Method, apparatus and computer program

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various example embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, system and computer program, and in particular - but not exclusively -to configuring a relay access node.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0006] Such communication networks operate in accordance with standards, such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards promulgated by 3GPP include the so-called 3GPP standards for cellular technology generations, such as 3GPP standards for 4G technology and 3GPP standards for 5G technology.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] Some example embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various example embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. For example, it should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the various aspects described below.

[0009] According to an aspect, there is provided a relay access node comprising means for: sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node. The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to a first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment is registered with the first access and mobility management function; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0010] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different to the first access and mobility management function; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0011] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a non-user equipment associated message; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a further non-user equipment associated message.

[0012] The parameter information may comprise, for each of the one or more cells, at least one of: an identifier of the cell; an operating frequency the cell; an allowed public land mobile network and / or standalone non-public network list of the cell; a tracking area code of the cell; or a network slice associated with the cell.

[0013] The means may be further for: determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implementing the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0014] Determining the updated configuration may comprise: receiving, from the access and mobility management function, the updated configuration; or receiving, from the relay user equipment, location information associated with the relay user equipment, and selecting an updated configuration from a list of preconfigured configurations for the relay access node.

[0015] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0016] The relay access node may be a g-Node B. According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for an access and mobility management function configured to perform: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; determining, based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node , a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay user equipment or the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0017] The receiving may comprise receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node via the relay user equipment with which the relay access node is associated; the sending may comprise sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0018] The receiving may comprise receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node; the sending may comprise sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different to the second access and mobility management function.

[0019] Determining the configuration for the relay access node may be further based on further cell parameter information associated with a second access node to which the relay user equipment is attached and / or one or more further neighbor access nodes, and wherein the determined configuration may minimize interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or at least one of the one or more further access nodes.

[0020] The determining may comprise: obtaining, from an operations, administration and management function or a spectrum access system, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining, from a unified data management function, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node. The determining may comprise: obtaining, from a policy control function, policy information associated with the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0021] The means may be for an access and mobility management function further configured to perform: determining a change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; in response to determining the change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration.

[0022] Determining the change in location of the relay user equipment may comprise at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0023] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0024] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0025] According to an aspect there is provided a relay user equipment comprising means for: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; creating a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and sending, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message.

[0026] The means may be further for: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0027] The means may be further for: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration for the relay access node. The means may be further for: sending, to the relay access node, location information associated with the relay user equipment, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in location of the relay user equipment.

[0028] Determining the change in location of the relay user equipment may comprise at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

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

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

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

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

[0033] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay access node to: send the cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different to the first access and mobility management function; and the receive the configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function. The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay access node to: send the cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a non-user equipment associated message; and receive the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a further non-user equipment associated message.

[0034] The parameter information may comprise, for each of the one or more cells, at least one of: an identifier of the cell; an operating frequency the cell; an allowed public land mobile network and / or standalone non-public network list of the cell; a tracking area code of the cell; or a network slice associated with the cell.

[0035] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay access node to: determine an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implement the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0036] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay access node to: receive, from the access and mobility management function, the updated configuration; or receive, from the relay user equipment, location information associated with the relay user equipment, and select an updated configuration from a list of preconfigured configurations for the relay access node.

[0037] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0038] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0039] According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an access and mobility management function at least to: receive, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; determine, based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node, a configuration for the relay access node; and send, to the relay user equipment or the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0040] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to: receive the cell parameter information from the relay access node via the relay user equipment with which the relay access node is associated; send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0041] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to: receive the cell parameter information from the relay access node; send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different to the second access and mobility management function.

[0042] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to determinrthe configuration for the relay access node further based on further cell parameter information associated with a second access node to which the relay user equipment is attached and / or one or more further neighbor access nodes, and wherein the determined configuration may minimize interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or at least one of the one or more further access nodes.

[0043] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to: obtain, from an operations, administration and management function or a spectrum access system, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; and determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtain, from a unified data management function, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; and determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node.

[0044] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to: obtain, from a policy control function, policy information associated with the relay access node; and determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0045] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to: determine a change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; in response to determining the change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determine an updated configuration for the relay access node; and send, to the relay access node, the updated configuration.

[0046] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the access and mobility management function to determine the change in location of the relay user equipment based on at least one of: a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0047] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0048] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0049] According to an aspect, there is provided a relay user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay user equipment at least to: receive, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; create a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and send, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message.

[0050] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay user equipment to: receive, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, a configuration for the relay access node; and send, to the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0051] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay user equipment to: receive, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, an updated configuration for the relay access node; and send, to the relay access node, the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0052] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay user equipment to: send, to the relay access node, location information associated with the relay user equipment, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in location of the relay user equipment. The at least one processor may be configured to cause the relay user equipment to determine at least one of: a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0053] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0054] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0055] According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a relay access node, the method comprising: sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0056] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to a first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment is registered with the first access and mobility management function; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0057] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different to the first access and mobility management function; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0058] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a non-user equipment associated message; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a further non-user equipment associated message.

[0059] The parameter information may comprise, for each of the one or more cells, at least one of: an identifier of the cell; an operating frequency the cell; an allowed public land mobile network and / or standalone non-public network list of the cell; a tracking area code of the cell; or a network slice associated with the cell.

[0060] The method may further comprise: determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implementing the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0061] Determining the updated configuration may comprise: receiving, from the access and mobility management function, the updated configuration; or receiving, from the relay user equipment, location information associated with the relay user equipment, and selecting an updated configuration from a list of preconfigured configurations for the relay access node.

[0062] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0063] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0064] According to an aspect there is provided a method performed by an access and mobility management function, the method comprising: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; determining, based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node , a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay user equipment or the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0065] The receiving may comprise receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node via the relay user equipment with which the relay access node is associated; the sending may comprise sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0066] The receiving may comprise receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node; the sending may comprise sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different to the second access and mobility management function. Determining the configuration for the relay access node may be further based on further cell parameter information associated with a second access node to which the relay user equipment is attached and / or one or more further neighbor access nodes, and wherein the determined configuration may minimize interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or at least one of the one or more further access nodes.

[0067] The determining may comprise: obtaining, from an operations, administration and management function or a spectrum access system, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining, from a unified data management function, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

[0068] The determining may comprise: obtaining, from a policy control function, policy information associated with the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0069] The method may further comprise: determining a change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; in response to determining the change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration.

[0070] Determining the change in location of the relay user equipment may comprise at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0071] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0072] The relay access node may be a g-Node B. According to an aspect there is provided a method performed by a relay user equipment, the method comprising: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; creating a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and sending, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message.

[0073] The method may further comprise: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0074] The method may further comprise: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0075] The method may further comprise: sending, to the relay access node, location information associated with the relay user equipment, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in location of the relay user equipment.

[0076] Determining the change in location of the relay user equipment may comprise at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0077] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0078] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0079] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a relay access node, cause the relay access node to perform at least the following: sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0080] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to a first access and mobility management function via an associated relay user equipment, wherein the relay user equipment is registered with the first access and mobility management function; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment.

[0081] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the second access and mobility management function is different to the first access and mobility management function; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the second access and mobility management function.

[0082] The sending may comprise sending the cell parameter information to the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a non-user equipment associated message; and the receiving may comprise receiving the configuration for the relay access node from the first access and mobility management function via the relay user equipment in a further non-user equipment associated message.

[0083] The parameter information may comprise, for each of the one or more cells, at least one of: an identifier of the cell; an operating frequency the cell; an allowed public land mobile network and / or standalone non-public network list of the cell; a tracking area code of the cell; or a network slice associated with the cell.

[0084] The instructions, when executed by the relay access node, may cause the relay access node to further perform: determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implementing the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0085] Determining the updated configuration may comprise: receiving, from the access and mobility management function, the updated configuration; or receiving, from the relay user equipment, location information associated with the relay user equipment, and selecting an updated configuration from a list of preconfigured configurations for the relay access node.

[0086] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment. The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0087] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; determining, based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node , a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay user equipment or the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

[0088] The receiving may comprise receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node via the relay user equipment with which the relay access node is associated; the sending may comprise sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node via the relay user equipment; and the access and mobility management function may be a first access and mobility management function to which the relay user equipment is associated.

[0089] The receiving may comprise receiving the cell parameter information from the relay access node; the sending may comprise sending the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node; and the access and mobility management function may be a second access and mobility management function to which the relay access node is associated, wherein the first access and mobility management function is different to the second access and mobility management function.

[0090] Determining the configuration for the relay access node may be further based on further cell parameter information associated with a second access node to which the relay user equipment is attached and / or one or more further neighbor access nodes, and wherein the determined configuration may minimize interference between the relay access node and the second access node and / or at least one of the one or more further access nodes.

[0091] The determining may comprise: obtaining, from an operations, administration and management function or a spectrum access system, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining, from a unified data management function, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

[0092] The determining may comprise: obtaining, from a policy control function, policy information associated with the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0093] The instructions, when executed by the apparatus, may cause the apparatus to further perform: determining a change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; in response to determining the change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration.

[0094] Determining the change in location of the relay user equipment may comprise at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0095] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0096] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0097] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a relay user equipment, cause the relay user equipment to perform at least the following: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; creating a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and sending, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message.

[0098] The instructions, when executed by the relay user equipment, may cause the relay user equipment to further perform: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node. The instructions, when executed by the relay user equipment, may cause the relay user equipment to further perform: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration for the relay access node.

[0099] The instructions, when executed by the relay user equipment, may cause the relay user equipment to further perform: sending, to the relay access node, location information associated with the relay user equipment, wherein the location information may be sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in location of the relay user equipment.

[0100] Determining the change in location of the relay user equipment may comprise at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

[0101] The relay access node may be a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment may be a vehicle mounted user equipment.

[0102] The relay access node may be a g-Node B.

[0103] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0104] In the above, many different aspects have been described. As previously noted, it should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above. Other features, aspects, and elements will become apparent in view of the following.

[0105] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0106] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a 5thgeneration communication system; FIG. 2 shows a representation of an apparatus for the communication system of FIG. 1 according to some example embodiments;

[0108] FIG. 3 shows a representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments;

[0109] FIG. 4 shows an example backhaul connection between a UE and 5GC;

[0110] FIG. 5 shows a methods according to some examples;

[0111] FIGs. 6 and 7 show example signalling procedures for configuring the relay access node;

[0112] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media according to some examples; and

[0113] FIG. 9 shows an example VMR-based architecture according to some examples.

[0114] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] In the following, various example embodiments of this disclosure are explained with reference to communication devices capable of communication with a communication system. Before explaining in detail the various example embodiments of this disclosure, a 5thgeneration communication system (5GS), an access network and a core network (5GC) thereof, and communication devices are briefly explained with reference to FIG. 1 , 2 and 3.

[0116] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system (5GS). The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE) or Terminal 100, an access network, such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) 101 or next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network 102, and one or more application functions 103. An application function 103 may be deployed in the 5GS as trusted application function or may be deployed or host on one or more application servers of the data network (DN) 104. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects the UE to a data network the access network and the 5GC 102 (e.g., a UPF of the 5GC).

[0117] The 5G-RAN 101 may comprise one or more radio access nodes, such as a gNodeB (gNB). A gNB may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed units (DUs) connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized units (CUs).

[0118] The 5GC may comprise the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function (NEF) 105; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (U DM) 106; Application Function (AF) 103; Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 107; an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 108; Session Management Function (SMF) 109; and a user plane function (UPF) 110. FIG. 1 also shows the various interfaces (N1 , N2 etc.) that may be implemented between the various elements of the system.

[0119] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling a function of the access network (e g., a 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN illustrated in FIG. 1) of FIG. 1. The control apparatus 200 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 211 b, at least one processor 212, 213 and a network interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211 b. The at least one processor212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. Execution of the software code 215 may, for example, may cause the apparatus to perform operations for controlling a function of the access network. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211 b. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 for controlling another function of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN. In some example embodiments, each function of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN is deployed or hosted on a control apparatus 200. In alternative example embodiments, two or more functions of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN may share a control apparatus.

[0120] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a communication device 300, such as the UE of FIG. 1. The communication device 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a communication device 300 comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device, such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) type communication device or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device 300 may comprise a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving, for example, wireless signals carrying communications, for example radio signals. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia data, machine data and so on.

[0121] The communication device 300 may receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit wireless signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In FIG. 3 transceiver is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver 306 may comprise, for example, a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device and may comprise one or more antenna elements. The antenna arrangement may be a multi-input multi output (MIMO) antenna. The communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access networks (e.g., the 5G-RAN or NG-RAN illustrated in FIG. 1) and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow to perform one or more operations of the communication device. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0122] The processor, the ROM, and the RAM, the transceiver and other circuitry of the communication device (e.g., a modem) can be provided on a circuit board, in chipsets, or in a system on chip. The circuit board, chipsets or system on chip is denoted by reference 304. The communication device 300 may optionally have a user interface, such as keypad 305, a touch sensitive screen or a pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of communication device.

[0123] In some examples, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) architecture may be utilised to increase the coverage area of a communications network. The IAB architecture may comprise an lAB-donor gNB and one or more IAB nodes, to which a UE may connect.

[0124] An IAB node may comprise an IAB-DU (which may perform similar functions to a gNB-DU) and an IAB-MT. As shown in FIG. 4, a backhaul connection between a UE and the 5GC may be implemented using one or more IAB nodes, where in an “upstream” direction (that is, towards the 5GC) the IAM-MT component of an IAB node connects the IAB node to an IAB- DU component of one or more upstream nodes, and in a “downstream” direction (that is, towards the UE) the IAB-DU component of the IAB node connects the IAB node to an IAB-MT component of one or more downstream nodes. The upstream nodes may be referred to as parent nodes and the downstream nodes may be referred to as child nodes.

[0125] As is shown in FIG. 4, a UE may establish a connection with the IAB node via a NR Uu interface between the UE and the IAB-DU component of the IAB node. The IAB node may establish a connection with a so-called lAB-donor gNB via an F1 interface between the IAB- DU and IAB-CU of the lAB-donor gNB. The F1 interface may be utilised for control plane traffic, for example for configuring the IAB node. The IAB node may also establish a connection with the lAB-donor gNB via an NR Uu interface between the IAB-MT of the I AB node and the lAB-donor DU of the lAB-donor gNB. The NR Uu interface may be utilised for user plane traffic between the 5GB and the UE.

[0126] In some examples, there may be one or more further IAB nodes in the upstream direction between the IAB node and the lAB-donor gNB. The IAB node may establish a connection with one of the further IAB nodes via a Nr UU interface between the IAB-MT of the IAB node and the IAB-DU of the further IAB node. The further IAB node may similarly establish a connection to the lAB-donor gNB. The lAB-donor gNB may establish a connection with the 5GB via a NG interface (e.g., N2, N3 interfaces as depicted in FIG. 1). Thus, the UE and 5GC may exchange user plane traffic via the NR Uu interfaces between lAB-donor gNB and IAB node(s).

[0127] Some more recent developments in IAB architectures have introduced mobile base station relays (MBSRs). While IAB nodes are static MBSR nodes can be mobile. A mobile base station acts as a relay between a UE and the 5G network, providing a NR access link to UEs and connected wirelessly (using NR) through an lAB-donor gNB to the 5G Core. A MBSR may be mounted on a moving vehicle and may serve Ues that can be located inside or outside the vehicle (or entering / leaving the vehicle). An example of an MBSR is a vehicle mounted relay (VMR).

[0128] FIG. 9 shows an example VMR-based architecture according to some examples. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in some architectures, a VMR node comprises a VMR-UE which is co-located with a VMR-gNB - that is to say the VMR node comprises a full access node (gNB), i.e. , both CU and DU comonents and not like the only the DU component of the access node (as is the case for IAB nodes described previously). As shown in FIG. 9, the VMR-gNB may establish the NG (e.g., N2 and N3) interface connections with the 5GC without the implementing an lAB-donor gNB. The VMR-UE may be a UE which can become a VMR-UE, for example depending on some subscription such as in certain locations and at certain time periods. If not acting as a VMR-UE, the UE may behave a normal UE; and when the UE is acting as VMR-UE, the VMR- gNB may activate and get prepare to serve one or more remote Ues. Unlike the IAB architecture, the VMR-gNB may use PDU session of VMR-UE to carry control and user plane data from remote Ues connected to the VMR-gNB. For example, a remote UE connected to the VMR-gNB may send control plane data to the VMR-gNB. The VMR-gNB may send the control plane data to the VMR-UE associated with the VMR-gNB. The VMR-UE may send the control plane data (transparently) to the 5GC (e.g., to the UPF) via the VMR-UE’s PDU session. While architectures utilising a VMR-gNB and VMR-UE as described above may simplify network deployments in some cases, there may be problems associated with such architectures.

[0129] For example, it is possible that the AMF serving the VMR-UE and the second AMF may be same or different. The VMR-UE and VMR-gNB may also belong to the same or different PLMNs. Therefore, the tracking area code (TAG) of VMR-UE and the TAG of the VMR-gNB (and therefore the TAG of the remote Ues served by the VMR-gNB) may be different.

[0130] Furthermore, when the VMR is mounted on a mobile vehicle, the TA / cell / gNB serving the VMR-UE may change as the vehicle moves. As the VMR-gNB is co-located with the VMR-UE, the TA of the VMR-gNB (and TA of the remote Ues connected to the VMR-gNB) may also change. Accordingly, configuration parameters, such as cell IDs, operating frequencies, etc., for the VMR-UE and VMR-gNB may also change. This can lead to the VMR-gNB causing and experiencing interference when it moves into the coverage area of another gNB (which may be another VMR-gNB or a static gNB). Furthermore, the VMR-gNB is to determine its configuration in order to properly operate - e.g., the VMR-gNB is to identify what TAG it is to broadcast, what network slice it is to support, etc.

[0131] There is, therefore, a benefit to configure and dynamically update cell configuration parameters (e.g., operating frequency, bandwidth etc. of the VMR-gNB) to avoid or minimize interference, and to update the TAC of the VMR-gNB as it moves. There is also a benefit to handle TAC (de)synchronization and dynamically update TA between the VMR-UE and VMR- gNB.

[0132] Some examples may address one or more of these problems.

[0133] Reference is made to FIG. 5, which shows methods according to some examples.

[0134] At 500, a method comprises sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of a relay access node. At 502 the method comprises receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information. At 504, the method comprises implementing the received configuration for the relay access node. The method of steps 500-504 may be performed by the relay access node. At 506, a method comprises receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node. At 508, the method comprises determining, based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node, a configuration for the relay access node. At 510, the method comprises sending, to the relay user equipment or the relay access node , the configuration for the relay access node. The method of steps 506-510 may be performed by an AMF.

[0135] At 512, a method comprises receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node. At 514, the method comprises creating a non- access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node. At 516, the method comprises sending, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message. The method of steps 512-516 may be performed by a relay user equipment.

[0136] In some examples the relay access node may be an MBSR (Mobile Base Station Relay) gNB, VMR (Vehicle Mounted Relay) gNB, or a MWAB (Mobile Wireless Access Backhaul) gNB node. Similarly, in the examples, the relay Uea may be MBSR UE, VMR UE, or a MWAB UE.

[0137] In some examples, an AMF may determine the configuration of the relay access node based on cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node and location information associated with a relay UE that is associated with the relay access node. The AMF may be an AMF associated with a static access node serving the relay UE (which may be referred to as a first AMF herein) or may be an AMF associated with the relay access node and which is different to the first AMF (which may be referred to as a second AMF herein). The relay UE may be registered with the first AMF. The relay UE may be a VMR-UE. The relay access node may be a VMR-gNB. The static access node serving the relay UE may be a gNB.

[0138] In some examples, the relay access node may send, to the relay UE, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node. The relay UE may then send the cell parameter information to the first AMF via the static access node. For example, the relay UE may create a non-access stratum (NAS) layer message comprising the cell parameter information and send that NAS message to the first AMF via the static access node. The NAS layer message may comprise an indication that the NAS layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node. The first AMF may then determine a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with the relay UE. The first AMF may then send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay UE via the static access node, and the relay UE may in turn send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0139] In some examples, the relay access node may send, to the second AMF, cell parameter information for one or more cells provided by the relay access node. The second AMF may then determine a configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with the relay UE. The second AMF may then send the configuration for the relay access node to the relay access node.

[0140] In some examples, the cell parameter information may comprise, for each cell, at least one of:

[0141] • an identifier of the cell;

[0142] • an operating frequency of the cell;

[0143] • an allowed public land mobile network and / or standalone non-public network list of the cell;

[0144] • a tracking area codes of the cell; or

[0145] • a network slice(s) associated with the cell.

[0146] In some examples, the AMF determining the configuration for the relay access node (that is, either the first AMF or second AMF) may determine the configuration by obtaining one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from an operations, administration and management (OAM) function or a spectrum access system (SAS) in the respective AMF’s network; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information, the location information associated with the relay UE, and the one or more possible configurations.

[0147] In some examples, the AMF determining the configuration for the relay access node (that is, either the first AMF or second AMF) may determine the configuration by obtaining information indicating one or more possible configurations for a second access node (to which the relay UE is connected) from a UDM in the respective AMF’s network; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information, the location information associated with the relay UE, and the one or more possible configurations. In some examples, the AMF determining the configuration for the relay access node (that is, either the first AMF or second AMF) may determine the configuration by obtaining policy information associated with the second access node from a PCF in the respective AMF’s network (e.g., according to clause 4.16 of 3GPP TS 23.502); and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information, the location information associated with the relay UE, and the policy information associated with the second access node.

[0148] In some examples, the AMF determining the configuration for the relay access node (that is, either the first AMF or second AMF) may determine the configuration for the relay access node based on the cell parameter information (of the relay access node), the location information associated with the relay UE, and further based on further cell parameter information associated with one or more further access nodes (e.g., one or more further relay access nodes and / or one or more static access nodes). In some examples, the determined configuration may minimize interference between the relay access node and at least one of the one or more further access nodes.

[0149] In some examples, the location information associated with the relay UE may comprise at least one of:

[0150] • information identifying an access node serving the relay UE;

[0151] • positioning information (e.g., a GPS location) of the relay UE; or

[0152] • a TAG of the relay UE.

[0153] In some examples, the location information associated with the relay UE may be sent to the AMF determining the configuration for the relay access node from the relay UE (via the static access node) or from the static access node serving the relay UE. For example, the static access node may send the location information associated with the relay UE as part of user location information. In some examples, the relay UE and / or the static access node serving the relay UE may send the location information associated with the relay UE to the AMF periodically and / or in response to the location of the relay UE changing (e.g., due to a change in the location information associated with the relay UE).

[0154] In some examples, the configuration for the relay access node may be updated either periodically or in response to the location of the relay UE changing. In some examples, the relay access node may be configured with a list of possible configurations for the relay access node, where each possible configuration is associated with location information of the relay UE. The relay UE may determine location information associated with the relay UE (e.g., a GPS location of the relay UE), and may send the location information to the relay access node. The relay UE may send the location information to the relay access node periodically, or in response to determining that the location of the relay UE has changed. The relay access node may select a configuration from the list of possible configurations based on the location information. For example, the relay access node may select a first configuration when the location information associated with the relay UE indicates that the relay UE is in a first location, and the relay access node may select a second configuration when the location information associated with the relay UE indicates that the relay UE is in a second location.

[0155] In some examples, the AMF determining the configuration for the relay access node (that is, either the AMF serving the relay UE or the second AMF) may determine a change in location of the relay UE. For example, the AMF may receive location information associated with the relay UE as described above and determine the change in location of the relay UE based on the received location information. The AMF may then determine an updated configuration for the relay access node and send the updated configuration to the relay access node (when the AMF is the second AMF) or send the updated configuration to the relay UE for the relay UE to send to the relay access node (when the AMF is the first AMF).

[0156] In some examples, the AMF may determine a change in the location of the relay UE and / or the relay access node based on at least one of:

[0157] • determining that an access node serving the relay UE changes;

[0158] • determining that positioning information (e.g., a GPS location) of the relay UE changes; or

[0159] • determining that a TAC of the relay UE changes.

[0160] Reference is made to FIG. 6, which shows a signalling procedure for configuring the relay access node according to some examples. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the relay access node is configured by the first AMF.

[0161] At 600, the relay UE registers with the core network, and is registered with the first AMF. At 602, the relay access node sends, to the relay UE, the cell parameter information as described above.

[0162] At 604 the relay UE sends, to the first AMF, the cell parameter information.

[0163] In some examples, the relay UE may create a NAS layer message comprising the cell parameter information and send the created NAS layer message to the first AMF. The NAS layer message may comprise an indication that the NAS layer message relates to the configuration of the relay access node.

[0164] At 606, the first AMF determines the configuration for the relay access node as described previously. For example, as described above the first AMF may obtain information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from the OAM / SAS (606a) or from the UDM (606b) and determine the configuration based on the cell parameters and the possible configurations for the relay access node; or may obtain policy information associated with the relay access node from the PCF (606c) and determine the configuration based on the cell parameters and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0165] In some examples, the first AMF may store the configuration for the relay access node for future use.

[0166] At 608 the first AMF sends the determined configuration to the relay UE. In some examples, the first AMF may send the configuration to the relay UE in a further NAS layer message. The further NAS layer message may comprise an indication that the NAS layer message relates to the configuration of the relay access node.

[0167] At 610 the relay UE sends the configuration to the relay access node.

[0168] At 612 the relay access node implements the received configuration. For example, the relay access node may serve one or more remote UE’s within a coverage area of the relay access node based on the received configuration (e.g., using an operating frequency according to the received configuration, broadcasting a TAC according to the received configuration, etc.).

[0169] At 614, the first AMF may determine an updated configuration for the relay access node (as described above) and send the updated configuration to the relay access node. Reference is made to FIG. 7, which shows a signalling procedure for configuring the relay access node according to some examples. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the relay access node is configured by the second AMF.

[0170] At 700 the relay UE registers with the core network, and is registered with the first AMF.

[0171] At 702 the relay access node sends, to the second AMF, the cell parameter information as described above.

[0172] At 704 the second AMF determines the configuration for the relay access node as described previously. For example, as described above the second AMF may obtain information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node from a OAM / SAS (704a) or from a UDM (704b) and determine the configuration based on the cell parameters and the possible configurations for the relay access node; or may obtain policy information associated with the relay access node from a PCF (704c) and determine the configuration based on the cell parameters and the policy information associated with the relay access node.

[0173] In some examples, the second AMF may store the configuration for the relay access node for future use.

[0174] At 706 the second AMF sends the determined configuration to the relay access node.

[0175] At 708 the relay access node implements the received configuration. For example, the relay access node may serve one or more remote UE’s within a coverage area of the relay access node based on the received configuration (e.g., using an operating frequency according to the received configuration, broadcasting a TAC according to the received configuration, etc.).

[0176] At 710, the second AMF may determine an updated configuration for the relay access node (as described above) and send the updated configuration to the relay access node. For example, the AMF may track the TAC for the relay UE and send an updated configuration for the relay access node according to a change in TAC. In some examples the relay access node may initiate a NR positioning protocol a (NRPPa)-based location tracking towards a location management service (LMS) to trigger the determing of updated location information.

[0177] In some examples, the relay UE may determine a change in it’s location information (e.g., the relay UE may determine a change in it’s GPS location) and send information indicating the change in location to the relay access node. The relay access node may then autonomously update it’s configuration based on the received information indicating the change in location of the relay UE. In some examples the relay UE may receive a network-initiated location tracking update for the relay UE and then send the information indicating the change in location to the relay access node based on the network-initiated location tracking update.

[0178] Thus, the relay access node may be provided with a configuration by either the first AMF or second AMF. The configuration may be based on cell parameter information of the relay access node and location information of the relay UE associated with the relay access node. The configuration may help avoid or minimize the impact of the relay access node on the rest of the network, for example by avoiding or minimizing interference between the relay access node and one or more further access nodes (which may, for example, be static access nodes, such as the static access node serving the relay UE). The configuration for the relay access node may be updated periodically or in response to determining a change in location of the relay UE associated with the relay access node. This may mean that, when the relay access node and relay UE are located on or inside a moving vehicle, the configuration of the relay access node may be updated when the vehicle moves.

[0179] In some examples there is provided a relay access node comprising means for: sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0180] In some examples there is provided a relay access node comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay access node at least to: send to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receive, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implement the received configuration for the relay access node.

[0181] In some examples there is provided an apparatus comprising means for an access and mobility management function configured to perform: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; determining, based on the received cell parameter information and location information associated with a relay user equipment associated with the relay access node , a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay user equipment or the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

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

[0183] In some examples there is provided a relay user equipment comprising means for: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; creating a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and sending, to an access and mobility management function, the non- access stratum layer message.

[0184] In some examples there is provided a relay user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the relay user equipment at least to: receive, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; create a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and send, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message.

[0185] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 800a (e.g., computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 800b (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 802, which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method of FIG. 5.

[0186] It is understood that references in the above to various network functions (e.g., to an AMF, an SMF, TNF etc.) may be implemented by apparatus that perform at least some of the functionality associated with those network functions. Further, an apparatus configured to implement a network function may further be configured to implement a virtual network function instance of that network function. I t30houldd be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0187] It is noted that whilst some example embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar example embodiments can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although certain example embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, further example embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

[0188] It is also noted herein that there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the various example embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0189] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. As used herein, “and / or”and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is joined by “and / or,” mean at least any one of the elements, at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0190] As used herein, the term “or” refers to a non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated (e.g., use of “or else” or “or in the alternative”).

[0191] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a respective feature, step, or functionality “in response to A” does not indicate that the respective feature, step, or functionality is performed immediately after “A” occurs as one or more intervening features, steps, or functionalitites may be included (at least in part) between an occurrence of the respective feature, step or function and “A”. Analogously, performing a respective feature, step, or functionality “based on A” does not indicate that the respective feature, step, or functionality is performed solely based on “A” as the respective feature, step, or functionality may be further based at least in part on one or more other features, steps, or functionalities in addition to “A”. In general, the various embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting and illustrative examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0192] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0193] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0194] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0195] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0196] (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

[0197] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that utilizes software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not utilized for operation.”

[0198] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0199] The various example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out any of the example embodiments (or portions thereof) described herein. The one or more computer-executable components may include software code or portions thereof.

[0200] Further in this regard, it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the FIGs. may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media, such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media, such as DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

[0201] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (e.g., tangible, not a signal ) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0202] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0203] Various example embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0204] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims. The example embodiments and features thereof, if any, described in this disclosure that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the disclosure.

[0205] The foregoing description has provided, by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples, a full and informative description of the various example embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of this disclosure, when read in conjunction with the drawings and the claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the various example embodiments of this disclosure. By way of non-limiting and illustrative example, there is a further example embodiment comprising a combination of one or more example embodiments with any of the other example embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method performed by a relay access node, the method comprising: sending, to an access and mobility management function, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; receiving, from the access and mobility management function, a configuration for the relay access node, wherein the configuration for the relay access node is based on the cell parameter information; and implementing the received configuration for the relay access node.

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

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

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

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the parameter information comprises, for each of the one or more cells, at least one of: an identifier of the cell; an operating frequency the cell;an allowed public land mobile network and / or standalone non-public network list of the cell; a tracking area code of the cell; or a network slice associated with the cell.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the means is further for: determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; and implementing the updated configuration for the relay access node.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the updated configuration comprises: receiving, from the access and mobility management function, the updated configuration; or receiving, from the relay user equipment, location information associated with the relay user equipment, and selecting an updated configuration from a list of preconfigured configurations for the relay access node.

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

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

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

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

12. The method of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the determining comprises: obtaining, from an operations, administration and management function or a spectrum access system, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the relay access node; or obtaining, from a unified data management function, information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the information indicating one or more possible configurations for the second access node.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the determining comprises: obtaining, from a policy control function, policy information associated with the second access node; and determining the configuration for the relay access node based on the received cell parameter information and the policy information associated with the second access node.

14. The method of any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the method further comprises: determining a change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node; in response to determining the change in location of the relay user equipment or the relay access node, determining an updated configuration for the relay access node; andsending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the change in location of the relay user equipment comprises at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes; determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

16. A method performed by a relay user equipment, the method comprising: receiving, from a relay access node, cell parameter information for one or more cells of the relay access node; creating a non-access stratum layer message comprising the cell parameter information and an indication that the non-access stratum layer message relates to configuration of the relay access node; and sending, to an access and mobility management function, the non-access stratum layer message.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, a configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the configuration for the relay access node.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, from the access and mobility management function via a further non-access stratum layer message, an updated configuration for the relay access node; and sending, to the relay access node, the updated configuration for the relay access node.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: sending, to the relay access node, location information associated with the relay user equipment, wherein the location information is sent periodically and / or in response to determining a change in location of the relay user equipment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein determining the change in location of the relay user equipment comprises at least one of: determining that a further access node serving the relay user equipment changes;determining that positioning information associated with the relay user equipment changes; or determining that a tracking area code of the relay user equipment changes.

21. The method of any of preceding claim, wherein the relay access node is a vehicle mounted access node and the relay user equipment is a vehicle mounted user equipment.

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

23. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any preceding claim.

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

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