Apparatus, Method and computer program

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus comprising means for providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising a

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to methods, apparatus and computer programs, and in particular - but not exclusively, to fragmented carriers in dual connectivity. BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0003] A mobile or wireless communication network may operate in accordance with standard(s), such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of mobile or wireless communication network that operate in accordance with 3GPP standards are generally referred to as 4G (4th Generation) networks, 5G (5th Generation) network, 5G-Advanced networks and 6G networks. SUMMARY

[0004] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various example embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. For example, it should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the various aspects described herein.

[0005] In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio, NR, and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination, determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection, providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch and reconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus.

[0006] Determining to switch a state of resource usage may comprise determining to switch to a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. Reconfiguring may comprise configuring at least one additional component carrier for the data connection.

[0007] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the indication.

[0008] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the capability information and activating the at least one additional component carrier for the data connection based on the determining to switch.

[0009] Determining to switch a state of resource usage may comprise determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. Reconfiguring may comprise removing the at least one additional component carrier.

[0010] Determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection may comprise determining a quality of the data connection is below a threshold.

[0011] Determining to switch the state of resource usage for the data connection may comprise receiving an indication from the first network node to switch the state of resource usage.

[0012] The indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch may comprise information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

[0013] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection.

[0014] In a second aspect there is provided an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology comprising means for receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology, establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination and receiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0015] The switch of the state of resource usage may comprise a switch to a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. The apparatus may comprise means for configuring at least one additional component carrier at the user equipment in response to the indication or the capability information and setting up the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

[0016] The switch of the state of resource usage may comprise a switch to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. The apparatus may comprise means for configuring the user equipment to remove the at least one additional component carrier and removing the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

[0017] The apparatus may comprise means for determining, based on user equipment measurements, to switch the state of resources at the user equipment and providing a indication to the user equipment to switch the state of resource usage.

[0018] The indication from the user equipment of the determination to switch may comprise information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

[0019] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection at the user equipment.

[0020] The apparatus may comprise means for providing an indication to the access node of the second network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0021] In a third aspect there is provided an access node of a second network using a second radio access technology comprising means for receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A and establishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0022] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection at the user equipment.

[0023] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving an indication from the access node of the first network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0024] In a fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by an apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio, NR, and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination, determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection, providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch and reconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus.

[0025] Determining to switch a state of resource usage may comprise determining to switch to a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. Reconfiguring may comprise configuring at least one additional component carrier for the data connection.

[0026] The method may comprise receiving the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the indication.

[0027] The method may comprise receiving the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the capability information and activating the at least one additional component carrier for the data connection based on the determining to switch.

[0028] Determining to switch a state of resource usage may comprise determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. Reconfiguring may comprise removing the at least one additional component carrier.

[0029] Determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection may comprise determining a quality of the data connection is below a threshold.

[0030] Determining to switch the state of resource usage for the data connection may comprise receiving an indication from the first network node to switch the state of resource usage.

[0031] The indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch may comprise information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

[0032] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection.

[0033] In a fifth aspect there is provided a method comprising, an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology, establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination and receiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0034] The switch of the state of resource usage may comprise a switch to a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. The method may comprise configuring at least one additional component carrier at the user equipment in response to the indication or the capability information and setting up the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

[0035] The switch of the state of resource usage may comprise a switch to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection. The method may comprise configuring the user equipment to remove the at least one additional component carrier and removing the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

[0036] The method may comprise determining, based on user equipment measurements, to switch the state of resources at the user equipment and providing a indication to the user equipment to switch the state of resource usage.

[0037] The indication from the user equipment of the determination to switch may comprise information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

[0038] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection at the user equipment.

[0039] The method may comprise providing an indication to the access node of the second network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0040] In a sixth aspect there is provided a method, at an access node of a second network using a second radio access technology, comprising receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A and establishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0041] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection at the user equipment.

[0042] The method may comprise receiving an indication from the access node of the first network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0043] In a seventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect.

[0044] In an eighth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions wherein the instructions when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus cause the apparatus to perform the method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect.

[0045] Some embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0046] In the above, many different aspects have been described. As previously noted, it should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above (or otherwise in this disclosure).

[0047] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0048] Some embodiments will be described, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the figures, in which:

[0049] Fig. 1 shows an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0050] Fig. 2a shows a schematic diagram of an example fragmented spectrum in Canada;

[0051] Fig. 2b shows a schematic diagram of an example fragmented spectrum in Australia;

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of an example method;

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of an example method;

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of an example method;

[0055] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of an example method;

[0056] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method;

[0057] Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method;

[0058] Fig. 9 shows an example signalling flow;

[0059] Fig. 10 shows an example signalling flow;

[0060] Fig. 11 shows an example of an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following embodiments are provided by way of non-limiting and illustrative example. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodi-ment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection of an embodiment, it intended such feature, structure, or characteristic may be applied in connection with other embodiments (whether or not explicitly described).

[0062] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0063] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0064] As used herein, the term “or” refers to a non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated (e.g., use of “or else” or “or in the alternative”).

[0065] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a respective feature, step, or functionality “in response to A” does not indicate that the respective feature, step, or functionality is performed immediately after “A” occurs as one or more intervening features, steps, or functionalities may be performed (at least in part) between an occurrence of the respective feature, step, or function and “A”. Analogously, performing a respective feature, step, or functionality “based on A” does not indicate that the respective feature, step, or functionality is performed solely based on “A” as the respective feature, step, or functionality may be further based on one or more other features, steps, or functionalities in addition to “A”.

[0066] Embodiments described herein may be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Micro-wave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, and enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also called NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Moreover, communication within the communication network may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0067] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network node” refers to a node in a communication network via which user equipment may access the network and / or which is configured to control radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point (AP) or an access node. The network device may be, depending on the applied technology, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or nonground network device, such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or an aircraft network device.

[0068] Moreover, in connection of split radio access network (RAN), the network device may refer to a centralised unit (CU) of a base station and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. An interface between CU and DU may be referred to as an F1 interface in NR. In the split RAN architecture, node operations may be carried out, at least partly, in the central / centralized unit, CU, (e.g. server, host or node) operationally coupled to the DU, (e.g. a radio head / node). One CU may control one or more DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, the DUs may comprise e.g. a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the CU may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too. In practice, any processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may depend on the applied implementation.

[0069] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be configured to perform wireless communication. By way of example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), or a Mobile Station (MS). The terminal device may include a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like.

[0070] A term “resource”, as used herein, may refer to radio resources in time domain, in frequency domain, in space domain, and / or in code domain. Some examples of resources may include, e.g., a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a subband, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. The term “transmission” and / or “reception” may refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources.

[0071] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network or a cellular communication network may comprise a network node 110 configured to provide one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 112 configured to provide one or more other cells, such as cell 102. Each cell may, for example, be a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node.

[0072] The network node (110, 112) may be configured to provide a user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the network node (110, 112) to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node (110, 112). Examples of uplink channels may comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network. Examples of downlink channels may comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the user equipment.

[0073] There may be a plurality of UEs (120, 122) in the system. Each of the plurality of UEs may be served by the same or by different network nodes (110, 112). UE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the UE, for example UE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes (110, 112). The UEs (120, 122) may communicate with each other, in case device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communications may be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, or ve-hicle-to-vehicle (V2V), for example.

[0074] In the case of multiple network nodes in the communication network, the network nodes may be connected to each other via an interface. LTE specifications, for example, refer to such an interface as an X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called an Xn interface.

[0075] The network nodes 110 and 112 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 116 of the communication network. The LTE specifications specify the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprise a plurality of entities (e.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node). The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area encompassing a plurality of cells and handle signalling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5GC may, for example, comprise an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling, NAS ciphering &integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may, for example, support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling.

[0076] Non-contiguous intra-brand carrier aggregation may be referred to as using fragmented carriers. Fig. 2a shows an example of fragmented carriers in an operator’s spectrum. Fig. 2a shows n25 (also same spectrum as n2), n66 and n7 in Canada. The different numbering indicates different operator spectrum ownership. Fig. 2b shows n26 / n5 in Australia. The spectrum shown in Fig. 2b is allocated according to the key.

[0077] Non-contiguous intra-band carrier aggregation may be associated with a request for UEs to support downlink reception of a fragmented spectrum block with a single “receive chain” or “receive branch”. A single receive chain may be one main Rx and one diversity Rx for a UE with 2Rx.

[0078] A proposal to evaluate the feasibility of using a single Rx chain on fragmented intra-band blocks in the downlink (DL) has been submitted in 3GPP while studying the near-far problem and unwanted emissions implications. The objectives are to identify methods for reducing a number of UE Rx chains (e.g. 1 or 2) needed for a single DL band of <100 MHz (frequency span) containing two non-contiguous component carriers (CC) within a carrier aggregation (CA) combination for the inter-operator colocated scenario. Considerations include which radio frequency (RF) requirements could be adjusted for the inter-operator co-located scenario, e.g. existing UE RF requirements such as adjacent channel selectivity (ACS), the ability to semi-statically switch hardware resources (i.e., Rx chains) between bands, a 6 dB power imbalance between the two non-contiguous CCs, impacts on DL performance and means for a UE to inform the network of new CA configuration it can support with adjusted RF requirements. This topic has been discussed in 5G for CA but not for dual connectivity, e.g., EN-DC (LTE-NR dual connectivity) or NE-DC (NR-LTE dual connectivity).

[0079] A UE lists its supported band combinations as part of UE Capabilities. An extract from a typical UE shown in Table 1 shows how EN-DC(NE-DC) are typically supported. There may be more EN-DC(NE-DC) combinations than pure 5G CA combinations. ©i. 3LWM0 (JI (MIMO Stn&ms} A- y,: ’ :::5(. . 4.; Table 1

[0080] In Table 1, LTE is given as a pure band number, NR with an “n” in front. The is the divider between LTE and NR. Example: 66-66-7_n66 is 2 band 66 channels on LTE (non-contiguous intra-band), 1 channel on band 7 and one channel on NR n66. Each of the supported channel combinations in the example above can be supported with 4 DL MIMO layers. The UL band combinations supported are not equal to the DL band combinations supported.

[0081] EN-DC(or NE-DC) may be more broadly used than CA, and but has not been included in the discussion of fragmented CA. Techniques and standardization efforts to make for fragmented CA 5G may not be applicable in non-stand-alone (NSA) EN-DC mode.

[0082] This means that if two fragmented carriers are divided between LTE and NR, different solutions should be applied to support the use of fragmented carriers compared to the solutions for supporting fragmented carriers in NR alone. Signalling for DC may be carried out on either LTE (EN-DC) or NR (NE-DC).

[0083] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise or be comprised in a user equipment.

[0084] At 301, the method comprises providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio, NR, and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A.

[0085] At 302, the method comprises establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0086] At 303, the method comprises determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0087] At 304, the method comprises providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch.

[0088] At 305, the method comprises reconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus

[0089] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise or be comprised in an access node, e.g., a gNB, of a first network using a first RAT.

[0090] At 401, the method comprises receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A.

[0091] At 402, the method comprises providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology.

[0092] At 403, the method comprises establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0093] At 404, the method comprises receiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0094] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The apparatus may comprise or be comprised in an access node, e.g., an eNB, of a second network using a second RAT.

[0095] At 501, the method comprises receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A.

[0096] At 502, the method comprises establishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0097] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise or be comprised in a user equipment.

[0098] At 601, the method comprises providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, and the second radio access technology is New Radio, NR, LTE or, LTE-A.

[0099] At 602, the method comprises establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0100] At 603, the method comprises determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0101] At 604, the method comprises providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch.

[0102] At 605, the method comprises reconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus

[0103] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise or be comprised in an access node, e.g., an eNB, of a first network using a first RAT.

[0104] At 701, the method comprises receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, and the second radio access technology is New Radio, NR, LTE or, LTE-A.

[0105] At 702, the method comprises providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology.

[0106] At 703, the method comprises establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0107] At 704, the method comprises receiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0108] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The apparatus may comprise or be comprised in an access node, e.g., an eNB or gNB, of a second network using a second RAT.

[0109] At 801, the method comprises receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A, and the second radio access technology is New Radio, NR, LTE or, LTE-A.

[0110] At 802, the method comprises establishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

[0111] Methods as described with reference to Figs. 3 to 8 may enable dual connectivity for the techniques and target achievements of the fragmented CA study. In the methods described with reference to Figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8, two RATs exchange potential dynamic change in UE capabilities, e.g. the UE capability information as described with reference to Figs. 3 and 6, to utilize the added resources when the UE enters a mode supporting fragmented carriers with fewer resources. The access node of the first network may provide an indication to the access node of the second network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0112] The state of resource usage may depend on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection. Determining to switch a state of resource usage may comprises determining to switch to a state of reduced resource usage (e.g., fewer receive chains) for the data connection and configuring at least one additional component carrier for the data connection.

[0113] In an example embodiment, a UE determines to reduce the number of receive chains used for a data connection, freeing up resources for additional carriers.

[0114] A method as described with reference to Figs. 3 and 6 may comprise receiving the configuration of at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the indication of the determination to switch provided to the access node of the first network. The access node of the first network may set up the additional carrier at the access node of the second network (e.g., set up resources for the additional carrier).

[0115] Alternatively, the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier many be received from the access node of the first network in response to the capability information. The additional component carrier may be activated based on the determination to switch the state of resource usage. The UE may indicate an activation and de-activation of a carrier directly to the controlling radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., the access node of the first network).

[0116] For example, if a UE provides information indicating the support of fragmented carriers and indicating which band combinations that are supported in the case of fragmented carriers (i.e., the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous) then the network may allocate all carriers from the start of the connection, and activate the ones that are currently possible depending on the state of the fragmented carrier configuration on UE side

[0117] Determining to switch a state of resource usage may comprise determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage (e.g., to stop using a reduced number of receive chains) for the data connection. Reconfiguring component carriers at the apparatus may comprise removing the at least one additional component carrier (or deactivating the at least one additional component carrier if the network allocates all carriers from the start of the connection). The access node of the first network may remove the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

[0118] Determining to switch the state of resource usage for the data connection may comprise receiving an indication from the first network node to switch the state of resource usage. A network node of the first network may determine, based on user equipment measurements, to switch the state of resources at the user equipment and provide an indication to the user equipment to switch the state of resource usage.

[0119] For example, a NW may be in control of when a UE switches states to and from a reduced resources scheme (i.e. switches to a state of reduced resource usage or stops using a state of reduced resource usage), based on UE measurements. This may require a coordination of measurement setup between the RATs.

[0120] Alternatively, or in addition, determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection may comprise determining a quality of the data connection is below a threshold at the user equipment.

[0121] The indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch comprises information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

[0122] The methods as described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5 may be applicable to NE-DC configuration.

[0123] In an example embodiment, the NR air interface supports the added signaling for fragmented carriers, with extensions to carry the capabilities into NE-DC and not only CA.

[0124] In an example, the operations are configured similar to stand-alone (SA) using NE-DC configuration, which allows the signaling of 5G for additional CA operations to be applied in the decisions for choices of applying the receive chains for noncontiguous intra-band reception including NE-DC of the same band as DC_66_n66. The use of the fragmented CA concept when applied in LTE-NR combinations requires that the configuration is NE-DC.

[0125] The use of NE-DC configuration is one option to apply for NR carriers only.

[0126] Fig. 9 shows a signaling diagram according to an example embodiment. In this example, the access node of a first network is a gNB and the access node of a second network is an eNB. That is, a first radio access technology is NR and a second radio access technology is LTE.

[0127] At step 1, the UE provides capability information to the gNB. The capability information includes an indication of all potential band combinations, including when the device (e.g., UE) can do reduced resource configurations. This is an example of the capability information defined in the methods of Figs. 3 to 8.

[0128] At step 2, the gNB provides the capability information to the eNB.

[0129] At steps 3 to 10, a non-contiguous intra band DC connection is estab lished between the UE, gNB and eNB such that a data connection is ongoing between the UE and the gNB and between the UE and the eNB. The gNB configures two component carriers for non-contiguous intra-band DC in step 5.

[0130] At step 11, the UE switches to a state where it saves resources, freeing up resources for additional carriers. This is an example of determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0131] At step 12, the UE provides UEAssistancelnformation to the gNB. The UEAssistanceinformation may include either state information (e.g., reduced resources), information about which resources can now be utilized or band and channel options for resources to be added.

[0132] At step 13, the gNB and eNB exchange updated capabilities (e.g., the gNBprovides information to the eNB indicating that the UE has determined to switch a state of resource usage).

[0133] At step 14, the gNB sets up the additional carriers at the eNB and at step 14, the gNB configures an additional carrier utilizing the added resources at the UE. This is an a RRCReconfiguration message and at step 16, the UE sends an RRC Reconfiguration complete message.

[0134] At step 17, the gNB activates the additional carriers at the eNB and at step 18, the gNB activates the additional carriers at the UE.

[0135] At steps 19 and 20 a data connection is ongoing between the UE and gNB and UE and eNB in a state of reduced resource usage.

[0136] At step 21, the UE decides that the quality of the connection is below a threshold for using a reduced resource configuration. This is an example of determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection based on determining a quality of the data connection is below a threshold at the user equipment.

[0137] At step 22, the UE provides UEAssistancelnformation to the gNB. The UEAssistancelnformation may include either state information (e.g., legacy resources used), information about which resources should be removed or band and channel options for resources to be removed.

[0138] At step 23, the gNB and eNB exchange updated capabilities (e.g., the gNB provides information to the eNB indicating that the UE has determined to switch a state of resource usage).

[0139] At step 24, the gNB removes the additional carriers at the eNB and at step 25, the gNB configures an additional carrier utilizing the added resources at the UE. This is an a RRCReconfiguration message and at step 26, the UE sends an RRC Reconfiguration complete message.

[0140] At steps 27 and 28 a data connection is ongoing between the UE and gNB and UE and eNB.

[0141] Fig. 10 shows a signaling diagram according to an example embodiment. In this example, the access node of a first network is a gNB and the access node of a second network is an eNB. That is, a first radio access technology is NR and a second radio access technology is LTE. In this example, the gNB provides the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier in response to the capability information and the additional component carrier is activated or deactivated at the UE based on the determination to switch resource usage state.

[0142] At step 1, the UE provides capability information to the gNB. The capability information includes an indication of all potential band combinations, including when the device (e.g., UE) can do reduced resource configurations. This is an example of the capability information defined in the methods of Figs. 3 to 8.

[0143] At step 2, the gNB provides the capability information to the eNB.

[0144] At steps 3 to 10, a non-contiguous intra band DC connection is estab lished between the UE, gNB and eNB such that a data connection is ongoing between the UE and the gNB and between the UE and the eNB. At step 5, the gNB configures a maximum capability DC connection, including utilizing resources potentially available die to reduces resource usage states at the UE.

[0145] At step 11, the UE switches to a state where it saves resources, freeing up resources for additional carriers. This is an example of determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection.

[0146] At step 12, the UE provides UEAssistancelnformation to the gNB. The UEAssistanceinformation may include either state information (e.g., reduced resources), information about which resources can now be utilized or band and channel options for resources to be added.

[0147] At step 13, the gNB and eNB exchange updated capabilities (e.g., the gNBprovides information to the eNB indicating that the UE has determined to switch a state of resource usage).

[0148] At step 14, the gNB activates the additional carrier at the eNB (dormant until now)and at step 14, the gNB activates the additional carrier (dormant till now) at the UE. The activation may be sent in a MAC CE.

[0149] At steps 16 and 17 a data connection is ongoing between the UE and gNB and UE and eNB in a state of reduced resource usage.

[0150] At step 18, the UE decides that the quality of the connection is below a threshold for using a reduced resource configuration. This is an example of determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection based on determining a quality of the data connection is below a threshold at the user equipment.

[0151] At step 19, the UE provides UEAssistancelnformation to the gNB. The UEAssistanceinformation may include either state information (e.g., legacy resources used), information about which resources should be removed or band and channel options for resources to be removed. The additional carrier is implicitly deactivated.

[0152] At step 20, the gNB and eNB exchange updated capabilities (e.g., the gNB provides information to the eNB indicating that the UE has determined to switch a state of resource usage).

[0153] At step 21, the gNB deactivates the additional carriers at the eNB.

[0154] At steps 22 and 23 a data connection is ongoing between the UE and gNB and UE and eNB.

[0155] For EN-DC, the solution is also applicable by introducing the signaling in the LTE domain, turning the control of the carriers to LTE. The aspect of Fragmented CA is ported to fit also for LTE-NR band combinations.

[0156] In an example option, the suggested signalling for controlling and configuring an NSA (EN-DC) configuration may be ported to adapt the changes of NR.

[0157] Where the LTE the LTE network carries the PCELL, and thereby the signaling, the same signaling as in Figs. 9 and 10 may be adapted in LTE. In this case the access node of the first network is an eNB and the access node of the second network is a gNB. The first RAT is LTE (or LTE-A) and the second RAT is NR.

[0158] Methods as described above allow for porting the concept so that LTE carriers may be subject to relaxed amount of RX chains. In an example, signalling as described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 may apply also on the LTE carriers, so that the resource usage relaxations and the method to address the in-gap interferer in LTE may based on the similar schemes described for 5G. Optionally UE capabilities can be exchanged to determine if LTE carriers may apply same relaxed configurations as defined in 5G. In this case the access node of the first network is an eNB and the access node of the second network is a eNB. The first RAT is LTE (or LTE-A) and the second RAT is LTE (or LTE-A).

[0159] Methods as described with reference to Figs, 3 to 10 may allow a wider application of supporting the UEs on markets with more dual connectivity configurations supported (e.g., NSA) than 5G CA configurations (which is more stand-alone (SA) relevant).

[0160] Fig. 11 shows, by way of example, a block diagram of an apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 10 at least to perform the method or methods (or portion(s) thereof) as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments (or respective portion(s) thereof). In an example, the at least one memory and the instructions (e.g. a computer program code, software), are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus 10 to perform the method or methods (or portion(s) thereof) as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments (or respective portion(s) thereof).

[0161] A processor 12 may comprise circuitry, or be constituted as circuitry or circuitries, the circuitry or circuitries being configured to perform phases of methods in accordance with embodiments described herein.

[0162] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a user equipment, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessors). that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0163] The memory 14 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 14 may, for example, be at least in part external to apparatus 10 but accessible to apparatus 10.

[0164] The instructions 15 may be comprised in a computer readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium. A term non-transitory, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. random access memory, RAM, vs. read only memory, ROM).

[0165] For example, the apparatus 10 is a terminal device, such as a UE. As another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a terminal device, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured or comprise means to perform at least the method of Figs. 3 or 6 and / or any one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0166] As another example, the apparatus 10 is a network entity (such as an access node, e.g., eNB or gNB). In another embodiment, the apparatus is comprised in such a network entity, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the network entity. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured or comprise means to perform at least the method of Figs. 4, 5, 7 or 8 and / or any one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0167] The apparatus may comprise one or more entities of any of protocol layers, such as a MAC entity, an RRC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity or a PHY entity. In some embodiments, the entity is configured to perform at least the method of Figs. 4, 5, 7 or 8, and / or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0168] The apparatus 10 comprises a radio interface 16. The radio interface 16 may provide the apparatus 10 with communication capabilities. The radio interface 16 may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may comprise more than one receiver. The transmitter may comprise more than one transmitter. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0169] The apparatus 10 may comprise a user interface 18 comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 18 may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 18 may be external to the apparatus 10. For example, the apparatus 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 10 is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0170] In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Means for performing method steps as disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of the apparatus 10. For example, the at least one processor 12, the memory 14, and the computer program code form means for carrying out the method or methods (or portion(s) thereof) as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments (or respective portion(s) thereof). As used herein the term “means” is to be construed in singular form, i.e. referring to a single element, or in plural form, i.e. referring to a combination of single elements. Therefore, terminology “means for [performing A, B, C]”, is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C. Further, terminology “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.

[0171] Even though this disclosure has been described above with reference to non-limiting and illustrative examples according to the accompanying figures, it is clear that the scope of this disclosure is not restricted thereto - but can be modified in many different ways. As technology advances, it will become apparent to a person skilled in art as to how the disclosure can be further implemented and / or modified in various ways. Further, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may, but are not required to, be combined in various ways with other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising means for:providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio, NR, and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A; establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination;determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection; providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch; andreconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein determining to switch a state of resource usage comprises determining to switch to a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection and reconfiguring comprises configuring at least one additional component carrier for the data connection.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, comprising means for receiving the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the indication.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, comprising means for receiving the configuration of the at least one additional component carrier from the access node of the first network in response to the capability information and activating the at least one additional component carrier for the data connection based on the determining to switch.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein determining to switch a state of resource usage comprises determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection and reconfiguring comprises removing the at least one additional component carrier.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein determining to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection comprises determining a quality of the data connection is below a threshold.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein determining to switch the state of resource usage for the data connection comprises receiving an indication from the first network node to switch the state of resource usage.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch comprises information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the state of resource usage depends on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection.

10. An access node of a first network using a first radio access technology comprising means for:receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A;providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology;establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination; andreceiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the switch of the state of resource usage comprises a switch to a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection and comprising means for configuring at least one additional component carrier at the user equipment in response to the indication or the capability information and setting up the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the switch of the state of resource usage comprises a switch to stop using a state of reduced resource usage for the data connection and comprising means for configuring the user equipment to remove the at least one additional component carrier and removing the additional carrier at the access node of the second network.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, comprising means for determining, based on user equipment measurements, to switch the state of resources at the user equipment and providing an indication to the user equipment to switch the state of resource usage.

14. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the indication from the user equipment of the determination to switch comprises information relating to at least one of the following: the state of resources, an identification of available resources or band and channel options for the identified resources.

15. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein in the state of resource usage depends on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection at the user equipment.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 15, comprising means for: providing an indication to the access node of the second network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

17. An access node of a second network using a second radio access technology comprising means for:receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A; andestablishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein in the state of resource usage depends on the number of receiver chains used for the data connection at the user equipment.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 or 18, comprising means for: receiving an indication from the access node of the first network of the indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

20. A method comprising:providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by an apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of theat least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio, NR, and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A ; establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination;determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection;providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch; andreconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus.

21. A method comprising, at an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology:receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A;providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology;establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination; andreceiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

22. A method comprising, at an access node of a second network using a second radio access technology:receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability informationcomprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contigu-ous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A; andestablishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.

23. A computer readable medium comprising instructions wherein the instructions when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus cause the apparatus to perform:providing capability information to an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by an apparatus for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio, NR, and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A; establishing a data connection with the access node of the first network and an access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination;determining to switch a state of resource usage for the data connection; providing an indication to the access node of the first network of the determination to switch; andreconfiguring, based on the switch, component carriers at the apparatus.

24. A computer readable medium comprising instructions wherein the instructions when executed by at least one processor of an access node of a first network using a first radio access technology cause the access node to perform: receiving capability information from a user equipment, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A;providing the capability information to an access node of a second network, the second network using the second radio access technology;establishing a data connection with the user equipment and between the user equipment and the access node of the second network using component carriers of the at least one band combination; andreceiving an indication from the user equipment of a switch in a state of resource usage for the data connection.

25. A computer readable medium comprising instructions wherein the instructions when executed by at least one processor of an access node of a second network using a second radio access technology cause the access node to perform:receiving capability information from an access node of a first network, the first network using a first radio access technology, the capability information comprising an indication of at least one band combination supported by the user equipment for a resource usage state, wherein a first band of the at least one band combination is associated with the first radio access technology and a second band of the at least one band combination is associated with a second radio access technology and the first and second bands are non-contiguous, wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution, LTE, or Long Term Evolution Advanced, LTE-A; andestablishing a data connection with the user equipment using component carriers of the at least one band combination.33

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