated with the location information of the relay UE. The relay UE can determine the location information associated with the relay UE (e.g., the relay UE's GPS location) and can send the location information to the relay access node. The relay UE can send the location information to the relay access node periodically or in response to determining that the relay UE's location has changed. The relay access node can select a configuration from the list of possible configurations based on the location information. For example, when the location information associated with the relay UE indicates that the relay UE is in a first location, the relay access node can select a first configuration, and when the location information associated with the relay UE indicates that the relay UE is in a second location, the relay access node can select a second configuration.

[0158] In some examples, the AMF (i.e., the AMF serving the relay UE or the second AMF) that determines the configuration for the relay access node can determine the change in the relay UE's location. For example, the AMF can receive location information associated with the relay UE as described above, and determine the change in the relay UE's location based on the received location information. The AMF can then determine an updated configuration for the relay access node and send the updated configuration to the relay access node (when the AMF is the second AMF), or send the updated configuration to the relay UE for transmission to the relay access node (when the AMF is the first AMF).

[0159] In some examples, the AMF can determine changes in the location of the relay UE and / or relay access node based on at least one of the following: • Determine if the access node serving the relay UE has changed; • Determine if the location information (e.g., GPS location) of the relay UE has changed; or • Determine the TAC change for the relay UE.

[0160] refer to Figure 6 It illustrates the signaling procedures for configuring a relay access node, based on some examples. Figure 6 In the example shown, the relay access node is configured by the first AMF.

[0161] At 600, the relay UE registers with the core network and is registered in the first AMF.

[0162] At position 602, as described above, the relay access node sends cell parameter information to the relay UE.

[0163] At position 604, the relay UE sends cell parameter information to the first AMF.

[0164] In some examples, the relay UE can create a NAS layer message that includes cell parameter information and send the created NAS layer message to the first AMF. The NAS layer message may include indications related to the configuration of the relay access node.

[0165] At 606, as previously described, the first AMF determines the configuration for the relay access node. For example, as described above, the first AMF may obtain information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from the OAM / SAS (606a) or from the UDM (606b), and determine the configuration based on cell parameters and the possible configurations for the relay access node; or it may obtain policy information associated with the relay access node from the PCF (606c), and determine the configuration based on cell parameters and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0166] In some examples, the first AMF can store configurations for relay access nodes for future use.

[0167] At point 608, the first AMF sends the determined configuration to the relay UE. In some examples, the first AMF may send the configuration to the relay UE in a separate NAS layer message. The separate NAS layer message may include indications related to the configuration of the relay access node.

[0168] At position 610, the relay UE sends configuration to the relay access node.

[0169] At 612, the relay access node implements the received configuration. For example, based on the received configuration, the relay access node can serve one or more remote UEs within its coverage area (e.g., using an operating frequency according to the received configuration, broadcasting a TAC according to the received configuration, etc.).

[0170] At 614, the first AMF can determine the updated configuration for the relay access node (as described above) and send the updated configuration to the relay access node.

[0171] refer to Figure 7 It illustrates the signaling procedures for configuring a relay access node, based on some examples. Figure 7 In the example shown, the relay access node is configured by the second AMF.

[0172] At point 700, the relay UE registers with the core network and is registered in the first AMF.

[0173] At position 702, as described above, the relay access node sends cell parameter information to the second AMF.

[0174] At 704, as previously described, the second AMF determines the configuration for the relay access node. For example, as described above, the second AMF may obtain information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from the OAM / SAS (704a) or from the UDM (704b), and determine the configuration based on cell parameters and the possible configurations for the relay access node; or it may obtain policy information associated with the relay access node from the PCF (704c), and determine the configuration based on cell parameters and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0175] In some examples, the second AMF can store configurations for relay access nodes for future use.

[0176] At position 706, the second AMF sends the determined configuration to the relay access node.

[0177] At 708, the relay access node implements the received configuration. For example, based on the received configuration, the relay access node can serve one or more remote UEs within its coverage area (e.g., using an operating frequency according to the received configuration, broadcasting a TAC according to the received configuration, etc.).

[0178] At 710, the second AMF can determine the updated configuration for the relay access node (as described above) and send the updated configuration to the relay access node. For example, the AMF can track the TAC for the relay UE and send the updated configuration for the relay access node based on changes to the TAC. In some examples, the relay access node can initiate a location tracking towards the Location Management Service (LMS) based on NR Positioning Protocol a (NRPPa) to trigger the determination of updated location information.

[0179] In some examples, the relay UE can determine a change in its location information (e.g., a change in its GPS location) and send information indicating the location change to the relay access node. The relay access node can then autonomously update its configuration based on the received information indicating the change in the relay UE's location. In some examples, the relay UE can receive network-initiated location tracking updates for the relay UE and subsequently send information indicating the change in location to the relay access node based on the network-initiated location tracking updates.

[0180] Therefore, the relay access node can be configured by either the first AMF or the second AMF. The configuration can be based on the cell parameter information of the relay access node and the location information of the relay UE associated with it. The configuration can help avoid or minimize the impact of the relay access node on the rest of the network, for example, by avoiding or minimizing interference between the relay access node and one or more other access nodes (e.g., which may be static access nodes, such as static access nodes serving relay UEs). The configuration for the relay access node can be updated periodically or in response to changes in determining the location of the relay UE associated with it. This could mean that when the relay access node and the relay UE are located on or inside a moving vehicle, the configuration of the relay access node can be updated as the vehicle moves.

[0181] In some examples, a relay access node is provided, which includes components for: sending cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node to an access and mobility management function; receiving configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0182] In some examples, a relay access node is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay access node to at least: send cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node to an access and mobility management function; receive configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implement the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0183] In some examples, an apparatus is provided that includes components for access and mobility management functions configured to perform: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; determining a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; and sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

[0184] In some examples, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an access and mobility management function to at least: receive cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; determine a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node; and send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

[0185] In some examples, a relay user equipment is provided, which includes components for: receiving cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; creating a non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and sending the non-access stratum message to access and mobility management functions.

[0186] In some examples, a relay user equipment is provided, the relay user equipment including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay user equipment to at least: receive cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node from a relay access node; create a non-access stratum message including an indication of the non-access stratum message relating to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and send the non-access stratum message to access and mobility management functions.

[0187] Figure 8 A schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 800a (e.g., a computer optical disc (CD) or digital versatile optical disc (DVD)) and 800b (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Memory Stick) is shown, which, when executed by the processor, allow the processor to perform storage instructions and / or parameters 802. Figure 5 One or more steps of the method.

[0188] It should be understood that the references to various network functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, TNF, etc.) above can be implemented by means of 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.

[0189] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules used for transmission and / or reception, or used in transmission and / or reception, such as radio components or radio heads. 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.

[0190] It should be noted that while some example embodiments have been described with reference to 5G networks, similar example embodiments can be applied with reference to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some example embodiments have been described above by reference to examples of certain example architectures, technologies, and standards for wireless networks, other example embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system different from the communication systems illustrated and described herein.

[0191] It should also be noted that there are several variations and modifications that can be made to the various example embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0192] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements. As used herein, “and / or” and similar expressions, where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and / or”, means at least one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0193] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated (e.g., using “otherwise” or “alternatively”), the term “or” means a non-exclusive “or”.

[0194] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, performing a feature, step, or function in response to A does not indicate that the feature, step, or function is performed immediately after A occurs, because one or more intermediate features, steps, or functions may be included (at least partially) between the occurrence of the feature, step, or function and A. Similarly, performing a feature, step, or function based on A does not indicate that the feature, step, or function is performed solely based on A, because the feature, step, or function may be based at least partially on one or more other features, steps, or functions in addition to A.

[0195] In general, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuit systems, 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 illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrated representations, it should be fully understood that, as non-limiting and illustrative examples, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or combinations thereof.

[0196] As used herein, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) Any part of the (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors) having software, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof) that operate using software (e.g., firmware), but the software may be absent when operation does not require the software.

[0197] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors), or a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit system also covers (e.g., and if applicable to a particular claim element) baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0198] The various example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (such as in a processor entity), 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) can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and include program instructions for performing a specific task. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program is run, are configured to perform any of the example embodiments described herein (or portions thereof). One or more computer-executable components may include software code or portions thereof.

[0199] In this regard, it should also be noted that any block in the logical flow diagram may represent a program step, or an interconnected logic circuit, block and function, or a combination of a program step and a logic circuit, block and function. Software may be stored on a physical medium such as a memory chip, or in a memory block implemented within a processor, or on a magnetic medium such as a hard disk or floppy disk, or an optical medium such as a DVD and its data variant, CD. The physical medium is a non-transitory medium.

[0200] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (e.g., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0201] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0202] The various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0203] The scope of protection sought with respect to 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 should be interpreted as examples that aid in understanding the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0204] 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 adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, given this disclosure. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings will still fall within the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Further exemplary embodiments, including combinations of one or more exemplary embodiments with any other exemplary embodiments discussed above, also exist by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples.

Claims

1. A method performed by a relay access node, the method comprising: Send cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node to the access and mobility management function; The system receives configuration for the relay access node from the access and mobility management function, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information. as well as Implement the received configuration for the relay access node.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission includes sending the cell parameter information to a first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment is registered with the first access and mobility management function; and The receiving includes receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission includes sending the cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function, wherein the relay access node is associated with the second access and mobility management function, which is different from the first access and mobility management function; and The receiving includes receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission includes sending the cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a non-user equipment associated message; and The receiving includes receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a separate non-user equipment association message.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for each of the one or more cells, the parameter information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the cell; The operating frequency of the cell; The list of permitted public terrestrial mobile networks and / or independent non-public networks for the cell; The tracking area code of the cell; or The network slice associated with the cell.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the component is further configured to: Determine the updated configuration for the relay access node; and Implement the updated configuration for the relay access node.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the updated configuration comprises: Receive the updated configuration from the access and mobility management function; or The system receives location information associated with the relay user equipment and selects an updated configuration from a pre-configured list of configurations for the relay access node.

8. A method performed by an access and mobility management function, the method comprising: Receive cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node from the relay access node; Based on the received cell parameter information and the location information associated with the relay user equipment associated with the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node is determined. as well as Send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay user equipment or the relay access node.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving includes receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node via the relay user equipment, wherein the relay access node is associated with the relay user equipment; The transmission includes sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and The access and mobility management function is a first access and mobility management function, and the relay user equipment is associated with the first access and mobility management function.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving includes receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node; The transmission includes sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and The access and mobility management function is a second access and mobility management function, and the relay access node is associated with the second access and mobility management function, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different from the second access and mobility management function.

11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein determining the configuration for the relay access node is further based on additional cell parameter information associated with a second access node and / or one or more additional neighboring access nodes, the relay user equipment being attached to the second access node, and wherein the determined configuration minimizes interference between the relay access node and the second access node, and / or minimizes interference between the relay access node and at least one of the one or more additional access nodes.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the determination comprises: Information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node is obtained from operational, regulatory, and management functions or spectrum access systems; And based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node is determined; or Information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node is obtained from the unified data management function; and the configuration for the relay access node is determined based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the determination comprises: Obtain policy information associated with the second access node from the policy control function; as well as Based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the second access node, the configuration for the relay access node is determined.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the method further comprises: Determine the change in the location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; In response to the change in the location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, an updated configuration for the relay access node is determined; as well as The updated configuration is sent to the relay access node.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the change in the location of the relay user equipment comprises at least one of the following: Determine if another access node serving the relay user equipment has changed; A change in location information associated with the relay user equipment has been determined; or The tracking area code of the relay user equipment has been changed.

16. A method performed by a relay user equipment, the method comprising: Receive cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node from the relay access node; Create a non-access stratum message, the non-access stratum message including an indication related to the configuration of the relay access node and the cell parameter information; and Send the non-access stratum message to the access and mobility management functions.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The configuration for the relay access node is received from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; as well as Send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The updated configuration for the relay access node is received from the access and mobility management function via additional non-access stratum messages; as well as Send the updated configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: Send the location information associated with the relay user equipment to the relay access node. The location information is transmitted periodically and / or in response to changes in the location of the relay user equipment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein determining the change in the location of the relay user equipment comprises at least one of the following: Determine if another access node serving the relay user equipment has changed; A change in location information associated with the relay user equipment has been determined; or The tracking area code of the relay user equipment has been changed.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the relay access node is a vehicle-mounted access node, and the relay user equipment is a vehicle-mounted user equipment.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the relay access node is a g-Node B.

23. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any of the preceding claims.

24. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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