Proximity Service Discovery User Equipment Identity Provisioning

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a first network function in a communications network. The method includes initiating (102) transmission of first information toward a second network function. The first information indicates that the first network function should subscribe to receiving notification of changes in a proximity service discovery user equipment identifier (PDUID) for a user equipment (UE) from the second network function. The method includes receiving (104) the PDUID for the UE from the second network function.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure The present invention relates generally to communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related technology for supporting wireless communications. device and on features / nodes. [Background technology]

[0002] Proximity services (ProSe) in fourth generation (4G) systems are described in section 4.4.1 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) Technical Standard (TS) 23.303 V15.1.0. A ProSe function is a logical function used for network-related actions required for ProSe. A ProSe function plays a different role for each feature of ProSe. In 3GPP® TS 23.303 V15.1.0, there can be only one logical ProSe function in each public land mobile network (PLMN) that supports ProSe. It should be noted that if multiple ProSe functions are deployed in the same PLMN (e.g., for loading reasons), a method for finding a ProSe function that has been assigned a particular ProSe application code or ProSe restriction code (e.g., via a database lookup, etc.) is not defined in 3GPP® TS 23.303 V15.1.0.

[0003] ProSe direct discovery may refer to a procedure employed by a ProSe-enabled user equipment (UE) to search for other ProSe-enabled UEs in its vicinity based on direct wireless transmissions between the two UEs using new radio (NR) technologies.

[0004] ProSe direct communication may refer to communication between two or more nearby ProSe-enabled UEs via user plane transmissions using NR technology via paths that do not traverse a network node. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a first network function in a communications network is provided. The method includes initiating transmission of first information toward a second network function. The first information indicates that the first network function should be subscribed to receive notification of a change in a proximity service discovery user equipment identifier (PDUID) for a user equipment (UE) from the second network function. The method includes receiving the PDUID for the UE from the second network function.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a second network function in a communication network is provided. The method includes subscribing to the first network function to receive notification of a change in a PDU ID for the UE from the second network function in response to receiving first information from the first network function. The first information indicates that the first network function should be subscribed to receive the notification. The method includes initiating transmission of the PDU ID for the UE towards the first network function.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a first network function comprising a processing circuit configured to operate according to the method described with respect to the first network function. According to some embodiments, the first network function may have at least one memory for storing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the first network function to operate according to the method described with respect to the first network function. Yo stomach.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second network function comprising a processing circuit configured to operate according to the method described with respect to the second network function. According to some embodiments, the second network function may have at least one memory for storing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the second network function to operate according to the method described with respect to the second network function. Yo stomach.

[0009] This disclosure According to another aspect of the present invention, the system How it is performed Methods performed by the system include methods described with respect to the first network function and methods performed with respect to the second network function.

[0010] This disclosure According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising at least one first network function as described above and at least one second network function as described above.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform the method described with respect to the first network function and / or the method described with respect to the second network function.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions executable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to perform a method described with respect to a first network function and / or a method described with respect to a second network function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of the inventive concepts.

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an interface between a ProSe function and a UE for multiple sub-functions according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Diagram 2]is a block diagram illustrating a ProSe functional interface to other network elements and public land mobile networks (PLMNs) in accordance with some embodiments.

[0016] [Diagram 3] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a first network function according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 4] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a second network function according to one embodiment.

[0018] [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device (e.g., a UE) in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0019] [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a Radio Access Network (RAN) node (e.g., a base station such as an eNodeB (eNB) or gNodeB (gNB)) in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concepts.

[0020] [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a Core Network (CN) node (e.g., an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node, a Session Management Function (SMF) node, etc.) according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0021] [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0022] [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0023] [Figure 10]1 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0024] [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network according to some embodiments.

[0025] [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram of a user device according to some embodiments.

[0026] [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to some embodiments.

[0027] [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network connected to a host computer through an intermediate network according to some embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 15] 1 is a block diagram of a host computer in communication with user equipment via a base station over a connection, some of which is wireless, according to some embodiments.

[0029] [Figure 16] 1 is a block diagram of a method implemented in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0030] [Figure 17] 1 is a block diagram of a method implemented in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 18] 1 is a block diagram of a method implemented in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 19] 1 is a block diagram of a method implemented in a communications system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] below, invention With reference to the accompanying drawings which show examples of embodiments of the concept, invention To explain the concept more completely, however: invention The concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth in this disclosure. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth in this disclosure. invention The embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the concept to those skilled in the art, and it should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive: elements of one embodiment may be implicitly assumed to be present / used in another embodiment.

[0034] The following description presents various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. These embodiments are presented as instructional examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, certain details of the described embodiments may be modified, omitted, or expanded without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

[0035]

[0023] Referring briefly to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a network for multiple sub-functions, in accordance with some embodiments. UE and ProSe Function Between 1 is a block diagram showing an interface. As shown, the current ProSe function includes three main sub-functions that play different roles depending on the ProSe features.

[0036]

[0023] Reference is now made briefly to Figure 2, which is a block diagram illustrating the ProSe function interface to other network elements and the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, three different sub-functions include a Direct Provisioning Function (DPF), a Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF), and an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) level discovery ProSe function.

[0037] DPF is a system that supports ProSe Direct Discovery and ProSe directly Used to provide the UE with the necessary parameters to use the communication. It is used to provision the UE with PLMN specific parameters that allow the UE to use ProSe in this particular PLMN. Used for public safety purposes. directly For communication, the DPF is also used to provide the UE with parameters required when the UE is not served by an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). In the case of restricted ProSe direct discovery, the DPF also generates and maintains a proximity service discovery user equipment identity, referred to in the art as ProSe discovery UE ID (PDUID).

[0038] The DDNMF is used in open ProSe Direct Discovery to assign and process the mapping of ProSe application IDs and ProSe application codes used in ProSe Direct Discovery. The DDNMF uses ProSe related subscriber data stored in the Home Subscriber Service (HSS) to authorize each discovery request. The DDNMF also provides the UE with the necessary security data to protect discovery messages transmitted over the air. In restricted ProSe Direct Discovery, the DDNMF also interacts with the application server via the PC2 reference point to authorize discovery requests.

[0039] The EPC level discovery ProSe function has reference points towards the HSS (PC4a) and the UE (PC3), towards other ProSe functions (PC6), towards the application server (PC2). • Storage of ProSe related subscriber data and / or retrieval of ProSe related subscriber data from the HSS. • Authorization and configuration of the UE for EPC level ProSe discovery and EPC assisted Wide Local Area Network (WLAN) direct discovery and communication via PC3. • Storage of a list of applications that are authorized to use EPC-level ProSe discovery and EPC-assisted WLAN direct discovery and communication. • Act as a location service client (e.g., Service Location Protocol (SLP) agent) enabling EPC-level ProSe discovery. ● Providing information to the UE to assist in WLAN direct discovery and communication. ●Handling EPC ProSe user IDs and application layer user IDs. ● Signaling exchange with third-party application servers via PC2 reference points for application registration and identifier mapping. ● Signaling exchange with ProSe functions in other PLMNs over the PC6 reference point for sending proximity requests, proximity alerts, and location reports. Optional support for the functionality to request UE location via HSS.

[0040] The ProSe functionality may support "on-demand" notification requested by the UE based on operator policy in the case of the ProSe restricted discovery model.

[0041] The ProSe function provides the necessary charging and security functions for the use of ProSe (both ProSe over EPC and ProSe direct discovery, ProSe direct communication, and WLAN direct discovery and communication).

[0042] The ProSe function in the Home PLMN (HPLMN) can be reached at any time if such function is supported by the HPLMN and if a home routed configuration is applied for the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection (e.g., the PDN Gateway (GW) is located in the HPLMN). In case of local breakout (e.g., the PDN GW is located in the Visited PLMN (VPLMN)) and inter-PLMN signaling is required, a ProSe Proxy function can be deployed by the VPLMN to support communication from the UE to the Home ProSe function. If the PDN connection is not supported by the local breakout, a ProSe Proxy function can be deployed by the VPLMN to support communication from the UE to the Home ProSe function. stomach Whether the signaling connectivity is provided by Home Routing or Home Routing is determined by the HSS configuration described in 3GPP TS 23.401. The UE does not know this and therefore will not know which Access Point Name (APN) is available for communication with the ProSe function unless specific APN information is configured in the UE indicating that this APN provides the signaling connectivity between the UE and the home ProSe function.

[0043] According to the present disclosure, ProSe discovery is a discovery service for a ProSe-enabled UE to identify the proximity of one or more other ProSe-enabled UEs. For example, one or more other UEs may be in proximity to a UE if the one or more other UEs are within a predefined area surrounding the UE. According to some embodiments, the discovery service may be a restricted and / or direct discovery service. The PDUID referred to in the present disclosure may be an identifier (e.g., temporary) assigned to the UE for the (e.g., restricted direct) discovery service. The PDUID may be assigned to the UE (e.g., in the HPLMN) by the ProSe function. The PDUID may include a PLMN ID and an identifier (e.g., temporary) that (e.g., uniquely) identifies the UE (e.g., in the HPLMN). Improvements by forwarding PDUIDs to the fifth generation (5G) DDNMF, as provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, may result from the use of new event identifiers (IDs), changes to the PDUIDs, e.g., changes in the existing network Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Subscribe service or Npcf_EventExposure_subscribe service. Npcf refers to a (e.g., service-based) interface for the Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0044] The ProSe application server can support the following functions: ● Remember EPC ProSe User ID: ProSe Function ID, ProSe Discovery UE ID, Metadata. ● Mapping of application layer user IDs to EPC ProSe user IDs. ● Restricted ProSe Application User ID (RPAUID) and PDUID mapping for restricted ProSe direct discovery. ●Maintaining restricted ProSe direct discovery authorization information using RPAUID. ProSe restricted code suffix pool allocation when restricted direct discovery with application controlled extensions is used, and ● The assignment of masks for ProSe restricted code suffixes is, if restricted direct discovery with application controlled extensions is used.

[0045] The use of the PDUID can provide that the ProSe-enabled UE retrieves the PDUID from the ProSe function. The UE provides its PDUID to the ProSe application server and obtains its RPAUID from the server. If the ProSe-enabled UE wants to perform restricted ProSe discovery, it can send either an announce request or a monitor request to its ProSe function to obtain the corresponding restricted discovery code (details are described in Section 5.3.3 of 3GPP TS 23.303 V15.1.0). In this request, the UE can include its UE ID (i.e., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) and its RPAUID. If the ProSe function needs an authorization result from the application server, it can send an authorization request to the ProSe application server with the RPAUID. If the authorization is OK, the ProSe application server can respond with the UE's PDUID to the ProSe function. The ProSe function can check to see if the PDUID is the one mapped to the UE ID (i.e., IMSI).

[0046] PDUID provisioning in a 5G system may result in the PCF maintaining the PDUID, which is provided to the UE as part of ProSe policies and parameters as described in clause 5.1.2.1 of 3GPP TS 23.304 V0.1.0.

[0047] Existing challenges include that for 5G ProSe, the PCF takes on the role of the DPF and is used for policy / parameter provisioning to the UE, while the 5G DDNMF is still used for restricted direct discovery procedures. Splitting the functionality of the ProSe function into the PCF and the 5G DDNMF causes a problem that the ProSe discovery UE ID is assigned by the PCF and used by the 5G DDNMF, and how the 5G DDNMF should obtain the ProSe discovery UE ID. Therefore, in the present disclosure, an advantageous technique for provisioning a PDU ID, more specifically, for provisioning a PDU ID to a first network function such as the 5G DDNMF, is described.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating a first network function in a communication network according to one embodiment. In this disclosure, the first network function may also be referred to as a first network function node. The method is performed by or under the control of a processing circuit of the first network function. As indicated by block 102 of FIG. 3, a transmission of first information is initiated toward a second network function. The first information indicates that the first network function should be subscribed to receive notification of changes in a PDU ID for the UE from the second network function. As indicated by block 104 of FIG. 3, a PDU ID for the UE is received from the second network function.

[0049] According to some embodiments, initiating transmission of the first information may include initiating transmission of a first service action request, where the first service action request may include the first information.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the first service operation request may be an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Subscribe request or an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request, where the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Subscribe request may be a request of the first network function to (e.g., explicitly) subscribe to an event, e.g., any event related to the UE, or more specifically, notification of a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI) for the UE, where the Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe may be a request to have the first network function subscribe to event notifications, e.g., specified policy control events for the UE.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the first information may be an event identifier for notifying a change in a PDU ID for the UE.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the method may include receiving at least one updated PDU ID for the UE from a second network function.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the method may include receiving at least one updated PDU ID for the UE in response to the at least one updated PDU ID being generated for the UE. Yo stomach.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the method may include receiving at least one updated PDU ID for the UE with an indication that a notification of a change in PDU ID for the UE has been satisfied. Yo stomach.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the method may include initiating transmission of second information directed to the second network function, where the second information may indicate that the first network function should be unsubscribed from receiving notifications.

[0056] According to some embodiments, initiating transmission of the second information may include initiating transmission of a second service action request. Ku The second service operation request may include second information. Yo stomach.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the second service action request may be an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Unsubscribe request or an Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe request, where the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Unsubscribe request may be a request for the first network function to unsubscribe (e.g., explicitly) from notifications of events, e.g., any events related to the UE, or more specifically, a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI) for the UE. The event may be an event related to the aforementioned Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Subscribe request. Here, the Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe request may be a request to unsubscribe the first network function from event notifications. The event notifications may be related to the aforementioned Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the transmission of the first information may be initiated in response to receiving a discovery request from the UE (the discovery request may be a request for a restricted discovery code) and / or the first network function not having a UE context for the UE. The UE context may refer to information associated with the UE. This information may include, for example, status information for the UE, security information for the UE, and the like. affection The information may comprise information required to maintain one or more services for the UE, capability information for the UE, an identity of one or more logical connections for the UE, and / or any other information related to the UE. This information may comprise information required to maintain one or more services for the UE.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the method may include initiating transmission of the first information using a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI) for the UE. Yo stomach.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises: Along with , receiving a PDU ID for the UE, Yo stomach.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the first network function may be a Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) and / or the second network function may be a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating a second network function in a communication network according to one embodiment. In this disclosure, the second network function may also be referred to as a second network function node. The method may be performed by or under the control of a processing circuit of the second network function. As indicated by block 202 of FIG. 4, the first network function is subscribed to receiving notifications of changes in PDU ID for the UE from the second network function in response to receiving first information from the first network function. The first information indicates that the first network function should be subscribed to receiving notifications. As indicated by block 204 of FIG. 4, transmission of the PDU ID for the UE is initiated towards the first network function.

[0063] According to some embodiments, receiving the first information may include receiving a first service action request, the first service action request having the first information.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the first service operation request may be an Npcf_A Policy Authorization Subscribe request or an Npcf_Event Exposure Subscribe request.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the first information may be an event identifier for notifying a change in a PDU ID for the UE.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the method may include initiating transmission of at least one updated PDUID for the UE directed to the first network function. Yo stomach.

[0067] According to some embodiments, transmission of the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE may be initiated in response to generation of the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the method may include initiating transmission of at least one updated PDU ID for the UE with an indication that a notification of a change in PDU ID for the UE has been satisfied. Yo stomach.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the method may include unsubscribing the first network function from receiving notifications in response to receiving second information from the first network function, where the second information may indicate that the first network function should be unsubscribed from receiving notifications.

[0070] According to some embodiments, receiving the second information may include receiving a second service action request, the second service action request including the second information.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the second service operation request may be an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Unsubscribe request or an Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe request.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the first information may be received in response to a discovery request from the UE (the discovery request may be a request for a restricted discovery code) and / or the first network function not having a UE context for the UE.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the first information may be received along with a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI) for the UE.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises: Along with and starting to transmit a PDUID for the UE. Yo stomach.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the first network function may be a Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) and / or the second network function is a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0076] According to some embodiments, the 5G DDNMF can search and retrieve the PDUID and subscribe / unsubscribe to notifications of changes in the PDUID from the PCF. According to some embodiments, the PCF can provide a new event for the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization or Npcf_EventExposure service to the consumer. The event can be "PDUID Change". The PCF can report the PDUID to the consumer, i.e., the 5G DDNMF, until the subscription is terminated.

[0077] The PCF can provide an event ID as follows: Some embodiments provide that the event can be a PDUID change notification. According to some embodiments, the event may not be available for bulk subscription.

[0078] Some embodiments provide that the Npcf_A Policy Authorization service may be used. For example, the 5G DDNMF may receive a discovery request from the UE to request a restricted discovery code. For example, the request may be made via a PC3 or PC3a interface. If the 5G DDNMF does not have a UE context for this UE, the 5G DDNMF may subscribe to notifications of PDUID changes to the PCF. Some embodiments provide that the Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe request is used to subscribe to notifications of PDUID changes to the PCF and includes a "PDUID Change Notification" that may be a mandatory parameter according to some embodiments, and optionally a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI). The PCF may provide the currently allocated PDUID to the 5G DDNMF in the Npcf_A Policy Authorization Subscribe response.

[0079] When the PCF generates a new PDUID, it may send an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Notify message to the 5G DDNMF containing an indication that the event "PDUID Change Notification" has been satisfied and the new PDUID, where the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Notify message may be a message that notifies the first network function (e.g., the 5G DDNMF) of the subscribed event.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the 5G DDNMF may use the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorize_Unsubscribe Request to unsubscribe from notifications to the PCF of PDUID changes, terminating the association between the PCF and the subscription.

[0081] Some embodiments provide that the Npcf_EventExposure service is used. When the 5G DDNMF receives a discovery request from a UE to request a restricted discovery code from PC3 (PC3a interface) and the 5G DDNMF does not have a UE context for this UE, it can subscribe to notifications of PDUID changes to the PCF. According to some embodiments, subscribing to notifications of PDUID changes to the PCF can use the Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe Request and can include a new event "PDUID Change Notification" and optionally a SUPI (which can be a mandatory parameter according to some embodiments). Some embodiments provide that the PCF can provide the currently assigned PDUID to the 5G DDNMF in the Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe Response. Some embodiments provide that this service operation can enable a request event for a new SUPI.

[0082] According to some embodiments, when the 5G DDNMF starts, it can invoke an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request that includes the new event "PDUID Change Notification" and any UEs. The PCF can provide the 5G DDNMF with the currently assigned PDUIDs and corresponding SUPIs in the Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe response.

[0083] Some embodiments provide that when the PCF generates a new PDUID for the UE, an Npcf_EventExposure_Notify message may be sent to the 5G DDNMF including an indication that the event "PDUID Change Notification" is satisfied and the new PDUID, where the Npcf_EventExposure_Notify message may be sent to the 5G DDNMF including an indication that the first network function (e.g., the 5G DDNMF) previously subscribed to the PDUID. stomachThe message may be to report on a previously recorded event.

[0084] Some embodiments provide that the 5G DDNMF can unsubscribe and cancel the subscription to the PCF from notifications of PDUID changes using the Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe Request.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the PDUID is associated with an expiration timer. and Both may be provided.

[0086] Figure 5 shows invention According to an embodiment of the concept, a communication device UE 300 (mobile terminal, mobile communication terminal, wireless device, wireless communication) configured to provide wireless communication device , wireless FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating elements of a terminal, mobile device, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, UE, user equipment node / terminal / device, etc. device 300 may be provided, for example, as discussed below with respect to the wireless device 4110 of FIG. 11, the UE 4200 of FIG. QQ2, the UEs 4491, 4492 of FIG. QQ4, and / or the UE 4530 of FIG. 15. device The UE 300 may include an antenna 307 (e.g., corresponding to antenna 4111 in FIG. 11 ) and a transceiver circuit 301 (e.g., also referred to as a transceiver, corresponding to interface 4114 in FIG. 11 ) including a transmitter and a receiver configured to provide uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) wireless communications with a base station of a radio access network (e.g., also referred to as a RAN node, corresponding to network node 4160 in FIG. 11 ). deviceThe UE 300 may also include a processing circuit 303 (e.g., corresponding to the processing circuit 4120 of FIG. 11, also referred to as a processor) coupled to the transceiver circuit, and a memory circuit 305 (e.g., corresponding to the device readable medium 4130 of FIG. 11, also referred to as a memory) coupled to the processing circuit 303. The memory circuit 305 may include computer readable program code that, when executed by the processing circuit 303, causes the processing circuit 303 to perform operations according to embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure. According to other embodiments, the processing circuit 303 may be defined to include a memory such that a separate memory circuit 305 is not required. device The UE 300 may also include an interface (such as a user interface) coupled to the processing circuit 303 and / or a communication device The UE 300 may be installed in a vehicle.

[0087] As described in this disclosure, device The operations of the UE 300 may be performed by the processing circuitry 303 and / or the transceiver circuitry 301. For example, the processing circuitry 303 may control the transceiver circuitry 301 to transmit communications through the transceiver circuitry 301 over an air interface to a radio access network node (also referred to as a base station) and / or receive communications through the transceiver circuitry 301 from a RAN node over an air interface. Additionally, modules may be stored in the memory circuitry 305 that, when instructions of the modules are executed by the processing circuitry 303, cause the processing circuitry 303 to perform a respective operation (e.g., wireless communication). device According to some embodiments, instructions may be provided to perform operations described below with respect to exemplary embodiments relating to communication. device The UE 300 and / or its elements / functions may be embodied as a virtual node / nodes and / or virtual machines / machines.

[0088] 6 is a block diagram illustrating the elements of a first network function, more specifically, a first network function node 400. As previously mentioned, according to some embodiments, the first network function may be a DDNMF. As shown in FIG. 6, according to some embodiments, the first network function may be: invention 14, and / or the base station 4412a, 4412b, 4412c of FIG. 14, and / or the base station 4520 of FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAN node may be: Mobile The RAN node may include a transceiver circuit 401 (e.g., also referred to as a transceiver, corresponding to a portion of the interface 4190 in FIG. 11 ) including a transmitter and a receiver configured to provide uplink and downlink wireless communication with a terminal. The RAN node may include a network interface circuit 407 (e.g., also referred to as a network interface, corresponding to a portion of the interface 4190 in FIG. 11 ) configured to provide communication with other nodes (e.g., with other base stations) of the RAN and / or core network (CN). The network node may also include a processing circuit 403 (e.g., also referred to as a processor, corresponding to the processing circuit 4170) coupled to the transceiver circuit 401, and a memory circuit 405 (e.g., also referred to as a memory, corresponding to the device-readable medium 4180 in FIG. 11 ) coupled to the processing circuit 403. The memory circuit 405 may include computer-readable program code that, when executed by the processing circuit 403, causes the processing circuit 403 to perform operations according to embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure. According to other embodiments, the processing circuit 403 may be defined to include a memory such that a separate memory circuit 405 is not required.

[0089] As described in this disclosure, the operations of the RAN node may be performed by the processing circuitry 403, the network interface 407, and / or the transceiver 401. For example, the processing circuitry 403 may control the transceiver 401 to transmit downlink communication signals through the transceiver 401 over the air interface to one or more mobile terminals (UEs) and / or to receive uplink communication signals through the transceiver 401 over the air interface from one or more mobile terminals (UEs). Similarly, the processing circuitry 403 may control the network interface 407 to transmit communications to one or more other network nodes through the network interface 407 and / or receive communications from one or more other network nodes through the network interface 407. Additionally, modules may be stored in the memory 405 that, when their instructions are executed by the processing circuitry 403, may provide instructions for the processing circuitry 403 to perform respective operations (e.g., operations described below with respect to exemplary embodiments related to a RAN node). According to some embodiments, the RAN node 400 and / or its elements / functions may be embodied as a virtual node / nodes and / or virtual machines / machines.

[0090] According to some other embodiments, the network node may be implemented as a CN node without a transceiver. device The transmission to the UE may be provided through a network node that includes a transceiver (e.g., through a base station or a RAN node). A transmission to the wireless communication device UE According to an embodiment in which the network node is a RAN node including a transceiver, initiating the transmission may include transmitting through the transceiver.

[0091] 7 is a block diagram illustrating the elements of a second network function, more specifically, a second network function node 500. As previously mentioned, according to some embodiments, the second network function may be a PCF. As shown in FIG. 7, according to some embodiments, the second network function may be a PCF. invention The CN node 500 may be a CN node (e.g., an SMF node, an AMF node, etc.) 500 of a communications network configured to provide cellular communications according to an embodiment of the concept. As shown, the CN node 500 may be a CN node (e.g., an SMF node, an AMF node, etc.) of a core network and / or RAN Other nodes in and The CN node may include a network interface circuit 507 (also referred to as a network interface) configured to provide communication of the CN node. The CN node may also include a processing circuit 503 (also referred to as a processor) coupled to the network interface circuit 507, and a memory circuit 505 (also referred to as a memory) coupled to the processing circuit 503. The memory circuit 505 may include computer readable program code that, when executed by the processing circuit 503, causes the processing circuit 503 to perform operations according to embodiments disclosed in this disclosure. According to other embodiments, the processing circuit 503 may be defined to include memory such that a separate memory circuit 505 is not required.

[0092] As described in this disclosure, the operations of CN node 500 may be performed by processing circuitry 503 and / or network interface circuitry 507. For example, processing circuitry 503 may control network interface circuitry 507 to transmit communications to one or more other network nodes via network interface circuitry 507 and / or receive communications from one or more other network nodes via network interface circuitry 507. Additionally, modules may be stored in memory 505 that may provide instructions such that, when the instructions of the modules are executed by processing circuitry 503, processing circuitry 503 performs respective operations (e.g., operations described below with respect to exemplary embodiments related to a core network node). According to some embodiments, CN node 500 and / or elements / functions thereof may be embodied as virtual nodes / nodes and / or virtual machines / machines.

[0093] communication device The operations of 300 (implemented using the block diagram structure of FIG. 5) are configured to perform several operations disclosed in this disclosure. For example, modules may be stored in memory 305 of FIG. 5, where the instructions of the modules are stored in respective communication device When executed by processing circuitry 303, instructions may be provided that cause processing circuitry 303 to perform each of the operations disclosed in this disclosure.

[0094] The operation of the RAN node 400 may be implemented using the structure of Figure 6 according to some embodiments of the inventive concepts. For example, modules may be stored in the memory 405 of Figure 6, and these modules may provide instructions such that, when the instructions of the modules are executed by the respective RAN node processing circuitry 403, the processing circuitry 403 performs the respective operations of the flowcharts.

[0095] The operation of the CN node 500 is as follows: Inventive Concept7 according to some embodiments of the structure of FIG. 7. For example, modules may be stored in memory 505 of FIG. 7 and these modules may provide instructions such that, when the instructions of the modules are executed by a respective CN node processing circuitry 503, the processing circuitry 503 performs each operation of the flowchart.

[0096] This disclosure According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided. The system can include at least one first network function as described in the present disclosure and at least one second network function as described in the present disclosure. Methods performed by the system can comprise methods described in the present disclosure with respect to the first network function and methods described in the present disclosure with respect to the second network function.

[0097] next, invention Please refer to Figure 8, which is a flow chart illustrating operations according to some embodiments of the concept. Some embodiments provide operations for a method of operating a communications device in a communications network. Such operations may include receiving a PDU ID from the UE (block 602). The operations may include subscribing to notifications of changes in the PDU ID from the PCF (block 604).

[0098] Some embodiments include receiving an offer from the PCF to receive an event to determine the PDUID change (block 606). According to some embodiments, the new event includes an Npcf_AMPolicy_Authorization or an Npcf_Event Exposure service. According to some embodiments, the event includes a PDUID change.

[0099] The operations may include receiving a report of the PDU ID until the subscription ends (block 608). The operations may further include receiving an event ID from the PCF (block 610). According to some embodiments, the event includes a PDU ID change notification. Some embodiments provide that the event is not available for bulk subscriptions.

[0100] Some embodiments include receiving a discovery request from the UE, block 612. According to some embodiments, the discovery request includes a request for a restricted discovery code.

[0101] According to some embodiments, in response to not having a corresponding UE context for the UE, the operations further include subscribing to notifications of PDUID changes by sending a Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe request (block 614), according to some embodiments, the request includes the PDUID change notification and the SUPI.

[0102] The operation may include receiving from the PCF the currently allocated PDUID in a Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe response (block 616). Some embodiments provide that in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID, the operation includes receiving from the PCF an Npcf_A Policy Authorization Notify including an indication that the event PDUID change notification has been satisfied and the new PDUID (block 618).

[0103] Some embodiments include unsubscribing from notifications of PDUID changes using Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorize_Delete / Unsubscribe (block 620) to terminate the association between the PCF and the subscription.

[0104] Figure 9 shows the communication network. device Invention relating to a method for operating General 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to some embodiments of a method of the present invention. Operations according to such a method may include receiving a discovery request from a UE requesting a restricted discovery code (block 702) and, in response to not having the UE context, subscribing to notifications of changes in PDU ID from a PCF (block 704).

[0105] According to some embodiments, subscribing includes subscribing using an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request (block 706).

[0106] Some embodiments include receiving the currently allocated PDUID from the PCF in an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe response (block 708).

[0107] According to some embodiments, the operations include receiving reports of the PDUID until the subscription ends (block 710).

[0108] Some embodiments include receiving an event ID from the PCF, block 712. Some embodiments provide that the event includes a PDUID change notification.

[0109] According to some embodiments, in response to not having a corresponding UE context for the UE, the operations further include subscribing to notifications of PDUID changes by sending an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request (block 714). According to some embodiments, the request includes the PDUID change notification and the SUPI.

[0110] Some embodiments include receiving the currently assigned PDUID from the PCF in an Npcf_EventExposure_ / Subscribe response (block 716). According to some embodiments, in response to the PCF generating the new PDUID, the operations include receiving an Npcf_EventExposure_Notify from the PCF including an indication that the event PDUID change notification has been filled and the new PDUID (block 718).

[0111] Some embodiments include calling Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe with the new event PDUID change notification and any of the multiple UEs (block 720).

[0112] Some embodiments include receiving from the PCF the currently allocated PDUID and corresponding SUPI in an Npcf_EventExposure_subscribe response (block 722).

[0113] According to some embodiments, in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID for the UE, the operations further include receiving an Npcf_EventExposure_Notify including an indication that the PDUID change notification has been satisfied and the new PDUID (block 724).

[0114] Some embodiments include unsubscribing from notifications of PDUID changes using Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe (block 726), terminating the association between the PCF and the subscription.

[0115] next, inventionPlease refer to Figure 10, which is a flow chart illustrating operations according to some embodiments of the concept. Some embodiments provide operations for a method of operating a communications device in a communications network. Such operations may include transmitting a PDU ID from the UE (block 802). The operations may include subscribing to notifications of changes in the PDU ID from the PCF (block 804).

[0116] Some embodiments include receiving an offer from the PCF to receive an event to determine the PDUID change (block 806). According to some embodiments, the new event includes an Npcf_AMPolicy_Authorization or an Npcf_Event Exposure service. According to some embodiments, the event includes a PDUID change.

[0117] The operations may include receiving a report of the PDU ID until the subscription ends (block 808). The operations may further include receiving an event ID from the PCF (block 810). According to some embodiments, the event includes a PDU ID change notification. Some embodiments provide that the event is not available for bulk subscriptions.

[0118] Some embodiments include transmitting a discovery request from the UE, block 812. According to some embodiments, the discovery request includes a request for a restricted discovery code.

[0119] According to some embodiments, in response to not having a corresponding UE context for the UE, the operations further include subscribing to PDUID change notifications by sending a Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe request (block 814). According to some embodiments, the request includes the PDUID change notification and the SUPI.

[0120] The operation may include receiving from the PCF the currently allocated PDUID in a Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe response (block 816). Some embodiments provide that in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID, the operation includes receiving from the PCF an Npcf_A Policy Authorization Notify including an indication that the event PDUID change notification has been satisfied and the new PDUID (block 818).

[0121] Some embodiments include unsubscribing from notifications of PDUID changes using Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorize_Delete / Unsubscribe (block 820) to terminate the association between the PCF and the subscription.

[0122] Example embodiments are described below. 1. Communication in a communication network device 1. A method of operating a system comprising: Receiving a ProSe discovery UE ID (PDUID) from a user equipment (UE); Subscribe to notifications of PDUID changes from the Policy Control Function (PCF); and has. 2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising receiving an offer from the PCF to receive events to determine the change in PDUID. 3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein the new event includes an Npcf_AMPolicy_Authorization or Npcf_Event Exposure service. 4. A method according to any one of embodiments 2 to 3, wherein the event includes a PDUID change. 5. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising receiving a report of the PDUID until the subscription ends. 6. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising receiving an event ID from the PCF, the event including the PDUID change notification. 7. The method of embodiment 6, wherein the event is not available for bulk subscription. 8. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising receiving a discovery request from the UE, the discovery request including a request for a restricted discovery code. 9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein in response to the UE not having a corresponding UE context, the operation further includes subscribing to the notification of the PDUID change by sending an Npcf_A Policy Authorization_Create / Subscribe request. 10. A method according to embodiment 9, wherein the request includes the PDUID change notification and a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI). 11. A method according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, further comprising receiving a currently allocated PDUID from the PCF in a Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe response. 12. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, comprising receiving from the PCF, in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID, an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Notify including an indication that an event PDUID change notification has been satisfied, and the new PDUID. 13. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising unsubscribing from notifications of PDUID changes using Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorize_Delete / Unsubscribe, and terminating the association between the PCF and the subscription. 14. Communications device (300), A processing circuit (303); a memory (305) coupled to the processing circuitry, the memory being configured to, when executed by the processing circuitry, device includes instructions for executing the operations according to any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments. 15. Communications device (300) adapted to perform according to any of the first to thirteenth embodiments. 16. Communications device A computer program comprising a program code executed by a processing circuit (303) of (300), whereby execution of said program code device (300) executes the operation described in any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments. 17. Communications device A computer program product including a non-transitory storage medium including program code executed by a processing circuit (303) of (300), whereby execution of the program code is device A computer program product that causes (300) to execute the operations described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13. 18. A method of operating a radio access network node (RAN) in a communications network, the method comprising: Receiving a ProSe discovery UE ID (PDUID) from a user equipment (UE); Subscribe to notifications of PDUID changes from the Policy Control Function (PCF); and has. 19. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising receiving an offer from the PCF to receive an event for determining a change in the PDUID. 20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein the new event includes an Npcf_AMPolicy_Authorization or Npcf_Event Exposure service. 21. A method according to any one of embodiments 19 to 20, wherein the event includes a PDUID change. 22. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 21, further comprising receiving reports of PDUIDs until the subscription is terminated. 23. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 22, further comprising receiving an event ID from the PCF, the event including the PDUID change notification. 24. The method of embodiment 23, wherein the event is not available for bulk subscription. 25. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 24, further comprising receiving a discovery request from the UE, the discovery request including a request for a restricted discovery code. 26. A method as described in embodiment 25, wherein in response to the UE not having a corresponding UE context, the operation further includes subscribing to the notification of the PDUID change by sending an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Create / Subscribe request. 27. The method of embodiment 26, wherein the request includes the PDUID change notification and a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI). 28. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 27, further comprising receiving a currently allocated PDUID from the PCF in a Npcf_A Policy Authorization_Create / Subscribe response. 29. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 28, comprising receiving from the PCF, in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID, an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Notify including an indication that an event PDUID change notification has been satisfied and the new PDUID. 30. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 29, further comprising unsubscribing from notifications of PDUID changes using Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorize_Delete / Unsubscribe to terminate the association between the PCF and the subscription. 31. A radio access network (RAN) node (400), comprising: A processing circuit (403); and a memory (405) coupled to the processing circuitry, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the RAN node to perform operations according to any of embodiments 18-30. 32. A Radio Access Network (RAN) node (400) adapted to perform according to any of embodiments 18-30. 33. A computer program comprising a program code executed by a processing circuit (403) of a radio access network, a RAN, and a node (400), the execution of the program code causing the RAN node (400) to perform an operation described in any one of embodiments 18 to 30. 34. A computer program product including a non-transitory storage medium including program code executed by processing circuitry (403) of a radio access network (RAN) node (400), whereby execution of the program code causes the RAN node (400) to perform operations according to any of embodiments 18-30. 35. Communication in a communication network device 1. A method of operating a system comprising: receiving a discovery request from a user equipment (UE) requesting a restricted discovery code; In response to not having the UE context, subscribing to PDU ID change notifications from a Policy Control Function (PCF); has. 36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein the subscribing includes subscribing using an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscriber request. 37. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 36, further comprising receiving a currently allocated PDUID from the PCF in an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe response. 38. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 37, further comprising receiving reports of the PDUID until the subscription ends. 39. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 38, further comprising receiving an event ID from the PCF, the event including the PDUID change notification. 40. The method of embodiment 8, comprising: hand In response to not having done so, operations further include subscribing to the notifications of the PDUID changes by sending an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request. 41. The method of embodiment 40, wherein the request includes a notification of the PDUID change and a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI). 42. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 41, further comprising receiving a currently allocated PDUID from the PCF in an Npcf_EventExposure_ / Subscribe response. 43. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 42, comprising receiving from the PCF, in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID, an Npcf_EventExposure_Notify including an indication that an event PDUID change notification has been satisfied and the new PDUID. 44. The method of embodiment 35, comprising: a new event PDUID change notification and one of a plurality of UEs of The method further comprises calling Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe which includes: 45. The method of embodiment 44, further comprising receiving from the PCF the currently allocated PDUID and corresponding SUPI in an Npcf_EventExposure_subscribe response. 46. ​​The method of embodiment 35, wherein in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID for the UE, the operation further includes receiving the Npcf_EventExposure_Notify including an indication that the PDUID change notification has been satisfied and the new PDUID. 47. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 46, further comprising unsubscribing from notifications of PDUID changes using Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe, terminating the association between the PCF and the subscription. 48. A radio access network (RAN) node (400), comprising: A processing circuit (403); and a memory (405) coupled to the processing circuitry, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the RAN node to perform an operation according to any of embodiments 35-47. 49. A radio access network (RAN) node (400) adapted to perform according to any of embodiments 35 to 47. 50. A computer program comprising program code executed by a processing circuit (403) of a radio access network (RAN) node (400), the execution of the program code causing the RAN node (400) to perform an operation described in any one of embodiments 35 to 47. 51. A computer program product including a non-transitory storage medium including program code executed by processing circuitry (403) of a radio access network (RAN) node (400), whereby execution of the program code causes the RAN node (400) to perform operations according to any of embodiments 35-47. 52. Communication in a communication network device 1. A method of operating a system comprising: sending a ProSe discovery UE ID (PDUID) to a network node and by a user equipment (UE); Subscribing to notifications of PDUID changes from the Policy Control Function (PCF); and has. 53. The method of embodiment 52, further comprising receiving an offer from the PCF to receive an event for determining a change in the PDUID. 54. The method of embodiment 53, wherein the new event includes an Npcf_AMPolicy_Authorization or Npcf_Event Exposure service. 55. A method according to any one of embodiments 53 to 54, wherein the event includes a PDUID change. 56. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 55, further comprising receiving reports of the PDUID until the subscription ends. 57. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 565, further comprising receiving an event ID from the PCF, the event including the PDUID change notification. 58. The method of embodiment 57, wherein the event is not available for bulk subscription. 59. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 59, further comprising sending a discovery request to the network node and from the UE, the discovery request including a request for a restricted discovery code. 60. The method of embodiment 59, comprising: hand In response to not having done so, the operations further include subscribing to the notifications of the PDUID changes by sending a Npcf_A Policy Authorization Create / Subscribe request. 61. The method of embodiment 60, wherein the request includes the PDUID change notification and a subscription persistent identifier (SUPI). 62. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 61, further comprising receiving a currently allocated PDUID from the PCF in an Npcf_A Policy Authorization_Create / Subscribe response. 63. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 62, comprising receiving from the PCF, in response to the PCF generating a new PDUID, an Npcf_A Policy Authorization Notify including an indication that an event PDUID change notification has been fulfilled and the new PDUID. 64. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 64, further comprising unsubscribing from the notifications of the PDUID changes using Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorize_Delete / Unsubscribe, terminating the association between the PCF and the subscription.

[0123] References are listed below. ● 3GPP (registered trademark) TS23.304 v 0.1.0. Proximity-based services (ProSe) in 5G systems (5GS) ● 3GPP (registered trademark) TS23.502 v.17.0.0. 5G System (5GS) Procedures ● 3GPP (registered trademark) TS23.503 v.17.0.0. 5G System (5GS) Policy and Charging control Framework

[0124] As provided in this disclosure, operations that may be performed by a RAN node may be performed using, among other things, a core network node.

[0125] Further explanation is provided below.

[0126] In general, all terms used in this disclosure should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the+ element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless otherwise specified. The steps of any method disclosed in this disclosure need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as after or before another step and / or it is implicit that a step must be after or before another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may be applied to any other embodiment, where appropriate. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the accompanying embodiments will become apparent from the following description.

[0127] Some of the embodiments contemplated in this disclosure are now described in detail in the accompanying drawings. figure The present invention will be described more fully with reference to the embodiments described herein, however, other embodiments are within the scope of the subject matter disclosed in this disclosure, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to only the embodiments set forth in this disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are provided as examples to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0128] FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless network according to some embodiments.

[0129] Although the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are described in the context of a wireless network, such as the exemplary wireless network shown in Figure 11. For simplicity, the wireless network in Figure 11 shows only network 4106, network nodes 4160 and 4160b, and wireless devices (WDs) 4110, 4110b, and 4110c (also referred to as mobile terminals). In practice, a wireless network may be used to communicate between wireless devices or with other devices. device , e.g., a landline, service provider, or other network node or end device 4100 and 4110. Of the illustrated components, the network node 4160 and the wireless device (WD) 4110 are shown in more detail. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate the wireless device's access to and / or use of services provided by or through the wireless network.

[0130] A wireless network may include any type of communication, telecommunication, data communication, cellular, and / or radio network, or other similar type of system and / or interface. In some embodiments, a wireless network may be configured to operate according to a particular standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, certain embodiments of a wireless network may include a communications standard, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards for mobile communications, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, and / or a World Wide Web standard for microwave access. interoperability (WiMax), Bluetooth(registered trademark), Z-Wave, and / or any other suitable wireless communication standard may be implemented.

[0131] The network 4106 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks that enable communication between devices. Yo stomach.

[0132] The network node 4160 and the WD 4110 include various components, which are described in more detail below. These components function as network nodes, such as providing wireless connections in a wireless network. and / or In various embodiments, a wireless network may comprise wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals, whether via wired or wireless connections.

[0133] As used in this disclosure, a "network node" refers to a wireless device and / or other network node or device , configured, arranged, and / or operable to communicate, directly or indirectly, with the wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to wireless devices and / or perform other functions (e.g., management) in the wireless network. deviceExamples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., wireless access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR Node Bs (gNBs)). Base stations may be classified based on the size of the coverage they provide (or, in other words, their transmit power level) and may be referred to as femto, pico, micro, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay. A network node may also be a sometimes It may include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), sometimes referred to as a remote radio head (RRH). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Further parts of a network node may include a centralized digital unit (CDU), a remote radio unit (RRU ... example These include network controllers such as MSR BS, Radio Network Controller (RNC) or Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), transmission points, transmission nodes, Multi-cell / Multicast Coordination Entities (MCE), core network nodes (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobile Management Entity (MME)), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operation Support Systems (OSS) node , Self-Optimizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC)), and / or Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) for minimizing driving tests (MDT) device Including another exampleAs such, the network node may be a virtual network node, as described in more detail below, but more generally, a network node may be any suitable network node that is configured, arranged, and / or operable to enable access to a wireless network and / or provide access to wireless devices or provide some service to wireless devices that have accessed the wireless network. device (or device group).

[0134] In Figure 11, the network node 4160 includes a processing circuit 4170, a device readable medium 4180, an interface 4190, ancillary equipment 4184, a power source 4186, a power circuit 4187, and an antenna 4162. The network node 4160 shown in the exemplary wireless network of Figure 11 includes the illustrated hardware. Eh Although the present disclosure may represent a device including a combination of the above-mentioned components, other embodiments may include network nodes having various combinations of components. A network node may include any combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed in this disclosure. Eh It should be understood that the components of network node 4160 may include any suitable combination of any of the above-described components. Additionally, although the components of network node 4160 are illustrated as a single box located within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in reality the network node may have multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component. Yo (For example, the device-readable medium 4180 may include multiple separate hard disk drives as well as multiple random access memory (RAM) modules. Yo stomach).

[0135] Similarly, the network node 4160 may be comprised of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a Node B component and an RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), each of which may have their own respective components. In certain circumstances where the network node 4160 includes multiple separate components (e.g., a BTS and a BSC component), one or more separate components may be shared among the multiple network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple Node Bs. In such a scenario, each unique Node B and RNC pair may possibly be considered as a single individual network node. In some embodiments, the network node 4160 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). According to such an embodiment, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate device-readable media 4180 for different radio access technologies (RATs)) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 4162 may be shared by the RATs). The network node 4160 may also be a wireless network node, such as, for example, GSM, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth 4160, such as the IEEE 802.11b wireless technology. wireless The technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within the network node 4160.

[0136] The processing circuit 4170 is configured to perform any decision, computation, or similar operation (e.g., certain acquisition operations) described in this disclosure as being provided by a network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 4170 may include, for example, processing information acquired by the processing circuit 4170 by transforming the acquired information to other information, comparing the acquired or transformed information to information stored at the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the acquired or transformed information, and the processing making a decision.

[0137] The processing circuit 4170 may be a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central Calculations Processing equipment, digital signal Processor, Special Purpose collection The processing circuitry 4170 may be comprised of one or more combinations of integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or other suitable computing devices, resources, or combinations of encoded logic that may be provided alone or in combination with hardware, software, and / or other network node 4160 components (e.g., device readable medium 4180, network node 4160 functionality, etc.). For example, the processing circuitry 4170 may execute instructions stored on the device readable medium 4180 or in memory within the processing circuitry 4170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 4170 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

[0138] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry 4170 may include one or more of a radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 4172 and a baseband processing circuitry 4174. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 4172 and the baseband processing circuitry 4174 may be on separate chips (or chipsets), boards, or units, such as a radio unit and a digital unit. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 4172 and the baseband processing circuitry 4174 may be on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0139] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described in this disclosure as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB, or other such network device may be realized by the processing circuitry 4170 executing instructions stored on the device-readable medium 4180 or memory within the processing circuitry 4170. fruit In embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry 4170 without executing instructions stored on a separate or distinct device-readable medium, such as in a hardwired manner. In any of these embodiments, the processing circuitry 4170 may be configured to perform the described functions, whether or not it executes instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium. Benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry 4170 alone or other components of the network node 4160, but are enjoyed by the network node 4160 as a whole, and / or by end users and the wireless network as a whole.

[0140] The device readable medium 4180 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory, including, but not limited to, persistent storage, solid state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, RAM, read only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., flash drive, compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and / or computer executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that can be used by the processing circuit 4170. Yo The device readable medium 4180 may include computer programs, software, Eh The processing circuit 4170 may store any suitable instructions, data or information including applications including one or more of algorithms, logic, rules, codes, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that can be executed by the processing circuit 4170 and utilized by the network node 4160. The device readable medium 4180 may be used to store any operations performed by the processing circuit 4170 and / or any data received via the interface 4190. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 4170 and the device readable medium 4180 may be considered to be integrated.

[0141] Inter -The interface 4190 is used for wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between the network node 4160, the network 4106, and / or the WD 4110. As shown, the interface 4190 has a port / terminal 4194 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network 4106, for example, via a wired connection. The interface 4190 may also be coupled to a portion of the antenna 4162, or in certain embodiments, includes a wireless front-end circuit 4192. The wireless front-end circuit 4192 includes a filter 4198 and an amplifier 4196. The wireless front-end circuit 4192 may be connected to the antenna 4162 and the processing circuit 4170. The wireless front-end circuit 4192 may be configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna 4162 and the processing circuit 4170. The wireless front-end circuit 4192 may also ... to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. J When receiving data, the radio front end circuit 4192 may receive digital data. The radio front end circuit 4192 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 4198 and / or amplifiers 4196. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 4162. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 4162 may collect the radio signal and then convert it to digital data by the radio front end circuit 4192. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuit 4170. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0142] According to certain alternative embodiments, the network node 4160 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 4192; instead, the processing circuit 4170 may include a radio front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 4162 without a separate radio front-end circuit 4192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or a portion of the RF transceiver circuit 4172 may be considered part of the interface 4190. In still other embodiments, the interface 4190 may be considered as part of one or more ports or Terminals 4194, radio front-end circuitry 4192, and RF transceiver circuitry 4172, and the interface 4190 may communicate with baseband processing circuitry 4174 that is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0143] The antenna 4162 may include one or more antennas, or an antenna array, configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 4162 may be any type of antenna that may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 4192 and may transmit and receive data and / or signals wirelessly. In some embodiments, the antenna 4162 may include one or more omni-directional, sector, or panel antennas operable to transmit and receive wireless signals, for example, between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omni-directional antenna may be used to transmit / receive wireless signals in any direction, a sector antenna may be used to transmit / receive wireless signals from devices within a particular area, and a panel antenna may be a line-of-sight (LOS) antenna used to transmit / receive wireless signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, the use of more than one antenna may be referred to as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). In certain embodiments, the antenna 4162 may be separate from the network node 4160 and may be connectable to the network node 4160 via an interface or port.

[0144] The antenna 4162, the interface 4190, and / or the processing circuit 4170 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain acquisition operations described in this disclosure as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 4162, the interface 4190, and / or the processing circuit 4170 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described in this disclosure as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network equipment.

[0145] The power supply circuit 4187 may comprise or be coupled to a power management circuit and is configured to provide power to the components of the network node 4160 for performing the functions described in this disclosure. The power supply circuit 4187 may receive power from the power source 4186. The power source 4186 and / or the power supply circuit 4187 may be configured to provide power to the various components of the network node 4160 in a manner appropriate for each component (e.g., voltage and current levels required by each component). The power source 4186 may be included in the power supply circuit 4187 and / or the network node 4160, or may be included external to the power supply circuit. For example, the network node 4160 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) via an input circuit or interface, such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source provides power to the power supply circuit 4187. As a further example, the power supply 4186 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack connected to or integrated with the power supply circuit 4187. If the external power source fails, the battery may provide backup power. device Other types of power sources may also be used, such as:

[0146] Alternative embodiments of the network node 4160 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 11 that may be responsible for providing particular aspects of the network node's functionality, including any of the functionality described in this disclosure and / or any functionality essential to supporting the subject matter described in this disclosure. For example, the network node 4160 may include a user interface that allows for the input of information into the network node 4160 and the output of information from the network node 4160. device This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other management functions on the network node 4160.

[0147] As used in this disclosure, a wireless device (WD) is configured, arranged, and / or operable to wirelessly communicate with network nodes and / or other wireless devices. device Unless otherwise noted, the term WD may be used interchangeably with user equipment (UE) in this disclosure. Wireless communication may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through the air. According to some embodiments, the WD may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the WD may be designed to transmit information to the network on a predefined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network. Examples of WDs include smartphones, move Telephone, Cellular Phone, Voice over IP (VoIP) Telephone, Wireless Local Loop Telephone, Desktop Computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Wireless Camera, Game Console or Device, Music Storage Device, Playback Device, Wearable Terminal Device, Wireless Endpoint, Mobile Station, Tablet, Laptop, Laptop Embedded Equipment (LEE), Laptop Mounted Equipment (LME), Smart Device, Wireless Customer PremisesExamples of WDs include, but are not limited to, Customer Presence Equipment (CPE), vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, etc. The WD may support device-to-device (D2D) communications, for example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), in which case it may be referred to as a D2D communications device. Like As an example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a WD may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements and transmits results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another WD and / or network node. The WD may in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which in the 3GPP context may be referred to as a machine-type communication (MTC) device. One particular As an example, the WD may be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. device Specific examples of sensors, power meters, and metering equipment such as industrial machines device , or a home or personal appliance (e.g., refrigerator, television, etc.), or a personal wearable (e.g., watch, fitness tracker, etc.). In other scenarios, the WD may represent a vehicle or other device that can monitor and / or report its operating status or other functions related to its operation. A WD as described above may represent an endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case: device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Furthermore, a WD as described above may be mobile, in which case it may be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

[0148] As shown, the wireless device 4110 includes an antenna 4111, an inter- - Interface 4114, Processing Circuit 4120, Device Readable Medium 4130, User Interface device 4132, Auxiliary device4134, a power supply 4136, and a power supply circuit 4137. The WD4110 may include multiple sets including one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by the WD4110, such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, just to name a few. wireless The technology may be integrated into the same or different chip or chipset as other components within the WD4110.

[0149] The antenna 4111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and is connected to the interface 4114. According to certain alternative embodiments, the antenna 4111 may be separate from the WD 4110 and may be connectable to the WD 4110 via an interface or port. The antenna 4111, the interface 4114, and / or the processing circuit 4120 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operation described in this disclosure as being performed by a WD. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a network node and / or another WD. In some embodiments, the wireless front-end circuit and / or the antenna 4111 may be considered an interface.

[0150] As shown, the interface 4114 includes a radio front-end circuit 4112 and an antenna 4111. The radio front-end circuit 4112 includes one or more filters 4118 and an amplifier 4116. The radio front-end circuit 4112 is connected to the antenna 4111 and the processing circuit 4120 and is configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna 4111 and the processing circuit 4120. The radio front-end circuit 4112 may be coupled to or may be part of the antenna 4111. According to some embodiments, the WD 4110 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 4112; rather, the processing circuit 4120 may include the radio front-end circuit and be connected to the antenna 4111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 4122 may be considered part of the interface 4114. The radio front-end circuit 4112 may transmit data that is sent to other network nodes or WDs over a wireless connection. J When receiving data, the radio front-end circuitry 4112 may receive digital data. The radio front-end circuitry 4112 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 4118 and / or amplifiers 4116. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 4111. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 4111 may collect the radio signal and then convert it to digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 4112. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 4120. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0151] The processing circuitry 4120 may be a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, or an application specific collectionThe processing circuitry 4120 may comprise integrated circuitry, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of one or more of hardware, software, and / or coded logic that are operable, alone or in conjunction with other WD4110 components, such as the device-readable medium 4130, WD4110 functionality. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or advantages described in this disclosure. For example, the processing circuitry 4120 may execute instructions stored on the device-readable medium 4130 or memory within the processing circuitry 4120 to provide functionality disclosed in this disclosure.

[0152] As shown, the processing circuitry 4120 includes one or more of an RF transceiver circuitry 4122, a baseband processing circuitry 4124, and an application processing circuitry 4126. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry may include different components and / or different combinations of components. According to certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 4120 of the WD4110 may have a SOC. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 4122, the baseband processing circuitry 4124, and the application processing circuitry 4126 may be on separate chips or chipsets. Alternatives fruit In an embodiment, some or all of the baseband processing circuitry 4124 and the application processing circuitry 4126 may be combined into one chip or chipset, and the RF transceiver circuitry 4122 may be on a separate chip or chipset. fruitIn an embodiment, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 4122 and the baseband processing circuitry 4124 may be on the same chip or chipset, and the application processing circuitry 4126 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In yet other alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 4122, the baseband processing circuitry 4124, and the application processing circuitry 4126 may be combined on the same chip or chipset. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 4122 may be part of the interface 4114. The RF transceiver circuitry 4122 may condition RF signals for the processing circuitry 4120.

[0153] According to an embodiment, some or all of the functionality described in this disclosure as being performed by the WD may be provided by the processing circuitry 4120 executing instructions stored on a machine-readable medium 4130, which may be a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment. fruit In embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry 4120 without executing instructions stored on a separate or distinct device-readable storage medium, such as in a hardwired manner. In any of these particular embodiments, the processing circuitry 4120 may be configured to perform the described functionality, whether or not it executes instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry 4120 alone or other components of the WD4110, but are enjoyed by the WD4110 as a whole, and / or by end users and the wireless network as a whole.

[0154] The processing circuitry 4120 may be configured to perform any decision, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain acquisition operations) described in this disclosure as being performed by a WD. These operations may include, for example, transforming the acquired information to other information, comparing the acquired or transformed information to information stored by the WD 4110, and / or performing one or more operations based on the acquired or transformed information, as performed by the processing circuitry 4120, and processing information acquired by the processing circuitry 4120 as a result of the processing determination.

[0155] The device-readable medium 4130 may be operable to store applications including one or more of computer programs, software, logic, rules, codes, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that may be executed by the processing circuit 4120. The device-readable medium 4130 may include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuit 4120. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 4120 and the device-readable medium 4130 may be considered to be integrated.

[0156] The user interface devices 4132 may provide components that allow a human user to interact with the WD4110. Such interaction may be in many forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface devices 4132 may be operable to generate output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the WD4110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface devices 4132 installed on the WD4110. For example, if the WD4110 is a smartphone, the interaction may occur via a touch screen, and if the WD4110 is a smart meter, the interaction may occur via a screen that provides usage (e.g., gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alarm (e.g., if smoke is detected). The user interface devices 4132 may include input interfaces, devices and circuits, as well as output interfaces, devices and circuits. User Interface device The user interface device 4132 is configured to enable input of information into the WD4110 and is connected to the processing circuit 4120 to enable the processing circuit 4120 to process the input information. The user interface device 4132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, keys / buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a universal serial bus (USB) port, or other input circuitry. The user interface device 4132 is also configured to enable output of information from the WD4110 and to enable the processing circuit 4120 to output information from the WD4110. The user interface device 4132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry. The one or more inputs of the user interface device 4132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, keys / buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a universal serial bus (USB) port, or other input circuitry. The user interface device 4132 may also include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuitry, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry. force / Using the output interfaces, devices, and circuits, the WD4110 can communicate with end users and / or wireless networks, allowing the end users and / or wireless networks to benefit from the functionality described in this disclosure.

[0157] auxiliary device The 4134 is operable to provide more specific functions that may not generally be performed by a WD. This may include specialized sensors for taking measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communication, etc. device The component load and types of 4134 may vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0158] The power source 4136 may be in the form of a battery or battery pack in some embodiments. Device , or other types of power sources such as power cells may be used. The WD4110 may further comprise a power circuit 4137 for directing power from the power source 4136 to various parts of the WD4110 that require power from the power source 4136 and for performing any of the functions described or shown in this disclosure. The power circuit 4137 may comprise a power management circuit in certain embodiments. The power circuit 4137 may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source, in which case the WD4110 may be connectable to an external power source (such as an electrical outlet) via an interface such as an input circuit or power cable. Also, in certain embodiments, the power circuit 4137 may be operable to distribute power from the external power source to the power source 4136. This may be for example for charging the power source 4136. The power circuit 4137 may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from the power source 4136 to make it suitable for the respective components of the WD4110 being powered.

[0159] FIG. 12 illustrates a UE according to some embodiments.

[0160] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a UE according to various aspects described in the present disclosure. As used in this disclosure, user equipment or UE does not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates an associated device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to or operation by a human user, but may or may not initially be associated with a particular human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to or operation by an end user, but may be associated with or operated for a user (e.g., a smart power meter). The UE 42200 may be any UE defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including an NB-IoT UE, a Machine Type Communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As shown in FIG. 12, the UE 4200 is an example of a WD configured to communicate according to one or more communications standards promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), such as 3GPP®'s GSM®, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards. As mentioned above, the terms WD and UE may be used interchangeably. Thus, although FIG. 12 is a UE, the components described in this disclosure are equally applicable to a WD and vice versa.

[0161] In Figure 12, the UE4200 force / Output interface 4205, radio frequency number12. The UE includes a processing circuit 4201 operatively coupled to a communications subsystem 4231, a power supply 4213, and / or any other components, such as a radio frequency (RF) interface 4209, a network connection interface 4211, a memory 4215 including a random access memory (RAM) 4217, a read only memory (ROM) 4219, and a storage medium 4221. The storage medium 4221 has an operating system 4223, an application program 4225, and data 4227. In other embodiments, the storage medium 4221 can include other similar types of information. Some UEs may utilize all of the components shown in FIG. 12, or only a subset of the components. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another. Additionally, some UEs may include multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0162] 12, a processing circuit 4201 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuit 4201 may include one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., discrete logic, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific collection The processing circuit 4201 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored in memory as a machine-readable computer program, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic with appropriate firmware, one or more stored programs, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) with appropriate software, a general purpose processor, or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuit 4201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). The data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiment, the input / output interface 4205 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and an output device. The UE 4200 may be configured to use an output device via the input / output interface 4205. An output device may use the same type of interface as an input device. Yeah For example, a USB port may be used for input and output to and from the UE 4200. An output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 4200 may be configured for a user to use an input device via the input / output interface 4205 to have information captured by the UE 4200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a webcam, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, directional keys, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, etc. Presence Sensitive Display The input device may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. The sensor may be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device may be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microcomputer, a touch panel, a touch screen, a touch panel ... Fo and light studies It may be a sensor.

[0164] In FIG. 12, the RF interface 4209 may be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The network connection interface 4211 may be configured to provide a communication interface to a network 4243a. The network 4243a may include wired and / or wireless networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a communication network, other similar networks, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 4243a may have a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface 4211 may communicate with one or more other devices via a communication network according to one or more communication protocols such as Ethernet, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP), Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), etc. device The network connection interface 4211 may be configured to include a receiver and transmitter interface used to communicate with the network. The network connection interface 4211 may implement receiver and transmitter functions appropriate for a communications network link (e.g., optical, electronic, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions may share circuit components, software, or firmware, or may be implemented separately.

[0165] The RAM4217 stores software such as the operating system, application programs, and device drivers. EhThe ROM 4219 may be configured to interface to the processing circuit 4201 via the bus 4202 to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during execution of a program. The ROM 4219 may be configured to provide computer instructions or data to the processing circuit 4201. For example, the ROM 4219 may be stored in a non-volatile memory and configured to store unchanging low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input / output (I / O), start-up, or receiving keystrokes from a keyboard. The storage medium 4221 may be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridge, or flash drive. Examples According to the above, the storage medium 4221 is operating It may be configured to include a system 4223, an application program 4225, such as a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine or another application, and data files 4227. The storage medium 4221 may store any of a variety of operating systems or combinations of operating systems for use by the UE 4200.

[0166] The storage medium 4221 may be configured to include several physical drives, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard disk drive, a thumb drive, a pen drive, a key drive, a high density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical disk drive, an internal hard disk drive, a Blu-ray optical disk drive, a holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disk drive, an external mini dual in-line memory module (DIMM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), an external micro-DIMM SDRAM, a smart card memory such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. The storage medium 4221 may enable the UE 4200 to access computer executable instructions, application programs, etc. stored on a temporary or non-transitory storage medium, offload data, or upload data. Products such as those utilizing communication systems may include a storage medium, including a device-readable medium. 422 It can be tangibly embodied in 1.

[0167] In FIG. 12, the processing circuit 4201 may be configured to communicate with the network 4243b using the communication subsystem 4231. The network 4243a and the network 4243b may be the same network or different networks. The communication subsystem 4231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with the network 4243b. For example, the communication subsystem 4231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication, such as another WD, UE, or a base station of a RAN, according to one or more communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), WCDMA, GSM, LTE, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), WiMax, etc. Each transceiver may include a transmitter 4233 and / or a receiver 4235 to respectively implement a transmitter or receiver function appropriate for the RAN link (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.). Additionally, the transmitter 4233 and receiver 4235 of each transceiver may share circuit components, software, or firmware, or may be implemented separately.

[0168] According to the illustrated embodiment, the communications functions of the communications subsystem 4231 include data communications, voice communications, multimedia communications, Bluetooth (registered trademark) and other short-range communications, contactThe UE 4200 may include a wireless network, a wireless communication system, a wireless network ...

[0169] The features, advantages, and / or functions described in this disclosure may be implemented in one of the components of the UE 4200 or may be partitioned across multiple components of the UE 4200. Furthermore, the features, advantages, and / or functions described in this disclosure may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, or firmware. In one example, the communication subsystem 4231 may be configured to include any of the components described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the processing circuit 4201 may be configured to communicate with any of such components via the bus 4202. In another example, any of such components may be represented by program instructions stored in memory that, when executed by the processing circuit 4201, perform the corresponding functions described in this disclosure. In another example, the functions of any of such components may be split between the processing circuit 4201 and the communication subsystem 4231. In another example, the computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0170] FIG. 13 illustrates a virtualization environment according to some embodiments.

[0171] 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 4300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In this context, virtualization refers to virtualization of hardware platforms, memory, and the like. device and a device or device As used in this disclosure, virtualization refers to creating a virtual version of a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device ) or components thereof, and relates to embodiments in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers running on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

[0172] According to some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described in this disclosure may be implemented in one or more hardware devices. Eh The network nodes may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented within one or more virtual environments 4300 hosted by the anode 4330. Additionally, in embodiments where the virtual node is not a wireless access node or does not require wireless connectivity (e.g., a core network node), the network node may be fully virtualized.

[0173] The functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 4320 (which may alternatively be referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) that operate to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure. The applications 4320 execute in a virtualization environment 4300 that provides hardware 4330 having a processing circuit 4360 and a memory 4390. The memory 4390 includes instructions 4395 executable by the processing circuit 4360 such that the applications 4320 are operable to provide one or more of the features, advantages, and / or functions disclosed in this disclosure.

[0174] The virtualization environment 4300 is based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, dedicated purpose-built collection The network hardware devices 4330 include a general purpose or special purpose network hardware device 4330 that includes a set of one or more processors or processing circuits 4360, which may be application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuitry including digital or analog hardware components or special purpose processors. Each hardware device may have memory 4390-1, which may be a non-persistent memory for temporarily storing instructions 4395 or software executed by the processing circuits 4360. YoEach hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 4370, also known as network interface cards, that include a physical network interface 4380. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, persistent, machine-readable storage medium 4390-2 having stored therein software 4395 and / or instructions executable by the processing circuitry 4360. The software 4395 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 4350 (also referred to as hypervisors), software for running virtual machines 4340, as well as software that enables the implementation of the functions, features, and / or benefits described in connection with some embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0175] A virtual machine 4340 may comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces and virtual storage, and may be executed by a corresponding virtualization layer 4350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of an instance of a virtual appliance 4320 may be implemented on one or more virtual machines 4340, and the implementation may be done in different ways.

[0176] During operation, the processing circuitry 4360 executes software 4395 to instantiate a hypervisor or virtualization layer 4350, sometimes referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), which may present a virtual operating platform to the virtual machine 4340 that looks like network hardware.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 13, the hardware 4330 may be a standalone network node with general or specific components. The hardware 4330 may have an antenna 43225 and may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, the hardware 4330 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g., in a data center or customer premises) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via a management and orchestration (MANO) 43100 that, among other things, oversees the lifecycle management of the application 4320. device (CPE)).

[0178] Hardware virtualization occurs in some contexts where it is called network functions virtualization (NFV), which may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage that can reside in data centers, as well as customer premises equipment.

[0179] In the context of NFV, virtual machine 4340 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that executes programs as if they were running on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each virtual machine 4340, and that portion of hardware 4330 that runs that virtual machine, is dedicated hardware to that virtual machine and / or hardware shared by that virtual machine with other virtual machines 4340, forming a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0180] Further, in the context of NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) is responsible for handling a specific network function running in one or more virtual machines 4340 on top of the hardware networking infrastructure 4330 and corresponds to the application 4320 in FIG. 13.

[0181] According to some embodiments, one or more radio units 43200, each including one or more transmitters 43220 and one or more receivers 43210, may be coupled to one or more antennas 43225. The radio units 43200 may communicate directly with the hardware node 4330 via one or more suitable network interfaces, and may be used in combination with virtual components to provide radio functionality to the virtual node, such as a radio access node or base station.

[0182] According to some embodiments, some signaling may be achieved through the use of a control system 43230, which may alternatively be used for communication between the hardware node 4330 and the wireless unit 43200.

[0183] FIG. 14 illustrates a telecommunications network connected to a host computer through an intermediate network according to some embodiments.

[0184] With reference to Fig. 14, according to one embodiment, a communication system has a communication network 4410, such as a cellular network of 3GPP type, comprising an access network 4411, such as a radio access network, and a core network 4414. The access network 4411 comprises a number of base stations 4412a, 4412b, 4412c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 4413a, 4413b, 4413c. Each base station 4412a, 4412b, 4412c is connectable to the core network 4414 via a wired or wireless connection 4415. A first UE 4491 located in the coverage area 4413c is configured to be wirelessly connected or paged with the corresponding base station 4412c. A second UE 4492 in the coverage area 4413a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 4412a. Although multiple UEs 4491, 4492 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is present within the coverage area and is connected to a corresponding base station 4412.

[0185] The telecommunications network 4410 is itself connected to a host computer 4430, which may be embodied in hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server farm. The host computer 4430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The connections 4421 and 4422 between the telecommunications network 4410 and the host computer 4430 may extend directly from the core network 4414 to the host computer 4430, or may go through any intermediate network 4420. The intermediate network 4420 may be one of a public network, a private network, or a hosted network, or a combination of two or more thereof, and the intermediate network 4420 may be a backbone network or the Internet, if any, and in particular the intermediate network 4420 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0186] The communication system of FIG. connection The OTT connection 4450 enables connectivity between the connected UEs 4491, 4492 and the host computer 4430. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 4450. The host computer 4430 and the connected UEs 4491, 4492 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 4450 using the access network 4411, the core network 4414, any intermediate networks 4420, and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 4450 is a network of participating communications that the OTT connection 4450 passes through. deviceThe base station 4412 may be transparent in the sense that it is unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 4412 does not need to be informed about the past routing of incoming downlink communications with data originating from the host computer 4430 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 4491. Similarly, the base station 4412 does not need to be aware of the future routing of outgoing uplink communications from the UE 4491 to the host computer 4430.

[0187] FIG. 15 illustrates a diagram of a user through a base station over a partial wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments. Device indicates a host computer that communicates with

[0188] Referring now to FIG. 15, an exemplary embodiment of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the previous paragraph is illustrated. implementation In the communication system 4500, a host computer 4510 communicates with another communication deviceThe host computer 4510 further comprises a processing circuit 4518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit 4518 may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer 4510 further comprises software 4511 stored in or accessible by the host computer 4510 and executable by the processing circuit 4518. The software 4511 has a host application 4512. The host application 4512 may be operable to provide services to remote users, such as the UE 4530 connecting via the UE 4530 and an OTT connection 4550 terminating at the host computer 4510. In providing services to the remote users, the host application 4512 may provide user data to be transmitted using the OTT connection 4550.

[0189] The communication system 4500 further includes a base station 4520 provided within the communication system and equipped with hardware 4525 enabling communication with the host computer 4510 and the UE 4530. The hardware 4525 may be used to communicate with other communication systems of the communication system 4500. device15 )。 The base station 4520 may have a communication interface 4526 for setting up and maintaining wired or wireless connections with other interfaces, and a wireless interface 4527 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 4570 with UEs 4530 located in a coverage area (not shown in FIG. 15 ) served by the base station 4520. The communication interface 4526 may be configured to facilitate a connection 4560 to the host computer 4510. The connection 4560 may be direct, may pass through a core network of the communication system (not shown in FIG. 15 ) and / or may pass through one or more intermediate networks external to the communication system. According to the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 4525 of the base station 4520 further includes processing circuitry 4528, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Additionally, the base station 4520 includes software 4521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0190] The communication system 4500 further includes the already referenced UE 4530, whose hardware 4535 may include a wireless interface 4537 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 4570 with a base station serving the coverage area in which the UE 4530 is currently located. The hardware 4535 of the UE 4530 may include one or more programmable processors, application specific memory, and / or a combination of a plurality of memory modules. collectionThe UE 4530 further comprises a processing circuit 4538 which may comprise integrated circuitry, a field programmable gate array, or a combination thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 4530 further comprises software 4531 stored in or accessible by the UE 4530 and executable by the processing circuit 4538. The software 4531 comprises a client application 4532. The client application 4532 is operable to provide services to a human or non-human user via the UE 4530 with support from the host computer 4510. In the host computer 4510, the running host application 4512 may communicate with the running client application 4532 via an OTT connection 4550 terminating at the UE 4530 and the host computer 4510. In providing services to the user, the client application 4532 may receive request data from the host application 4512 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 4550 may transfer both request data and user data. The client application 4532 may interact with a user to generate user data provided by the user.

[0191] It should be noted that the host computer 4510, base station 4520, and UE 4530 shown in Figure 15 may be similar or identical to the host computer 4430, one of the base stations 4412a, 4412b, 4412c, and one of the UEs 4491, 4492 of Figure 14, respectively. That is, the internal operation of these entities may be as shown in Figure 15 or may be independent therefrom, and the surrounding network topology may be that of Figure 14.

[0192] 15, the OTT connection 4550 is depicted abstractly, without explicit reference to any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages through these devices, to illustrate communication between the host computer 4510 and the UE 4530 via the base station 4520. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, which may be configured to be hidden from the UE 4530, or from the service provider operating host computer 4510, or both. While the OTT connection 4550 is active, the network infrastructure may further decide to dynamically change the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or network reconfiguration).

[0193] The wireless connection 4570 between the UE 4530 and the base station 4520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. connection OTT with 4570 forming the last segment connection 4550 may be used to improve the performance of the OTT service provided to the UE 4530. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve random access speed and / or reduce random access failure rates, thereby providing advantages such as faster and / or more reliable random access.

[0194] Measurement procedures may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors that may be improved by one or more embodiments. Additionally, there may be optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 4550 between the host computer 4510 and the UE 4530 in response to variances in the measurement results. The measurement procedures and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 4550 may be implemented in the software 4511 and hardware 4515 of the host computer 4510, or in the software 4531 and hardware 4535 of the UE 4530, or in both. According to an embodiment, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 4550 passes, and the sensors may monitor the measurement procedures by providing values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or by providing values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 4511, 4531 can compute or estimate the monitored quantities. order Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 4550 may involve reconfiguration of message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc., and the reconfiguration need not affect the base station 4520 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 4520. Such procedures and functionality may be those known and practiced in the art. According to an embodiment, the measurements may have unique UE signaling that facilitates measurements of the host computer 4510 throughput, propagation time, delay, etc. The measurements may be performed by having the software 4511 and 4531 send messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, using the OTT connection 4550 while monitoring propagation times, errors, etc.

[0195] FIG. 16 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0196] 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and UE, etc. As described in relation to Figs. 14 and 15 thing 16. To simplify the disclosure, only the drawings that refer to FIG. 16 are included in this section. In step 4610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 4611 of step 4610, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 4620, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. In step 4630 (which may be optional), the base station transmits the user data carried in the host computer initiated transmission to the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 4640 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0197] FIG. 17 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0198] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE as described in connection with FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. To simplify the disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 17 are included in this section. In step 4710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 4720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmitted signal may be passed through the base station according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 4730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried by the transmitted signal.

[0199] FIG. 18 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0200] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE as described in connection with FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. To simplify the disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 18 are included in this section. In step 4810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 4820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 4821 (which may be optional) of step 4820, the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 4811 (which may be optional) of step 4810, the UE executes a client application that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the executed client application may further take into account user input received from a user. Regardless of the particular manner in which the user data is provided, the UE initiates transmission of the user data to the host computer in sub-step 4830 (which may be optional). In step 4840 of the method, the host computer receives user data transmitted from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0201] FIG. 19 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0202] FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE as described in connection with FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. To simplify this disclosure, only the figures that refer to FIG. 19 are included in this section. In step 4910 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 4920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 4930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0203] Any suitable step, method, feature, function, or benefit disclosed in this disclosure may be performed via one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may comprise several of these functional units. These functional units include processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as digital signal The processing circuitry may be implemented via other digital hardware, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a cache memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, and the like. The program code stored in the memory has program instructions for executing one or more communication and / or data communication protocols, as well as instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described in this disclosure. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional units to perform functions corresponding to the respective functional units in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0204] The term unit may have its conventional meaning in the field of electronic equipment, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices, and may have, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing respective tasks, procedures, calculations, output and / or display functions, etc., as described in this disclosure.

[0205] Abbreviation

[0206] In this disclosure, at least some of the following abbreviations may be used. In case of discrepancies between the abbreviations, how it is used above shall prevail. If listed multiple times below, the first listing shall prevail over any subsequent listings. 3GPP (registered trademark): 3 Generation Partnership Project 4G: Fourth generation 5G: Fifth generation AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function AP: Access Point APN: Access Point Name ASIC: Application specific collection product circuit ATM: Asynchronous Transfer Mode BS: Base station BSC: Base Station Controller BTS: Base Transceiver Station CD: Compact Disc CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access COTS: Commercial Off-The-Shelf CPE: Customer Premises Equipment CPU: Central Processing Unit D2D: Device to Device DAS: Distributed Antenna System DDNMF: Direct Discovery Name Management Function DIMM: Dual In-line Memory Module DL: Downlink DPF: Direct Provisioning Function DSP: Digital Signal Processor DVD: Digital Video Disc EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory eMTC: Enhanced Machine Type Communication EPC: Evolved Packet Core EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory E-SMLC: Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center eNB: E-UTRAN Node B E-SMLC: Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center E-UTRA: Evolved UTRA E-UTRAN: Evolved UTRAN FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array gNB: NR base station GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications GW: Gateway HDDS: Holographic Digital Data Storage HD-DVD: High-density digital versatile disc HPLMN: Home Public Land Mobile Network HSS: Home Subscriber Service ID: Identifier IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IoT: Internet of Things IP: Internet Protocol LEE: Laptop Embedded Devices LME: Laptop Mounted Equipment LOS: Line of Sight LTE: Long Term Evolution M2M: Machine to Machine MANO: Management and Orchestration MCE: Multicast Coordination Entity MDT: Minimizing Drive Testing MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output MME: Mobility Management Entity MSC: Mobile Switching Center MSR: Multi-Standard Radio MTC: Machine Type Communication NB-IoT: Narrowband Internet of Things NFV: Network Functions Virtualization NIC: Network Interface Controller NR: New Radio OSS: Operational Support System OTT: Over the Top O&M: Operation and Maintenance PCF: Policy control function PDA: Personal Digital Assistant PDN: Packet Data Network PDUID: Proximity Service Discovery User Device identifier PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network PROM: Programmable Read-Only Memory ProSe: Proximity Service PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network RAID: Redundant Array of Independent Disks RAM: Random Access Memory RAN: Radio Access Network RAT: Radio Access Technology RF: Radio Frequency RNC: Radio Network Controller ROM: Read-Only Memory RPAUID: Restricted Proximity Service Application User knowledge Besshi RRC: Radio Resource Control RRH: remote Radio Head RRM: Radio Resource Management RRU: Remote Radio Unit RUIM: Removable Users knowledge Besshi SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory SIM: Subscriber Identity Module SLP: Service Location Protocol SMF: Session Management Facility SoC: System on Chip SON: Self-optimizing Networks SONET: Synchronous Optical Networking SUPI: Subscription Persistent Identifier TCP: Transmission Control Protocol TS: Technical Specifications UE: User Equipment UL: Uplink UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System USB: Universal Serial Bus UTRA: Universal Terrestrial Radio Access UTRAN: Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network V2I: Vehicles and Infrastructure between V2V: Vehicle-to-vehicle distance V2X: Vehicle to Everything VMM: Virtual Machine Monitor VNE: Virtual Network Element VoIP: Voice over IP VPLMN: Visited Public Land Mobile Network WAN: Wide Area Network WCDMA(registered trademark): Wideband CDMA WD: Wireless Devices WiMax: Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access WLAN: Wide Local Area Network

[0207] Additional definitions of embodiments are described below.

[0208] invention In the above description of various embodiments of the concept, the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only. invention It is to be understood that no limiting concepts are intended. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this disclosure are intended to be understood as meaning the same as, or similar to, the terminology used herein. invention The term has the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the concept belongs. Furthermore, it will be understood that terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of this disclosure and the related art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this disclosure.

[0209] When an element is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," "responsive" to another element, or variations thereof, it may be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly coupled," "directly responsive," or variations thereof, there are no intervening elements. The same reference numbers refer to the same elements throughout. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, "coupled," "connected," "responsive," or variations thereof may include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used in this disclosure, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Well-known features or configurations may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. The term "and / or" (abbreviated as " / ") includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0210] It will be understood that terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used in this disclosure to describe various elements / operations, but these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element / operation from another. Thus, the first element / operation in some embodiments may be the invention It may be referred to as a second element / act in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of the concept. Same reference numbers or identical reference characters refer to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0211] As used in this disclosure, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "comprises," "include," "including," "includes," "have," "having," "has," or variations thereof, are open-ended and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components, or functions, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof. Additionally, as used in this disclosure, the general abbreviation "exempli," derived from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," refers to general examples or examples of the items previously mentioned. multiple It may be used to introduce or designate examples and is not intended to limit such items. The common abbreviation "i.e.," derived from the Latin phrase "id est," may be used to designate a particular item from a more general enumeration.

[0212] Exemplary embodiments are described in this disclosure with reference to block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and / or devices), and / or computer program products. It will be understood that blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions executed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions can be provided to general-purpose computer circuits, special-purpose computer circuits, and / or processor circuits of other programmable data processing circuits to generate machines such that the instructions, translation and control transistors, values ​​stored in memory locations, and other hardware components in such circuits execute via the processor of the computer and / or other programmable data processing apparatus to implement the functions / operations specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks or blocks, thereby creating means (functions) and / or structures for implementing the functions / operations specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks.

[0213] These computer program instructions may also be stored on a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions that implement the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowcharts. Thus, invention Embodiments of the concepts may be implemented in hardware and / or software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) running on a processor, such as a digital signal processor, which may be collectively referred to as "circuits," "modules," or variations thereof.

[0214] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit (such as a first network function and / or a second network function), cause the processing circuit to perform at least a portion of the method described in the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions executable by a processing circuit (such as a first network function and / or a second network function) to cause the processing circuit to perform at least a portion of the method described in the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided comprising a carrier comprising instructions for causing a processing circuit (such as a first network function and / or a second network function) to perform at least a portion of the method described in the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, the carrier may be any one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0215] It should also be noted that, according to some alternative embodiments, the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur in an order different from that noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions / acts involved. Furthermore, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks, and / or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, invention Other blocks may be added / inserted between the illustrated blocks and / or blocks / operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of the concepts. Additionally, while some of the figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate a primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in a direction opposite to that of the depicted arrow.

[0216] inventionMany variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing substantially from the principles of the concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be construed as falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. invention It is intended that the subject matter disclosed above be considered as illustrative and not limiting, and example embodiments include, but are not limited to, any of the above-described embodiments. invention It is intended to encompass all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the concept. invention The scope of the concepts should be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure, including the example embodiments and their equivalents, to the maximum extent permitted by law, and should not be limited or constrained by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. 1. A method of operating a Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) in a communications network, the method comprising: Initiating (102) sending first information towards a Policy Control Function (PCF), where the first information comprises a Proximity Service Discovery User Equipment Identifier (PDUID) change notification and a Subscription Persistent Identifier (SUPI) for a User Equipment (UE), the PDUID change notification indicating that the DDNMF is subscribed to receiving notification of a change in a PDUID assigned to the UE from the PCF, and the PDUID change notification being an event identifier for the notification of the change in the PDUID for the UE; receiving at least one updated PDU ID for the UE from the PCF (104); The method according to claim 1,

2. 2. The method of claim 1 , Initiating transmission of the first information includes initiating transmission of a first service operation request, the first service operation request including the first information; The method, wherein the first service operation request is an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Subscribe request or an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, receiving the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE from the PCF in response to the at least one updated PDU ID being generated by the PCF for the UE.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving from the PCF the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE along with an indication that the notification of the change of the PDU ID for the UE at the PCF has been satisfied.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: initiating transmission of second information towards the PCF, the second information indicating that the DDNMF should be unsubscribed from receiving the notification; Initiating transmission of the second information includes initiating transmission of a second service operation request, the second service operation request including the second information; The second service operation request is an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Unsubscribe request, or A method that is an Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe request.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: and / or wherein the transmission of the first information is initiated in response to receiving a discovery request from the UE, the discovery request being a request for a restricted discovery code; and / or The method is initiated in response to the DDNMF not having a UE context for the UE.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE along with an expiration timer associated with the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE.

8. 1. A method of operating a Policy Control Function (PCF) in a communications network, the method comprising: and subscribing (202) the DDNMF to receiving from the PCF notification of a change in a proximity service discovery user equipment identifier (PDUID) for a user equipment (UE) in response to receiving first information from a DDNMF (Direct Discovery Name Management Function), where the first information comprises a PDUID change notification and a Subscription Persistence Identifier (SUPI) for the user equipment (UE), the PDUID change notification indicating that the DDNMF is subscribed to receiving notifications, the PDUID change notification being an event identifier for the notification of the change in the PDUID assigned for the UE; Initiating transmission of at least one updated PDU ID for the UE towards the DDNMF (204); The method comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, Receiving the first information includes receiving a first service operation request, the first service operation request including the first information; The first service operation request is an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Subscribe request, or A method that is an Npcf_EventExposure_Subscribe request.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising: determining whether the notification of the change of the PDU ID for the UE has been satisfied; generating the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE in response to the notification of the change of the PDU ID for the UE being satisfied; 4. The method of claim 3, wherein transmission of the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE is initiated in response to the PCF generating the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE.

11. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, Initiating (204) the transmission of at least one updated PDU ID for the UE towards the DDNMF comprises: determining whether the notification of the change of the PDU ID for the UE has been satisfied; In response to the notification of the change of the PDU ID for the UE being satisfied, initiating transmission of the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE along with an indication that the notification of the change of the PDU ID for the UE has been satisfied.

12. 12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising unsubscribing the DDNMF from receiving the notifications in response to receiving second information from the DDNMF, the second information indicating that the DDNMF should be unsubscribed from receiving the notifications; receiving the second information includes receiving a second service operation request, the second service operation request including the second information; The second service operation request includes: Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Unsubscribe request, or A method that is an Npcf_EventExposure_Unsubscribe request.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, The first information is received in response to a discovery request from the UE, where the discovery request is a request for a restricted discovery code; and / or The method, wherein the DDNMF is received in response to not having a UE context for the UE.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, comprising the steps of: initiating transmission of the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE along with an expiration timer associated with the at least one updated PDU ID for the UE.

15. 1. A method implemented by a system, the method comprising: A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, The method comprising:

16. A Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) (400), comprising a processing circuit (403) configured to operate according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. 17. The DDNMF (400) of claim 16, The DDNMF (400) is A DDNMF having at least one memory (405) for storing instructions which, when executed by said processing circuitry (403), cause said DDNMF to operate as in the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A Policy Control Function (500), comprising a processing circuit (503) configured to operate according to the method of any one of claims 8 to 14.

19. 20. The PCF (500) of claim 18, The PCF (500) is A PCF having at least one memory (505) for storing instructions which, when executed by said processing circuitry (503), cause said PCF (500) to operate according to the method of any one of claims 8 to 14.

20. 1. A system comprising: At least one DDNMF (400) according to claim 16 or 17, At least one PCF (500) according to claim 18 or 19, The system has:

21. A computer program causing a processing circuit to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

22. A computer program causing a processing circuit to carry out the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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