Providing communication for a mobile communication device using a central unit node and distributed unit nodes

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment a method may be provided to operate a central unit, CN, node that is coupled with first and second distributed unit, DU, nodes. Communication is provided (1501) between the CU node and a mobile communication device through the first DU node over a first radio link between the first DU node and the mobile communication device. A message is received (1503) at the CU node from the first DU node informing the CU node that the radio link is temporarily unavailable. Responsive to receiving the message, communication between the CU node and the mobile communication device through the first DU node is suspended (1505), wherein configuration of the first DU node to serve the mobile communication device using the first radio link is maintained while suspending communication between the CU node and the mobile communication device through the first DU node. While suspending communication between the CU node and the mobile communication device through the first DU node, communication may be provided (1507) between the CU node and the mobile communication device through the second DU node over a second radio link between the second DU node and the mobile communication device.