Method and apparatus for changing service configuration of access node in communication network

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for changing service configuration of access node in communication network. A method (200) performed by a network node may comprise: receiving (S202), a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The method (200) further comprises: selecting (S204) at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access nodes; and transmitting (S206), to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection. The service configuration, such as of the selected access nodes, in network may be changed, with limited or predictable impact to service for other UE.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHANGING SERVICE CONFIGURATION OFACCESS NODE IN COMMUNICATION NETWORKTECHNICAE FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technology of wireless communication, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for changing service configuration of access node in communication network.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section introduces aspects that may facilitate better understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the statements of this section are to be read in this light and are not to be understood as admissions about what is in the prior art or what is not in the prior art.

[0003] With the development of requirements for communication services, there are many scenarios in which it is necessary for the communication network side to serve a lot of terminal devices. However, these terminal devices may have different requirements for the service, due to different characteristics, such as different locations, different mobility capacities, and / or different types.

[0004] Therefore, when the communication network side decides to change some configuration to provide better service to some terminal devices, it may impact some other terminal devices.SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In a communication network, sometimes it is needed to change configuration, such as of access node, to provide better service to some terminal device. However, such change may impact some other terminal devices. It is important to balance such improvements and impacts.

[0007] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. Specific method and apparatus for changing service configuration of access node in communication network are provided.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node. The method comprises: receiving, a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The method further comprises: selecting at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access node; and transmitting, to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: receiving, from the selected at least one access node, information about availability of the selected atleast one access node to change a service configuration; and transmitting, to surrounding network nodes, the information about availability of the selected at least one access node.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the importance of an access node is determined by the UE, based on a contribution of the access node to the network service for the UE. The contribution comprises transferred data volume, and / or connection quality.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, selecting the at least one access node comprises determining that, a harm to the network service for the plurality of UE is acceptable when the service configuration of the selected at least one access node is changed.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node receives the plurality of lists of access nodes, from a plurality of access nodes serving the plurality of UE.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of UE comprises a plurality of ground user equipment, GUE; the selected at least one access node is selected to provide a coverage for at least one uncrewed aerial vehicle, UAV; the service configuration comprises a coverage area; and a change of the coverage area is caused by a change of an antenna tilt angle, ATA.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility information about the at least one UAV; and transmitting, to the selected at least one access node and / or surrounding network nodes, the mobility information about the at least one UAV. The mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV control node comprises: an uncrewed aerial vehicle controller, UAV-C or an uncrewed aerial system traffic management, UTM.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node comprises: a central processing unit, CPU; and an access node comprises: an access point, AP.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

[0018] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by an access node. The method comprises: receiving, from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The method further comprises: transmitting, to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: receiving, from the network node, an indication about the network node selecting the access node as a candidate to change a service configuration; determining an availability to change the service configuration; and transmitting, to the network node, information about the availability.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of UE comprises a plurality of GUE; the access node is selected to provide a coverage for at least one UAV; the service configuration comprises a coverage area; and a change of the coverage areas is caused by a change of an ATA.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: receivingmobility information about the at least one UAV. The mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV. The mobility information is received from the network node, or the mobility information is received from a UAV control node and transmitted by the access node to the network node.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, determining the availability comprises: comparing priorities of the at least one UAV and the at least one GUE; and determining to change the service configuration, when priorities of the at least one UAV are higher than the plurality of GUE, and / or when a predefined number of UAVs have the same priority with the plurality of GUE.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: computing at least one tilt angle value corresponding to the at least one UAV; and generating a target ATA by weighting and summing the at least one tilt angle value.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one tilt angle value is computed by using a neural network, NN, inputted with at least the mobility information of the at least one UAV.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: informing the plurality of GUE that the service configuration is to be changed; and applying the target ATA, based on the mobility information and / or a connection status of the at least one UAV.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node comprises: a CPU; and an access node comprises: an AP.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

[0028] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a UE. The method comprises: transmitting, to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: receiving, from the access node, information about that a service configuration of at least one access node in the list of access nodes is to be changed.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an access node comprises: an AP; the UE comprises: a GUE.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the disclosure provides a method performed by a UAV control node. The method comprises: transmitting, to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; receiving, from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: transmitting, to the at least one UAV, the information.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV control node comprises: a UAV-C or a UTM; the network node comprises: a CPU; and an access node comprises: an AP.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for the at least one UAV.

[0037] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a UAV. The method comprises: receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; receiving availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and connecting to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV receives the availability information about at least one access node, from the UAV control node or a network node or an access node.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV control node comprises: a UAV-C or a UTM; the network node comprises: a CPU; and an access node comprises: an AP.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for the at least one UAV.

[0041] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for a network node in a communication network. The apparatus for the terminal device may comprise: a processor; and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus for the network node is operative for: receiving, a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The apparatus for the network node is further operative for: selecting at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access nodes; and transmitting, to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be further operative to perform the method according to any of above embodiments.

[0043] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for an access node in a communication network. The apparatus for the access node may comprise: a processor; and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus for the access node is operative for: receiving, from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The apparatus for the access node is further operative for: transmitting, to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be further operative to perform the method according to any of above embodiments.

[0045] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for a UE in a communication network. The apparatus for the UE may comprise: a processor; and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus for the UE is operative for: transmitting, to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in thelist of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be further operative to perform the method according to any of above embodiments.

[0047] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for a UAV control node in a communication network. The apparatus for the UAV control node may comprise: a processor; and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus for the UAV control node is operative for: transmitting, to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; receiving, from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be further operative to perform the method according to any of above embodiments.

[0049] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for a UAV in a communication network. The apparatus for the UAV may comprise: a processor; and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus for the UAV is operative for: receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; receiving availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and connecting to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be further operative to perform the method according to any of above embodiments.

[0051] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure provides computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any of above embodiments.

[0052] Embodiments herein afford many advantages. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a manner for changing service configuration of access node in communication network may be provided.

[0053] Particularly, a network node may select access nodes based on importance to a network service for a plurality of UE. Therefore, the service configuration, such as of the selected access nodes, in network may be changed, with limited or predictable impact to service for other UE.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent, by way of example, from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals or letters are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0055] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example architecture of a satellite network with bent pipe transponders.

[0056] FIG. 2A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a network node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 2B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 2A.

[0058] FIG. 2C is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 2A.

[0059] FIG. 3A is a flow chart showing a method performed by an access node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0061] FIG. 3C is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0062] FIG. 3D is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0063] FIG. 3E is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0064] FIG. 3F is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0065] FIG. 4A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a UE, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 4B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 4A.

[0067] FIG. 5 A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a UAV control node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 5B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 5A.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method performed by a UAV, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a network node, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 7B is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for an access node, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 7C is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a UE, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 7D is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a UAV control node, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 7E is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a UAV, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an apparatus / computer readable storage medium, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 9A is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a network node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 9B is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for an access node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 9C is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a UE, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 9D is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a UAV control node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 9E is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a UAV, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 10 shows an example of a communication system 1000 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0082] FIG. 11 shows a UE 1100 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0083] FIG. 12 shows a network node 1200 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0084] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a host 1300, which may be an embodiment of the host 1016 of FIG. 10, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0085] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1400 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized.

[0086] FIG. 15 shows a communication diagram of a host 1502 communicating via a network node 1504 with a UE 1506 over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments.

[0087] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by a master AP serving a GUE.

[0088] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by APs that are serving or are available to serving a UAV.

[0089] FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an exemplary structure of a Neural Network used by the AP to assist the computation of the ATA for a specific UAV.

[0090] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow chart for an access node to decide the availability to change configuration.

[0091] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by the CPU.

[0092] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by the UAV.

[0093] FIG. 21A is a first part is a diagram showing an exemplary complete signaling exchange procedure.

[0094] FIG. 21B is a second part is a diagram showing an exemplary complete signaling exchange procedure.

[0095] FIG. 21 C is a third part is a diagram showing an exemplary complete signaling exchange procedure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only for the purpose of enabling those skilled persons in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, rather than suggesting any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the disclosuremay be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the disclosure.

[0097] Generally, all terms used herein are to 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. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0098] As used herein, the term “network” or “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable wireless communication standards. For example, the wireless communication standards may comprise new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE), LTE- Advanced, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Address (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other wireless networks. In the following description, the terms “network” and “system” can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the communications between two devices in the network may be performed according to any suitable communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the wireless communication protocols as defined by a standard organization such as 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) or the wired communication protocols.

[0099] The term “network node” used herein refers to a network device or network entity or network function or any other devices (physical or virtual) in a communication network. For example, the network node in the network may include a base station (BS), an access point (AP), a multi - cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), a server node / function (such as a service capability server / application server, SCS / AS, group communication service application server, GCS AS, application function, AF), an exposure node / function (such as a service capability exposure function, SCEF, network exposure function, NEF), a unified data management, UDM, a home subscriber server, HSS, a session management function, SMF, an access and mobility management function, AMF, a mobility management entity, MME, a controller or any other suitable device in a wireless communication network. The BS may be, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, and so forth.

[0100] Yet further examples of the network node may comprise multi-standard radio (MSR) radioequipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, positioning nodes and / or the like.

[0101] Further, the term “network node”, “network function”, “network entity” herein may also refer to any suitable node, function, entity which can be implemented (physically or virtually) in a communication network. For example, the 5G system (5GS) may comprise a plurality of NFs such as AMF (Access and mobility Function), SMF (Session Management Function), AUSF (Authentication Service Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF (Policy Control Function), AF (Application Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), UPF (User plane Function) and NRF (Network Repository Function), RAN (radio access network), SCP (service communication proxy), etc. In other embodiments, the network function may comprise different types of NFs (such as PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), etc.) for example depending on the specific network.

[0102] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that can access a communication network and receive services therefrom. By way of example and not limitation, the terminal device refers to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), or other suitable devices. The UE may be, for example, a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a portable computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a gaming terminal device, a music storage and a playback appliance, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, a wearable terminal device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE) and the like. In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably. As one example, a terminal device may represent a UE configured for communication in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by the 3GPP, such as 3GPP’ LTE standard or NR standard. As used herein, a “user equipment” or “UE” may not necessarily have a “user” in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. In some embodiments, a terminal device may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a terminal device may be designed to transmit information to a network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the communication network. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but that may not initially be associated with a specific human user.

[0103] As yet another example, in an Internet of Things (loT) scenario, a terminal device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another terminal device and / or network equipment. The terminal device may in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as a machine-type communication (MTC) device. As one particular example,the terminal device may be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances, for example refrigerators, televisions, personal wearables such as watches etc. In other scenarios, a terminal device may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0104] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0105] It shall be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0106] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A and (or) B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B.” The phrase “A and / or B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B.”

[0107] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0108] It is noted that these terms as used in this document are used only for ease of description and differentiation among nodes, devices or networks etc. With the development of the technology, other terms with the similar / same meanings may also be used.

[0109] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0110] Distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) and Multi-TRP Systems are widely usable in communication networks. There are several options to deploy multiuser and massive MIMO system, including: Option 1) deploying a large number of antennas co-located at a single site (base station,BS or access point, AP), which is sometimes referred to as centralized massive MIMO; and 2) deploying the antenna elements (or APs, or transmission and reception points, TRPs, where each AP or TRP may contain one or multiple antenna elements) in a decentralized manner where the antenna elements are distributed over a geographical area (in a well-planned or random fashion), and one or more central processing units, CPUs or gNBs controlling all the antenna elements. Combinations of 1) and 2) are also widely used.

[0111] The CPU is a different logical entity from the gNB it could be physically co-located or even integrated into the same physical node as the one that physically implements the gNB. Alternatively, the CPU can be part of a Cloud-RAN architecture as, for example, part of the cloud RAN CU. Namely, the CPU can be any processing resources arranged for controlling the antenna elements.

[0112] Option 2) is usually referred to as distributed massive MIMO, in which the distributed antenna elements may be also referred to as APs or TRPs. In distributed massive MIMO, the antenna elements, or APs or TRPs are connected to the CPUs or gNBs using high-capacity backhaul links, such as fiber-optic cables, or millimeter wave-based links. Recently, a scalable distributed massive MIMO architecture was proposed under the name of cell-free massive MIMO.

[0113] Connected uncrewed aerial vehicles (s), or drones, are of increasing interest in several transport segments, including urban air mobility, goods delivery, industrial surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Employing connected drones in such applications is attractive since they offer a low-cost and convenient alternative to costly traditional solutions relying on ground transportation and fixed infrastructures. While there are applications in which UAVs can act as APs or base stations, other cases UAVs are considered only as users, which will be further illustrated in embodiments of the disclosures.

[0114] Serving UAVs along with ground user equipment (GUE) can happen using dual or dedicated networks. While in the dual networks the APs simultaneously serve both UAVs and GUEs, in the concept of dedicated networks there is a set of APs that exclusively serve the UAVs and another set that exclusively serve the GUEs. When considering dual networks, dynamically changing the antenna tilt angle (ATA) helps direct the beam of a given AP antenna array to serve UAV s, GUEs or both. Dual and dedicated networks are explored in [1] (i.e., Reference 1) for a cellular scenario, in which the impact of the ATA is analyzed for both schemes.

[0115] ATA is an important factor used in wireless network optimization that has a direct impact on the shape of the coverage area, on the received power, on managing the interference and handover of users. This is because when adjusting the ATA, the direction of the antenna’s main lobe is changed, and thus the coverage area of the AP changes accordingly.

[0116] In general, the tilting can be tuned electrically, mechanically, or by a combination thereof. For the case of mechanical tilting, it is obtained via the physical rotation of the antenna and a site visit is required. Instead, electrical tilting can be performed remotely by the network operator and is obtained by changing the angle of the antenna. Opportunely, a modem antenna design allows changing the ATA by electrical means. As a result, this opens new opportunities by introducing self-configuration / self-optimization mechanisms, and the APs can become more and more intelligent and can be automatically adjusted. This makes APs more adaptive to dynamic ATA, more flexible in coordinating coverage area, and more efficient in managing the interference of users.

[0117] Initial studies on distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) considered that all APs simultaneously serve all users. However, such an approach was demonstrated not to be the best option in terms of energy efficiency. Thereby, a user-centric approach was proposed in which only a subset of the APs simultaneously serve each user. The APs serving each user are typically the ones closest to each user since those APs usually present the best channel conditions to that user. Thus, depending on the user and APs positioning and local propagation conditions, different users may be assigned to different numbers of APs.

[0118] In order to decide which APs will be serving each user, a cluster formation algorithm should be executed. This procedure usually starts with the initial access, which is the first procedure executed by the user when entering in any mobile network, which is described in detail in [2], After this point, the user is connected to at least one AP and the network can decide how to form the AP cluster that will serve that user. In the context of AP cluster formation, the master AP of a UE is simply the first AP to which the UE connects to when entering the network or the AP with the highest large scale fading gain. One possible approach for the development of clustering algorithms is to design a network-wide algorithm where the clusters of all users in the system are jointly considered. However, such a solution is unscalable since its complexity grows with the number of users in the system. A scalable alternative is to consider user-centric clustering algorithms, in which the cluster formation algorithm considers one user at a time.

[0119] The 3GPP ecosystem offers excellent benefits for the operation of an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), such as ubiquitous coverage, high reliability and Quality of Service (QoS), robust security, and seamless mobility. In the context of 3GPP, the UAS is composed of a UAV and related functionality, including command and control (C2) links between the UAV and the controller, the UAV and the network, and for remote identification. A UAS may comprise a UAV and a UAV controller (UAV-C) [3],

[0120] The C2 communication comprises the user plane link to convey messages with information of command and control for UAV operation between a UAV controller and a UAV or an Uncrewed Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) to a UAV or to report telemetry data from a UAV to its UAV controller or a UTM [3, 4],

[0121] The UTM is used to provide a number of services to support UAS and their operations including but not limited to UAS identification and tracking, authorization, enforcement, regulation of UAS operations, and also to store the data required for UAS(s) to operate. It also allows authorized users (e.g., air traffic control, public safety agencies) to query the identity and metadata of a UAV and its UAV controller [3],

[0122] The communication requirements for UAS cover both the Command and Control (C2), and uplink and downlink data to / from the UAS components towards both the serving 3GPP network and network servers [3], Considering the case of uplink and downlink data, the UAV is equippedwith a UE.

[0123] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing atypical multi-CPU distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) scenario.

[0124] The scenario comprises several APs and user equipment (UEs). Among the UEs, there are GUEs and one UAV moving along a trajectory. It should be noted that, the GUE and the UAV are only two examples for illustration, without limitation. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to any other types of UEs.

[0125] The multi-CPU distributed MIMO (cell-free) system assessed in some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1. The distributed MIMO system considered herein acts as a dual network, i.e., a network that serves both GUEs and UAVs. In the illustration in FIG. 1, the UAV is initially served by a cluster composed by AP-0 and AP-1. Then, the UAV starts moving along the trajectory (dashed line), either based on a pre-scheduled flight plan or controlled by the UAV-C. Depending on the adopted C2 communication type (i.e., Direct C2 communication, Network- Assisted C2 communication of UTM-Navigated C2 communication), the C2 communication will involve the UAV and UAV-C and / or UTM.

[0126] Along the 3 dimensions (3D) trajectory, the cluster serving the UAV is going to dynamically change according to the current UAV position and channel quality to the surrounding APs. Such a cluster serving the UAV is used both to provide the C2 communication as well as to provide uplink / downlink data transmission between the UAV and the 3 GPP network.

[0127] Considering such a dual multi-CPU distributed (cell-free) system serving UAVs and GUEs, the following problems must be solved:1. Pl(Probleml) is about when can the ATA of the APs be adapted to start serving only UAVs or to serve both UAVs and GUEs, and how does this impact the cluster formations. This is particularly important as the cluster of APs serving the UAVs with some ATA might improve both C2 communication as well as uplink / downlink data transmission.2. P2 is about how can the APs compute the ideal ATA when serving a single or multiple UAVs without penalizing the GUEs.3. P3 is about what kind of information does the network (i.e., CPUs and APs) need to exchange when dynamically adapting the ATA of the APs, and, consequently, the usercentric AP clusters.4. P4 is about how can the APs decide to come back to their initial ATA without degrading the system performance. This is also important to not compromise the service of the UAVs with respect to both C2 communication as well as uplink / downlink data transmission.

[0128] Existing distributed MIMO solutions applicable for high-speed trains, such as [4], cannot be easily adapted to the UAV case as the trajectory of UAVs is not fixed and predictable as in trains. Furthermore, existing solutions do not solve problems P1-P4 listed above that arise in multi-CPU distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) systems. More specifically, most of the existing solutions consider the canonical distributed MIMO system with a single CPU, such as in [5-7], and do not consider dual networks serving both UAVs and GUEs.

[0129] Other methods for formation of a cluster to support mobile communications are alsoavailable see, e.g., [8-11], Specifically, [8] provides a solution where the users are scheduled based on proportional fair criterion, and the antennas are assigned to the scheduled user according to the received signal strength. In that solution, each cluster of remote radio heads (RRHs) or APs has only one corresponding user, and the clusters have the same fixed size of RRHs. The proposed method in [9] deals with scheduling and beamforming in distributed MIMO systems where the APs are organized in clusters. This method briefly touches on clustering aspects. In

[0010] and

[0011] , a method is proposed where the APs communicate to form clusters to serve the user devices. However, these methods do not deal with the mixed scenario composed by UAVs and GUEs. Also, these methods do not deal with multi-CPU distributed MIMO systems.

[0130] The study in

[0012] considered adjusting the tilt angles of base stations, but in a scenario with only UAVs, thus the considered network was not dual. In

[0013] and

[0014] , the authors considered a cellular dual network, but only analyzed down tilt angles. The authors in

[0015] analyzed the outage probability as a function of the antenna tilt angle of the base stations of a dual cellular network, but without proposing a mechanism to adapt the tilt angle. Also,

[0015] did not consider a distributed MIMO system.

[0131] Therefore, in general, a common point that unites all the mentioned methods for clustering is that they have not been concerned with mobility issues, specifically related to the impact of dynamically changing the cluster formation in dual-network cell-free systems in order to meet UAVs requirements without punishing GUEs to enhance the system performance, nor describe how to adapt the ATA based on the presence of UAVs in dual -network cell-free systems.

[0132] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide following solutions for changing service configuration of access node in communication network.

[0133] FIG. 2A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a network node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] As shown in FIG.2A, the method 200 comprises: a step S202, receiving, a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The method 200 further comprises: a step S204, selecting at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access node; and a step S206, transmitting, to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

[0135] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a network node may select access nodes based on importance to a network service for a plurality of UE. Therefore, the service configuration, such as of the selected access nodes, in network may be changed, with limited or predictable impact to service for the plurality of UE.

[0136] FIG. 2B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 2A.

[0137] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 200 further comprises: a step S208, receiving, from the selected at least one access node, information about availability of the selected at least one access node to change a service configuration; and a step S210, transmitting, to surrounding network nodes, the information about availability of the selected at least one access node.

[0138] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the availability of the selected at least one access node to change a service configuration may be provided by the selected access nodes themselves and then informed over the network.

[0139] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the importance of an access node is determined by the UE, based on a contribution of the access node to the network service for the UE. The contribution comprises transferred data volume, and / or connection quality.

[0140] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the importance of an access node may be determined according to current contribution. Therefore, whenever the access node is selected to change the configuration, the impact may be reduced.

[0141] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the step S204 selecting the at least one access node comprises: a step S2042, determining that, a harm to the network service for the plurality of UE is acceptable when the service configuration of the selected at least one access node is changed.

[0142] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node selects the access nodes when an impact to the currently served UE are acceptable. Some predetermined metrics may be used to determine whether it is acceptable. For example, if a UE can still be served with a certain data transfer rate after the change, the change will be acceptable.

[0143] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node receives the plurality of lists of access nodes, from a plurality of access nodes serving the plurality of UE.

[0144] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the impact to a plurality of access nodes and a plurality of UE can be considered.

[0145] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of UE comprises a plurality of ground user equipment, GUE; the selected at least one access node is selected to provide a coverage for at least one uncrewed aerial vehicle, UAV; the service configuration comprises a coverage area; and a change of the coverage area is caused by a change of an antenna tilt angle, ATA.

[0146] According to embodiments of the disclosure, a scenario related to GUE and UAV is particularly applicable since the service configuration may vary significantly for the GUE and UAV.

[0147] FIG. 2C is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 2A.

[0148] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: a step S212, receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility information about the at least one UAV; and a step S214, transmitting, to the selected at least one access node and / or surrounding network nodes, the mobility information about the at least one UAV. The mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV.

[0149] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the mobility information may help the access node and / or surrounding network nodes to know when to change the service configuration. Therefore, the impact to the network service may be further reduced.

[0150] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV control node comprises: an uncrewed aerial vehicle controller, UAV-C or an uncrewed aerial system traffic management, UTM.

[0151] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node comprises: a central processing unit, CPU; and an access node comprises: an access point, AP.

[0152] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV. That is, the at least one UAV is already connected to the 3GPP network via this AP.

[0153] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, some exemplary nodes / functions are listed. However, it is not a limitation. The embodiments may be implemented in other kinds of nodes / functions in the communication network.

[0154] FIG. 3A is a flow chart showing a method performed by an access node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 3A, the method 300 comprises: a step S302, receiving, from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The method 300 further comprises: a step S304, transmitting, to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

[0156] FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0157] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 300 further comprises: a step S306, receiving, from the network node, an indication about the network node selecting the access node as a candidate to change a service configuration; a step S308, determining an availability to change the service configuration; and a step S310, transmitting, to the network node, information about the availability.

[0158] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of UE comprises a plurality of GUE; the access node is selected to provide a coverage for at least one UAV; the service configuration comprises a coverage area; and a change of the coverage areas is caused by a change of an ATA.

[0159] FIG. 3C is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0160] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 300 further comprises: a step S312, receiving mobility information about the at least one UAV. The mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV. The mobility information is received from the network node, or the mobility information is received from a UAV control node and transmitted by the access node to the network node.

[0161] FIG. 3D is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0162] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the step S308, determining the availability comprises: a substep S3082, comparing priorities of the at least one UAV and the at least one GUE; and a substep S3084, determining to change the service configuration, when priorities of the at least one UAV are higher than the plurality of GUE, and / or when a predefined number of UAVs have the same priority with the plurality of GUE.

[0163] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the priorities of the terminal devices can be considered, and thus the terminal devices with higher priority can be served better.

[0164] FIG. 3E is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0165] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 300 further comprises: a step S314, computing at least one tilt angle value corresponding to the at least one UAV; and a stepS316, generating a target ATA by weighting and summing the at least one tilt angle value.

[0166] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the requirements of multiple UAV can be considered together.

[0167] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one tilt angle value is computed by using a neural network, NN, inputted with at least the mobility information of the at least one UAV.

[0168] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the NN can be introduced, and thus more historical implementation and experience may be utilized.

[0169] FIG. 3F is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 3A.

[0170] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 300 further comprises: a step S318, informing the plurality of GUE that the service configuration is to be changed; and a step S320, applying the target ATA, based on the mobility information and / or a connection status of the at least one UAV.

[0171] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the GUE may be informed when its service is to be impacted, and then the GUE may try to use other access node to resume its service. Further, the target ATA may be applied when the UAV is connected or to be connected. Thus, the impact to the network service may be further reduced.

[0172] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node comprises: a CPU; and an access node comprises: an AP.

[0173] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

[0174] FIG. 4A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a UE, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 4A, the method 400 comprises: a step S402, transmitting, to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

[0176] FIG. 4B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 4A.

[0177] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 400 further comprises: a step S404, receiving, from the access node, information about that a service configuration of at least one access node in the list of access nodes is to be changed.

[0178] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an access node comprises: an AP; the UE comprises: a GUE.

[0179] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

[0180] FIG. 5 A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a UAV control node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 5 A, the method 500 comprises: a step S502, transmitting, to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; a step S504, receiving, from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

[0182] FIG. 5B is a flow chart showing additional steps for the method in the FIG. 5 A.

[0183] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 500 further comprises: a step S506, transmitting, to the at least one UAV, the information, about the at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

[0184] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV.

[0185] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV control node comprises: a UAV-C or a UTM; the network node comprises: a CPU; and an access node comprises: an AP.

[0186] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for the at least one UAV.

[0187] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method performed by a UAV, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 6, the method 600 comprises: a step S602, receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; a step S604, receiving availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and a step S606, connecting to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

[0189] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV receives the availability information about at least one access node, from the UAV control node or a network node or an access node.

[0190] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UAV control node comprises: a UAV-C or a UTM; the network node comprises: a CPU; and an access node comprises: an AP.

[0191] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is an initial AP for the at least one UAV.

[0192] FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a network node, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 7A, an apparatus 70 for a network node in a communication network, may comprise: a processor 701; and a memory 702. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus 70 for the network node is operative for: receiving, a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The apparatus 70 for the network node is further operative for: selecting at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access node; and transmitting, to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

[0194] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 70 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 2A-2C.

[0195] FIG. 7B is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for an access node, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 7B, an apparatus 71 for an access node in a communication network, may comprise: a processor 711; and a memory 712. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus 71 for the access node is operative for: receiving, from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The apparatus 71 for the access node is further operative for: transmitting, to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

[0197] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 71 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 3A-3F.

[0198] FIG. 7C is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a UE, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 7C, an apparatus 72 for a UE in a communication network, may comprise: a processor 721; and a memory 722. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus 72 for the UE is operative for: transmitting, to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

[0200] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 72 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 4A-4B.

[0201] FIG. 7D is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a UAV control node, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 7D, an apparatus 73 for a UAV control node in a communication network, may comprise: a processor 731; and a memory 732. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus 73 for the UAV control node is operative for: transmitting, to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; receiving, from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

[0203] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 73 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 5A-5B.

[0204] FIG. 7E is a block diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for a UAV, which is suitable for perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 7E, an apparatus 74 for a UAV in a communication network, may comprise: a processor 741; and a memory 742. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus 74 for the UAV is operative for: receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; receiving availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and connecting to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

[0206] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 74 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 6.

[0207] The processors 701, 711, 721, 731, 741 may be any kind of processing component, such as one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may includedigital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The memories 702, 712, 722, 732, 742 may be any kind of storage component, such as read-only memory (ROM), randomaccess memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc.

[0208] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an apparatus / computer readable storage medium, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0209] As shown in FIG. 8, the computer-readable storage medium 80, or any other kind of product, storing instructions 801 which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 2A-2C, 3A-3F, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6.

[0210] In addition, the present disclosure may also provide a carrier containing the computer program / instructions as mentioned above, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, an optical compact disk or an electronic memory device like a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), Flash memory, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blueray disc and the like.

[0211] FIG. 9A is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a network node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 9A, the apparatus 90 for a network node may comprise: a receiving unit 902 for receiving, a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The apparatus 90 for a network node may further comprise: a selecting unit 904, for selecting at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access node; and a transmitting unit 906, for transmitting, to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

[0213] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 90 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 2A-2C.

[0214] FIG. 9B is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for an access node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 9B, the apparatus 91 for an access node may comprise: a receiving unit 912, for receiving, from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes. A UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE. The apparatus 91 for an access node may further comprise: a transmitting unit 914, for transmitting, to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

[0216] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 91 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 3A-3F.

[0217] FIG. 9C is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a UE, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 9C, the apparatus 92 for a UE may comprise: a transmitting unit 922, for transmitting, to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

[0219] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 92 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 4A-4B.

[0220] FIG. 9D is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a UAV control node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 9D, the apparatus 93 for a UAV control node may comprise: a transmitting unit 932, for transmitting, to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; a receiving unit 934, for receiving, from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

[0222] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 93 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 5A-5B.

[0223] FIG. 9E is a schematic showing units for the exemplary apparatus for a UAV, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 9E, the apparatus 94 for a UAV may comprise: a first receiving unit 942, for receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; a second receiving unit 944, for receiving availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and a connecting unit 946, for connecting to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

[0225] The first receiving unit 942, and the second receiving unit 944 may be the same, or different. The connecting unit 946 may comprises transmitting unit and / or receiving unit for communicating with and thus connecting to the access nodes.

[0226] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 94 is further operative to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as these shown in FIG. 6.

[0227] The term ‘unit’ may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and / or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and / or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

[0228] With these units, the apparatus may not need a fixed processor or memory, any computing resource and storage resource may be arranged from at least one network node / device / entity / apparatus relating to the communication system. The virtualization technology and network computing technology (e.g., cloud computing) may be further introduced, so as to improve the usage efficiency of the network resources and the flexibility of the network.

[0229] The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means so that an apparatus implementing one or more functions of a corresponding apparatus described with an embodiment comprises not only prior art means, but also means for implementing the one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described with the embodiment and it may comprise separate means for eachseparate function, or means that may be configured to perform two or more functions. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more apparatuses), firmware (one or more apparatuses), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof. For a firmware or software, implementation may be made through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein.

[0230] Particularly, these function units may be implemented either as a network element on a dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., on a cloud infrastructure.

[0231] FIG. 10 shows an example of a communication system 1000 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0232] In the example, the communication system 1000 includes a telecommunication network 1002 that includes an access network 1004, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 1006, which includes one or more core network nodes 1008. The access network 1004 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 1010a and 1010b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 1010), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) access node or non-3GPP access point. The network nodes 1010 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 1012a, 1012b, 1012c, and 1012d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 1012) to the core network 1006 over one or more wireless connections.

[0233] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 1000 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, 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. The communication system 1000 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0234] The UEs 1012 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 1010 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 1010 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 1012 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 1002 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 1002.

[0235] In the depicted example, the core network 1006 connects the network nodes 1010 to one or more hosts, such as host 1016. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 1006 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 1008) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantiallysimilar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 1008. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0236] The host 1016 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 1004 and / or the telecommunication network 1002, and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 1016 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0237] As a whole, the communication system 1000 of FIG. 10 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0238] In some examples, the telecommunication network 1002 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 1002 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 1002. For example, the telecommunications network 1002 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0239] In some examples, the UEs 1012 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 1004 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 1004. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dualconnectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0240] In the example, the hub 1014 communicates with the access network 1004 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 1012c and / or 1012d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 1010b). In some examples, the hub 1014 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 1014 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 1006 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 1014 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 1010, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 1014. As another example, the hub 1014 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 1014 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 1014 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 1014 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 1014 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular in if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0241] The hub 1014 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 1010b. The hub 1014 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 1014 and UEs (e.g., UE 1012c and / or 1012d), and between the hub 1014 and the core network 1006. In other examples, the hub 1014 is connected to the core network 1006 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 1014 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 1004 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 1010 while still connected via the hub 1014 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 1014 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 1010b. In other embodiments, the hub 1014 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 1010b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0242] FIG. 11 shows a UE 1100 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop- embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customerpremise equipment (CPE), vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc.Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0243] A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific 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 which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0244] The UE 1100 includes processing circuitry 1102 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1104 to an input / output interface 1106, a power source 1108, a memory 1110, a communication interface 1112, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in FIG. 11. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0245] The processing circuitry 1102 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 1110. The processing circuitry 1102 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 1102 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0246] In the example, the input / output interface 1106 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 1100. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an inputdevice. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0247] In some embodiments, the power source 1108 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 1108 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 1108 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 1100 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 1108. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 1108 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 1100 to which power is supplied.

[0248] The memory 1110 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 1110 includes one or more application programs 1114, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1116. The memory 1110 may store, for use by the UE 1100, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0249] The memory 1110 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 1110 may allow the UE 1100 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 1110, which may be or comprise a device- readable storage medium.

[0250] The processing circuitry 1102 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 1112. The communication interface 1112 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1122. The communication interface 1112 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1118 and / or a receiver 1120 appropriate to provide networkcommunications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 1118 and receiver 1120 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1122) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0251] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 1112 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / intemet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0252] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 1112, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0253] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0254] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a head-mounted display for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), andany kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 1100 shown in FIG. 11.

[0255] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another UE and / or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0256] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0257] FIG. 12 shows a network node 1200 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NRNodeBs (gNBs)).

[0258] Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). 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 also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0259] Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network(SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0260] The network node 1200 includes a processing circuitry 1202, a memory 1204, a communication interface 1206, and a power source 1208. The network node 1200 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 1200 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1200 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1204 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1210 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1200 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 1200, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 1200.

[0261] The processing circuitry 1202 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1200 components, such as the memory 1204, to provide network node 1200 functionality.

[0262] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1202 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1202 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1212 and baseband processing circuitry 1214. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1212 and the baseband processing circuitry 1214 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1212 and baseband processing circuitry 1214 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0263] The memory 1204 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non- transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1202. The memory 1204 may storeany suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1202 and utilized by the network node 1200. The memory 1204 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1202 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1206. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1202 and memory 1204 is integrated.

[0264] The communication interface 1206 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between a network node, access network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1206 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 1216 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1206 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1218 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1210. Radio front-end circuitry 1218 comprises filters 1220 and amplifiers 1222. The radio front-end circuitry 1218 may be connected to an antenna 1210 and processing circuitry 1202. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1210 and processing circuitry 1202. The radio front-end circuitry 1218 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 1218 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1220 and / or amplifiers 1222. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1210. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1210 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1218. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1202. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0265] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1200 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1218, instead, the processing circuitry 1202 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1210. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1212 is part of the communication interface 1206. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1206 includes one or more ports or terminals 1216, the radio front-end circuitry 1218, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1212, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1206 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1214, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0266] The antenna 1210 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1210 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 1218 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1210 is separate from the network node 1200 and connectable to the network node 1200 through an interface or port.

[0267] The antenna 1210, communication interface 1206, and / or the processing circuitry 1202 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 1210, thecommunication interface 1206, and / or the processing circuitry 1202 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0268] The power source 1208 provides power to the various components of network node 1200 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1208 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1200 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1200 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 1208. As a further example, the power source 1208 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0269] Embodiments of the network node 1200 may include additional components beyond those shown in FIG. 12 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1200 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1200 and to allow output of information from the network node 1200. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1200.

[0270] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a host 1300, which may be an embodiment of the host 1016 of FIG. 10, in accordance with various aspects described herein. As used herein, the host 1300 may be or comprise various combinations hardware and / or software, including a standalone server, a blade server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, a virtual machine, container, or processing resources in a server farm. The host 1300 may provide one or more services to one or more UEs.

[0271] The host 1300 includes processing circuitry 1302 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1304 to an input / output interface 1306, a network interface 1308, apower source 1310, and amemory 1312. Other components may be included in other embodiments. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the devices of previous figures, such as Figures 11 and 12, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of host 1300.

[0272] The memory 1312 may include one or more computer programs including one or more host application programs 1314 and data 1316, which may include user data, e.g., data generated by a UE for the host 1300 or data generated by the host 1300 for a UE. Embodiments of the host 1300 may utilize only a subset or all of the components shown. The host application programs 1314 may be implemented in a container-based architecture and may provide support for video codecs (e.g., Versatile Video Coding (VVC), High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), Advanced Video Coding (AVC), MPEG, VP9) and audio codecs (e.g., FLAC, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), MPEG, G.711),including transcoding for multiple different classes, types, or implementations of UEs (e.g., handsets, desktop computers, wearable display systems, heads-up display systems). The host application programs 1314 may also provide for user authentication and licensing checks and may periodically report health, routes, and content availability to a central node, such as a device in or on the edge of a core network. Accordingly, the host 1300 may select and / or indicate a different host for over-the-top services for a UE. The host application programs 1314 may support various protocols, such as the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol, Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH), etc.

[0273] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1400 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1400 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized.

[0274] Applications 1402 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0275] Hardware 1404 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1406 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1408a and 1408b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1408), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1406 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1408.

[0276] The VMs 1408 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1406. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1402 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1408, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0277] In the context of NFV, a VM 1408 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non- virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 1408, and that part of hardware 1404 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1408 on top of the hardware 1404 and corresponds to the application 1402.

[0278] Hardware 1404 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1404 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1404 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1410, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1402. In some embodiments, hardware 1404 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 1412 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0279] FIG. 15 shows a communication diagram of a host 1502 communicating via a network node 1504 with a UE 1506 over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments. Example implementations, in accordance with various embodiments, of the UE (such as a UE 1012a ofFIG. 10 and / or UE 1100 ofFIG. 11), network node (such as network node 1010a of FIG. lO and / or network node 1200 of FIG. 12), and host (such as host 1016 of FIG. 10 and / or host 1300 ofFIG. 13) discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0280] Like host 1300, embodiments of host 1502 include hardware, such as a communication interface, processing circuitry, and memory. The host 1502 also includes software, which is stored in or accessible by the host 1502 and executable by the processing circuitry. The software includes a host application that may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as the UE 1506 connecting via an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1550 extending between the UE 1506 and host 1502. In providing the service to the remote user, a host application may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection 1550.

[0281] The network node 1504 includes hardware enabling it to communicate with the host 1502 and UE 1506. The connection 1560 may be direct or pass through a core network (like core network 1006 ofFIG. 10) and / or one or more other intermediate networks, such as one or more public, private, or hosted networks. For example, an intermediate network may be a backbone network or the Internet.

[0282] The UE 1506 includes hardware and software, which is stored in or accessible by UE 1506 and executable by the UE’s processing circuitry. The software includes a client application, such as a web browser or operator-specific “app” that may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via UE 1506 with the support of the host 1502. In the host 1502, an executing host application may communicate with the executing client application via the OTT connection 1550 terminating at the UE 1506 and host 1502. In providing the service to the user, the UE’s client application may receive request data from the host’s host application and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1550 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The UE's client application may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides to the host application through the OTT connection 1550.

[0283] The OTT connection 1550 may extend via a connection 1560 between the host 1502 and the network node 1504 and via a wireless connection 1570 between the network node 1504 and the UE 1506 to provide the connection between the host 1502 and the UE 1506. The connection 1560 and wireless connection 1570, over which the OTT connection 1550 may be provided, have been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host 1502 and the UE 1506 via the network node 1504, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices.

[0284] As an example of transmitting data via the OTT connection 1550, in step 1508, the host 1502 provides user data, which may be performed by executing a host application. In some embodiments, the user data is associated with a particular human user interacting with the UE 1506. In other embodiments, the user data is associated with a UE 1506 that shares data with the host 1502 without explicit human interaction. In step 1510, the host 1502 initiates a transmission carrying the user data towards the UE 1506. The host 1502 may initiate the transmission responsive to a request transmitted by the UE 1506. The request may be caused by human interaction with the UE 1506 or by operation of the client application executing on the UE 1506. The transmission may pass via the network node 1504, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. Accordingly, in step 1512, the network node 1504 transmits to the UE 1506 the user data that was carried in the transmission that the host 1502 initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 1514, the UE 1506 receives the user data carried in the transmission, which may be performed by a client application executed on the UE 1506 associated with the host application executed by the host 1502.

[0285] In some examples, the UE 1506 executes a client application which provides user data to the host 1502. The user data may be provided in reaction or response to the data received from the host 1502. Accordingly, in step 1516, the UE 1506 may provide user data, which may be performed by executing the client application. In providing the user data, the client application may further consider user input received from the user via an input / output interface of the UE 1506. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the UE 1506 initiates, in step 1518, transmission of the user data towards the host 1502 via the network node 1504. In step 1520, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node 1504 receives user data from the UE 1506 and initiates transmission of the received user data towards the host 1502. In step 1522, the host 1502 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the UE 1506.

[0286] One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT servicesprovided to the UE 1506 using the OTT connection 1550, in which the wireless connection 1570 forms the last segment. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device can apply STMC properly after being switched to and / or reselecting a cell with different SSB characteristics. The specific SSB measurement may be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, the influence of a moving base station / relay, such as a moving satellite, for the time align of SSB may be reduced. The measurement quality for the SSB in such situations may be enhanced. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the performance, e.g., data rate, latency, power consumption, of the communication network, and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, improved content resolution, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime.

[0287] In an example scenario, factory status information may be collected and analyzed by the host 1502. As another example, the host 1502 may process audio and video data which may have been retrieved from a UE for use in creating maps. As another example, the host 1502 may collect and analyze real-time data to assist in controlling vehicle congestion (e.g., controlling traffic lights). As another example, the host 1502 may store surveillance video uploaded by a UE. As another example, the host 1502 may store or control access to media content such as video, audio, VR or AR which it can broadcast, multicast or unicast to UEs. As other examples, the host 1502 may be used for energy pricing, remote control of non-time critical electrical load to balance power generation needs, location services, presentation services (such as compiling diagrams etc. from data collected from remote devices), or any other function of collecting, retrieving, storing, analyzing and / or transmitting data.

[0288] In some examples, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1550 between the host 1502 and UE 1506, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and / or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection may be implemented in software and hardware of the host 1502 and / or UE 1506. In some embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with other devices through which the OTT connection 1550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 1550 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not directly alter the operation of the network node 1504. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like, by the host 1502. The measurements may be implemented in that software causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 1550 while monitoring propagation times, errors, etc.

[0289] Some further detailed embodiments of the present disclosure in exemplary particular scenario will provide a method that enables user-centric distributed MIMO networks to proficiently serve both terrestrial and aerial users. Within this design, during the vital cluster formation / adaptationstage, each GUE possesses the capability to compute a list of APs, ranking them based on a signal / performance quality metric to ensure minimal disturbance to GUE performance in case those APs stop serving that GUE.

[0290] Upon receiving the list of APs computed by the GUEs, the CPU ranks the most voted APs by the GUEs. Those are the APs that cause minimal harm to GUEs’ performance and, thus, are the best candidates to change their tilt angles to serve UAVs from a system-wide performance perspective. After being informed by the CPU about their ranking, the APs serving the UAVs decide whether they can change their tilt angles. If the AP decides to adapt its tilting angle, it relies on a neural network to reduce computational complexity and to allow APs to learn from their past experiences.

[0291] Based on the above mechanism, even when an AP undergoes substantial tilt angle adjustments to optimize its service for a UAV, the advanced methodology in embodiments ensures that the network integrity remains intact. It prioritizes both the specific requirements of the UAVs and the consistent connectivity needs of terrestrial users. By doing so, the method in embodiments guarantees a fair, balanced, and uninterrupted network experience for every user, irrespective of their geographical or aerial positioning.

[0292] Such embodiments of the present disclosure will provide a solution that allows APs to change their antenna tilt angles to service UAVs without penalizing GUEs. The approach introduces a list of APs computed by GUEs. This list is strategically structured to rank APs in a manner that mitigates the adverse effects on GUE performance should a connection be lost. Indeed, what makes this approach especially compelling is that, regardless of the heightened priority in addressing the needs of the UAVs, the selection of APs to change their antenna tilt angles to serve UAVs is consistently guided by this list. This ensures that the solution not only meets specific demands but also upholds a balanced and equitable service distribution for every user. A neural network assists each AP to change its antenna tilt angle so as to reduce computational complexity and to allow APs to leam from their past experiences.

[0293] Here, some key aspects that underscore the distinct appeal of the illustrated methods may be illustrated below:• Versatility: The system can cater to both ground and aerial users, making it adaptable to diverse connectivity needs.• User Empowerment: Terrestrial users have the autonomy to prioritize APs based on their individual connectivity preferences.• Strategic AP Prioritization: The ordered list ensures that any adjustments made to serve UAVs will have the least negative impact on terrestrial users.• Optimized Connectivity: The approach minimizes disruptions, even when APs adjust their tilt angles for UAVs, ensuring consistent network performance.• Harmonized Network Experience: All users, irrespective of their location, benefit from a synchronized and efficient network experience.• Service continuity: The solution enables the UAV to successfully exploit the cell-free architecture such that the UAV is continuously served by a cluster of APs to avoid radio link failure.• Unique signaling: The signaling used in the proposed method may be designed as unique for improving the robustness.

[0294] Such embodiments of the present disclosure will provide a method executed at the network-side and a method executed at the UAV-side that allows the cluster of APs serving the UAV as well as the ATA of the APs to be dynamically adapted during the UAV flight. In the following, some exemplary scenario configuration for the proposed solution may be illustrated, then the methods executed at the network-side and UAV are described respectively. Finally, an example of the signaling exchange adopted by the proposed method may be illustrated.

[0295] For example, some scenarios provide that the CPU has knowledge of some metrics related to the link quality between each UE (i.e., UAVs and GUEs) and a subset of APs (or distributed antenna elements or TRPs), which varies very slowly over time, such as the large-scale fading (LSF) value of the link. This can be obtained by a regular channel estimation process, where, for example, the UEs send reference signals to the CPU periodically or non-periodically when transmitting data or when requested by the CPU. It is also considered that the APs have a mechanism that allows for a dynamic antenna tilting (mechanical and / or via beamforming).

[0296] Moreover, it is assumed that the UAVs are equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS), such that they have some information about their positions, and have some information about their speed and traj ectory . It may be assumed that the UAV is relying on the 3GPP network to provide the C2 communication (for a UAV without a UE) or uplink / downlink data transmission (for services provided to the UAV applications [such as in reference 3, section 7.1]). It is also assumed that the UAV is already connected and authenticated with the UTM and connected with the 3GPP network. Finally, it is also assumed that the UAV has started flying and is being controlled by the UAV- C / UTM or in an autonomous flight mode.

[0297] Just for clearer illustration, the method executed at the network-side will be split into 3 (three) different parts:Method executed by the master AP serving a GUE;Method executed by the APs that are serving or are available to serving a UAV;Method executed by the CPU.

[0298] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by a master AP serving a GUE.

[0299] Method executed by a master AP serving a GUE may comprise two steps.

[0300] In a step SI 602, the Master AP of a given UE (the master AP is the first AP to which the GUE connects to in the network or the AP with the best quality in the cluster of APs serving the GUE) receives a list from that GUE containing the N APs (N may be an integer number) that cause the least disturbance to the GUEs performance in case those APs stop serving that GUE. This list is sent by the master APs of the GUEs to their controlling CPUs.o This list may be comprised, for example, of the APs with lowest LSF from the cluster of APs serving that GUE. Alternative metrics that can be used as a replacement for the LSF are the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) or Reference Signal Strength Indicator (RS SI), for instance. o This list is created by a GUE without knowing anything about the UAVs or about which APs will change their ATA. This list is simply used by a GUE to indicate to the network-side (to the CPUs) which APs are contributing less to the service of that GUE. From a logical point of view, if the APs contributing less to the rate of GUEs change their ATA to serve the UAV and stop serving the GUEs, less harm there will be for the GUEs rates. The CPU later computes which APs were the most voted ones and inform the APs. Then, the APs that are serving the UAVs decide, based on Algorithm 1 (such as shown in following FIG. 18), if they will change their ATA.

[0301] In a step SI 604, the Master AP of GUE forwards all received lists to its controlling CPU.

[0302] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by APs that are serving or are available to serving a UAV. In the FIG. 17A and following figures, SQM stands for Signal Quality Metric.

[0303] Method executed by the APs that are serving or are available to serve an UAV may comprise the following steps.

[0304] In a step SI 702, the master AP of the UAV receives a signal from the CPU or UTM that may contain, but not limited to o A FLAG-0 that is set to TRUE indicating that the UAV will start moving. o The speed of the UAV. o The predicted path that the UAV plans to go through.■ In case this information is presented in the signal, the network-side can plan ahead and adjust the ATA of all the APs along the UAV trajectory. This can reduce the signaling exchange of the method considering that the network can use the currently available information at the future UAV position to compute the main lobe angle, without needing to exchange extra signaling only when the UAV is approaching a certain position.

[0305] The master AP of the UAV transmits this signal to its controlling CPU if the above signal was received directly from the UTM.

[0306] In a step SI 704, the master AP of the UAV may receive information with the UTM and then exchange standardized control data with the UAV to set the UAV’s Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode and whether the UAV will use Discontinuous Reception (DRX). o The information received from the UTM may include data about UAV flight plan, amount of data to be transmitted by UAV, predicted battery consumption of the UAV. o The master AP of the UAV keeps the CPU informed about DRX status of UAVs.

[0307] In a step SI 706, the APs serving the UAV receive the priority of the UAVs compared tothe GUEs.

[0308] The priority information can be configured by the gNB, based on configuration information and signaling with core network nodes, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Packet or Serving Gateway (SGW) node, Policy Control Function and / or Operation and Management System nodes. The priority information is typically part of the Quality of Service bearer setup, where the core network and radio access network sets up radio bearers using e.g. radio resource control signaling. o Three different priorities may exist in this case: UAVs have higher priority than GUEs, UAVs have lower priority than GUEs, UAVs and GUEs have equal priority.

[0309] In a step S 1708, the master AP serving the UAV receives a signal from the CPU containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-1 that is set to TRUE indicating that the AP is one of the most voted APs based on the list sent by the GUEs. This indicates that the AP may change its ATA to serve the UAVs without punishing too much the performance of GUEs.

[0310] In a step S1710, each AP serving the UAV in the predicted path of the UAV checks its availability to serve the UAV and change its ATA based on Algorithm 1 (such as shown in FIG. 18).

[0311] In a step S1712, each AP sends a signal to its controlling CPU containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-2 that when set to TRUE indicates that the AP is available to serve the UAV.

[0312] In a step S1714, the AP informs its served GUEs about its availability to serve the UAVs such that the GUEs can try to connect to other APs. This might be particularly important in case the ATA needs to significantly change such that it is not possible to serve the GUEs anymore.

[0313] In a step SI 716, for each served UAV or a UAV in a trajectory covered by the AP, the AP computes and estimates the input parameters of a Neural Network (NN), used to compute the value of ATA for each UAV. The estimated parameters are then used to obtain the output from the NN for each UAV.

[0314] The AP computes its ATA target based on a weighted sum of the outputs from the NN for each UAV. The AP then starts changing its ATA to reach the ATA target. o For example, ATA target = alpha l *OUT_1 + alpha_2* OUT 2 + ... + alpha M*OUT_M, where alpha m is the weight for the UAV m and OUT m is a product of the output from the NN for the UAV m. For example, the OUT m may be indicatedo Reaching the computed ATA target may be done via calibration, beamforming vector, electrical tilt or a combination of these options. The AP may exchange standardized signals related to the Random Access (RA) procedure with an incoming UAV.

[0315] The higher is the priority of UAV m, the higher alpha m is. It could also happen that all UAVs have the same priority, i.e., alpha m = constant for all m. That this priority information istypically part of the Quality of Service bearer setup, where the core network and radio access network sets up radio bearers using e.g. radio resource control signaling.

[0316] Further configuration, such as normalization may be applied to give the ATA target a certain range.

[0317] For UAV, the vertical angle is mainly considered. However, it should be noted that, some other type of tilt angle may be also considered, under the same principle.

[0318] FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an exemplary structure of a Neural Network used by the AP to assist the computation of the ATA for a specific UAV.

[0319] The Neural Network shown in FIG. 17B can be placed at each AP to assist the ATA adjustment. Once the AP has decided to change its ATA to serve the UAV, this neural network is used for computing the best tilt angle for that specific UAV.

[0320] The inputs of the NN may include: antenna characteristic, such as Antenna radiation pattern or beamforming pattern; UAV mobility information, such as UAV position, UAV speed, UAV direction of movement, Angle of Arrival (AoA) or Angle of Departure (AoD).

[0321] The outputs of the NN may include: Signal quality measure (SQM), which could be, e.g., RSRP, SNR or LSF; and Antenna tilt.

[0322] For the NN, multiple optimal historical corresponding relationships (samples) between antenna tilt angles (outputs) and mobility information (inputs) for a single UAV are stored. When inputting new mobility data of a UAV, NN can use historical data to perform search, match, iteration, and / or other calculations, and output a new and most optimal tilt angle for the new mobility data. There are no restrictions on the specific types of applicable neural networks.

[0323] That is, the considered principle is to use a NN to leam the tilt angles based on historical / past values of mobility information. Then, when there is a new set of mobility information, the NN can provide a value of tilt angle. No restrictions on the type of neural network.

[0324] In a step S1718, the AP may perform RA procedure and connect to UAV.

[0325] In a step SI 720, at any time, when a UAV disconnects from the AP, the AP will decide whether it will come back to its initial antenna tilt based on a predefined criterion.

[0326] In a step S 1722, the master AP receives a signal from the CPU or UTM containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-0 that is set to FALSE indicating that the UAV will stop moving.

[0327] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow chart for an access node to decide the availability to change configuration.

[0328] While the flowchart in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B explains the details of the method executed by the APs that are serving or are available to serving a UAV. Before changing the ATA of an AP, the APs need to know whether they can change their ATA without penalizing GUEs, which is the context of Algorithm 1 presented in FIG. 18.

[0329] The following steps are executed by the AP in the context of Algorithm 1, as shown in Figure 18.For each AP serving UAV or in the UAV predicted trajectory, in a step SI 802, the AP checks if the priority of the UAVs is higher than the priority of the GUEs. o If “Y es”, then in a step S 1804, the AP changes the ATA based on the NN outputs, e.g., based on a weighted sum of the NN outputs. o If “No”, then in a step SI 806, check if the priority of the UAVs is lower than the priority of the GUEs.■ If “Y es”, then in a step S 1808, there is no reason to change the ATA to serve that UAV.■ If “No”, then in a step SI 810, the AP will change its ATA if more than X% of its users are UAVs, which means that the number of UAVs close to the AP is increasing. The AP will change the ATA based on the neural network outputs, e.g., based on a weighted sum of the NN outputs.When a UAV disconnects from the AP, in a step SI 812, the AP will decide whether it will come back to its initial antenna tilt based on a predefined criterion. Here are some examples of criteria for the AP to come back to its initial ATA: 1) Timer; 2) If the AP is not serving any other UAVs for a certain time; 3) If the AP is only serving UAVs with equal priority to GUEs and its availability for changing the antenna tilt has decreased based on the list sent by GUEs to the CPU.

[0330] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by the CPU.

[0331] Method executed by the CPU may comprise the following steps.

[0332] In a step SI 902, the CPU receives a signal from the Master AP of the UAV or UTM containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-0 that is set to TRUE indicating that the UAV will start moving. o The speed of the UAV. o The predicted path that the UAV plans to go through.

[0333] In a step SI 904, after receiving this signal from the master AP or UTM, the CPU transmits that signal to its controlled APs and to surrounding CPUs, such that the surrounding CPUs also inform their controlled APs about the moving UAV.

[0334] In a step SI 906, the CPU receives a list from the master APs that are serving GUEs containing the N APs sent by the GUEs. o Based on this list, the CPU ranks the most voted APs by the GUEs. Those APs are the ones that will less harm to the GUEs performance if they stop serving the GUEs by changing their ATA to serve the UAVs.

[0335] In a step S 1908, the CPU receives a signal from the Master AP of the UAVs informing the DRX status of each of the UAVs served by the Master APs. o This information may also be transmitted from the CPU to the UTM.

[0336] In a step SI 910, each CPU sends a signal to its controlling APs containing at least, but notlimited to o A FLAG-1 that is set to TRUE indicating that the AP is one the most voted APs based on the list sent by the GUEs. This indicates that the AP may change its ATA to serve the UAVs without punishing too much the performance of GUEs.

[0337] In a step S1912, each CPU receives a signal from its controlling APs containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-2 that when set to TRUE indicates that the AP is available to serve the UAV. o The AP position.

[0338] Further, each CPU sends its controlled APs’ availability and position to its surrounding CPUs.

[0339] In a step S1914, each CPU sends a signal to the UTM, so that the UAVs are informed, containing the APs availability along with their positions. o This may help adapting the UAV flight plan based on the APs that are available to serve the UAV by changing their ATA.

[0340] In a step S 1916, the CPU receives a signal from the UTM or Master AP containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-0 that is set to FALSE indicating that the UAV will stop moving.

[0341] In a step SI 918, the CPU forwards the signal above to its surrounding CPUs.

[0342] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an exemplary flowchart of the steps executed by the UAV.

[0343] The method at the UAV may comprise the following steps.• In a step S2002, the UAV receives from the UTM / UAV-C a signal containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-0 that is set to TRUE indicating that the UAV will start moving. o The predicted path that the UAV is supposed to go through. o Along the flight of the UAV, the UTM / UAV-C will keep controlling the UAV.• In a step S2004, the UAV exchanges standardized control data with the 3GPP network to set the UAV’s RRC mode and whether the UAV will use DRX.• Then, the UAV also receives from its master AP or UTM a signal containing the APs that are available to serve the UAV and their positions. o Based on this information, the UAV and UTM may decide to adapt its trajectory to fly over APs that are available to serve it.• Along the UAV trajectory, it sounds the environment and in a step S2006 determines which handover event happened. Then the UAV performs the following actions depending on the handover event that happens with respect to the APs that are available to serve it: o Event A2: in a step S2008, the UAV disconnects from the referred AP, thus diminishing its serving cluster.o Event A3: in a step S2010, the UAV disconnects from current AP and connects to new AP with better signal quality, without changing the size of the serving cluster. Then, in a step S2012, the UAV performs the RA procedure and connects to AP with better signal quality. o Event A4: in a step S2014, the UAV just connects to the AP with satisfactory channel quality, i.e., in a step S2016, the UAV performs the RA procedure and connects to AP with satisfactory channel quality. Thus, the serving cluster increases in size. o Thus, the cluster of APs formed to serve the UAV is not based on the list of APs sent by the GUEs. Such a cluster is formed based on the 3GPP standardized handover event. Then, after the UAV is connected to a given AP, the AP will decide whether it should change its ATA indirectly using, as part of the algorithm, the list of APs sent by the GUEs (indeed, it is a processed information as the APs do not receive the list itself, they only receive information about whether they were the most voted APs). Therefore, the UAV does not know about the existence of the list of APs sent by the GUEs.• In a step S2018, the UAV receives from the UTM / UAV-C a signal containing at least, but not limited to o A FLAG-0 that is set to FALSE indicating that the UAV will stop moving.

[0344] FIG. 21 A is a first part is a diagram showing an exemplary complete signaling exchange procedure. FIG. 21B is a second part is a diagram showing an exemplary complete signaling exchange procedure. FIG. 21C is a third part is a diagram showing an exemplary complete signaling exchange procedure.

[0345] This example contains one GUE, one UAV, 4 APs, 2 CPUs and one UTM. While the UAV-C is omitted in the figure, it is considered that there can be a UAV-C controlling the UAV flight. It is also assumed that during the flight it keeps communicating with the UTM.

[0346] This exemplary signaling exchange procedure comprises following steps.

[0347] In a step S2101, GUE sends list containing the N APs that can serve the UAVs by changing the ATA to master AP of GUE (AP-2).

[0348] In a step S2102, AP-2 sends received list to CPU (CPU-A).

[0349] In a step S2103, CPU-A and CPU-B exchange lists received from GUEs.

[0350] In a step S2104, CPU-A informs most voted APs (such as AP-2) that they can serve the UAVs by changing their ATA.

[0351] In a step S2105, CPU-B informs most voted APs (such as AP-3, new master AP of UAV) that they can serve the UAVs by changing their ATA.

[0352] In a step S2106, UTM sends commands for the UAV to start its flight.

[0353] In a step S2107, UTM informs CPU (CPU-A) that the UAV will start its flight.

[0354] In a step S2108, CPU-A informs its controlled APs (AP-1, AP-2) and surrounding CPUs (CPU-B) about the moving UAV.

[0355] In a step S2109, AP-2 checks availability to serve UAV and inform CPU.

[0356] In a step S2110, AP-3 checks availability to serve UAV and inform CPU.

[0357] In a step S2111, UAV exchanges information with the 3 GPP network (via AP-1) to decide on whether DRX should be used.

[0358] In a step S2112, AP-2 informs GUEs served by this AP to try to connect to other APs.

[0359] In a step S2113, AP-3 informs GUEs served by this AP to try to connect to other APs.

[0360] In a step S2114, AP-2 computes and estimates input parameters of the NN. AP-2 uses the parameters to obtain the output from the NN. AP-3 computes target ATA.

[0361] In a step S2115, AP-3 computes and estimates input parameters of the NN. AP-3 uses the parameters to obtain the output from the NN. AP-3 computes target ATA.

[0362] In a step S2116, if event A2 happens, UAV disconnects from this AP.

[0363] In a step S2117, if this AP is not serving any other UAV, then AP-1 return ATA to serve GUEs.

[0364] In a step S2118, AP-2 starts adjusting tilting angle and beam tracking according to predicted position of UAV.

[0365] In a step S2119, AP-3 starts adjusting tilting angle and beam tracking according to predicted position of UAV.

[0366] In a step S2120, if event A3 happens, UAV disconnects from AP-1 and connects to AP-2. Or if event A4 happens, UAV just connects to AP-2.

[0367] In a step S2121, if event A2 happens, UAV disconnects from this AP.

[0368] In a step S2122, UAV performs RA procedure and connects to AP-2. AP-2 performs RA procedure and connects to UAV.

[0369] In a step S2123, if event A3 happens, UAV disconnects from AP-1 and connects to AP-3. Or if event A4 happens, UAV just connects to AP-3.

[0370] In a step S2124, if event A2 happens, UAV disconnects from this AP.

[0371] In a step S2125, UAV performs RA procedure and connects to AP-3. AP-3 performs RA procedure and connects to UAV.

[0372] In a step S2126, UTM sends commands for the UAV to stop its flight.

[0373] In a step S2127, UTM informs CPU that the UAV will stop its flight.

[0374] In a step S2128, CPU-A informs its controlled APs (AP-1, AP-2) and surrounding CPUs (CPU-B) that the UAV will stop its flight.

[0375] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the networknode, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0376] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

[0377] Abbreviation ExplanationRLF Radio link failureTRP Transmission and Reception PointD-MIMO Distributed Multiple Inputs and Multiple OutputsBS Base StationAP Access PointCPU Central Processing UnitUAV Uncrewed / Unmanned Aerial VehicleGUE Ground User EquipmentATA Antenna Tilt Angle3GPP 3rdGeneration Partnership ProjectUAS Uncrewed Aerial SystemQoS Quality of ServiceC2 Command and ControlUAV-C Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle controllerUTM Uncrewed Aerial System Traffic ManagementRRH Remote Radio HeadLSF Large-Scale FadingGPS Global Positioning SystemRSRQ Reference Signal Received QualityRSSI Reference Signal Strength IndicatorRRC Radio Resource ControlDRX Discontinuous ReceptionNN Neural NetworkRA Random AccessRAN Radio Access NetworkSQM Signal Quality MetricUE User EquipmentAoA Angle of ArrivalAoD Angle of Departure5G 5thGeneration5GC 5G Core5GS 5G SystemRACH Random Access ChannelAoA Angle of ArrivalAoD Angle of Departure

[0378] REFERENCES

[0379] Following references are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, only as an exemplary illustration for some concept in the embodiments, rather than limitation.1. S. Kim, M. Kim, J. Y. Ryu, J. Lee and T. Q. S. Quek, “Non-Terrestrial Networks for UAVs: Base Station Service Provisioning Schemes with Antenna Tilt”, in IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 41537-41550, Apr. 2022.2. 3GPP TS 38.213 V16.7.0, “3GPP Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; Physical layer procedures for control (Release 16)”, Sep 2021.3. 3GPP TS 22.125 V17.6.0, “5G; Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) support in 3GPP”, Apr 2022.4. 3GPP TR 23.754 V17.1.0, “Study on supporting Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) connectivity, Identification and tracking”, Mar 2021.5. I. M. B. Junior, R. P. Antonioli, G. Fodor, Y. C. B. Silva, W. C. F. Junior, “Selection of access points to serve user equipment in a d-MIMO network”, PCT / EP2022 / 077875, Oct 2022.6. H. Q. Ngo, L.-N. Tran, T. Q. Duong, M. Matthaiou, and E. G. Larsson, “On the total energy efficiency of cell-free massive MIMO,” IEEE Trans. Green Commun. Netw., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 25-39, Nov. 2018.7. S. Buzzi and C. D’Andrea, “Cell-free massive MIMO: User-centric approach,” IEEE Wireless Commun. Lett., vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 706-709, Dec. 2017.8. E. Bjomson and L. Sanguinetti, “Scalable cell-free massive MIMO systems,” IEEE Trans. Commun., vol. 68, no. 7, pp. 4247-4261, Jul. 2020.Acharya, Joydeep, and Long Gao. “Joint user equipment scheduling and cluster formation for distributed antenna systems.” U.S. Patent No. 8,509,831. 13 Aug. 2013. Zhou, Yan, et al. “Sounding scheduling for distributed MIMO communication in an access point cluster.” U.S. Patent No. 15 / 916,163. 8 Mar. 2018. Zhou, Yan, et al. “Methods and systems for access point clustering.” U.S. Patent No. 10,455,484. 22 Oct. 2019. B. Galkin, J. Kibilda, and L. A. DaSilva, “Backhaul for low-altitude UAVs in urban environments,” in Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Commun. (ICC), Kansas City, MO, May 2018, pp. 1- 6. M. M. Azari, F. Rosas, A. Chiumento, and S. Pollin, “Coexistence of terrestrial and aerial users in cellular networks,” in Proc. IEEE Global Telecomm. Conf. Workshops. (GC Wkshps), Singapore, Dec. 2017, pp. 1-6. R. Amer, W. Saad, and N. Marchetti, “Toward a connected sky: Performance of beamforming with down-tilted antennas for ground and UAV user co-existence,” IEEE Commun. Lett., vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1840-1844, Oct. 2019. S. Kim, M. Kim, J. Y. Ryu, and J. Lee, “Impact of Base Station Antenna Tilt Angle on UAV Communications,” in Proc. IEEE Global Communications Conference, Taipei, Taiwan, Dec. 2020, pp. 1-6. S. Kim, M. Kim, J. Y. Ryu, J. Lee, and T. Q. S. Quek, “Non-Terrestrial Networks for UAVs: Base Station Service Provisioning Schemes With Antenna Tilt,” IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 41537-41550, 2022

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (200) performed by a network node, comprising: receiving (S202), a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE, wherein a UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE; selecting (S204) at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access nodes; and transmitting (S206), to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving (S208), from the selected at least one access node, information about availability of the selected at least one access node to change a service configuration; and transmitting (S210), to surrounding network nodes, the information about availability of the selected at least one access node.

3. The method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the importance of an access node is determined by the UE, based on a contribution of the access node to the network service for the UE; and wherein the contribution comprises transferred data volume, and / or connection quality.

4. The method (200) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein selecting (S204) the at least one access node comprises: determining (S2042) that, a harm to the network service for the plurality of UE is acceptable when the service configuration of the selected at least one access node is changed.

5. The method (200) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the network node receives the plurality of lists of access nodes, from a plurality of access nodes serving the plurality of UE.

6. The method (200) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of UE comprises a plurality of ground user equipment, GUE; wherein the selected at least one access node is selected to provide a coverage for at least one uncrewed aerial vehicle, UAV; wherein the service configuration comprises a coverage area; and wherein a change of the coverage area is caused by a change of an antenna tilt angle, ATA.

7. The method (200) according to claim 6, further comprising: receiving (S212), from a UAV control node, mobility information about the at least one UAV;and transmitting (S214), to the selected at least one access node and / or surrounding network nodes, the mobility information about the at least one UAV; wherein the mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV.

8. The method (200) according to any of claim 6 or 7, wherein the UAV control node comprises: an uncrewed aerial vehicle controller, UAV-C or an uncrewed aerial system traffic management, UTM.

9. The method (200) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the network node comprises: a central processing unit, CPU; and wherein an access node comprises: an access point, AP.

10. The method (200) according to claim 9, wherein the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

11. A method (300) performed by an access node, comprising: receiving (S302), from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes, wherein a UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE; and transmitting (S304), to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

12. The method (300) according to claim 11, further comprising: receiving (S306), from the network node, an indication about the network node selecting the access node as a candidate to change a service configuration; determining (S308) an availability to change the service configuration; and transmitting (S310), to the network node, information about the availability.

13. The method (300) according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of UE comprises a plurality of GUE; wherein the access node is selected to provide a coverage for at least one UAV; wherein the service configuration comprises a coverage area; and wherein a change of the coverage areas is caused by a change of an ATA.

14. The method (300) according to claim 13, further comprising: receiving (S312) mobility information about the at least one UAV; wherein the mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV;wherein the mobility information is received from the network node, or wherein the mobility information is received from a UAV control node and transmitted by the access node to the network node.

15. The method (300) according to any of claims 13 to 14, wherein determining (S308) the availability comprises: comparing (S3082) priorities of the at least one UAV and the at least one GUE; and determining (S3084) to change the service configuration, when priorities of the at least one UAV are higher than the plurality of GUE, and / or when a predefined number of UAVs have the same priority with the plurality of GUE.

16. The method (300) according to any of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: computing (S314) at least one tilt angle value corresponding to the at least one UAV; and generating (S316 a target ATA by weighting and summing the at least one tilt angle value.

17. The method (300) according to claim 16, wherein the at least one tilt angle value is computed by using a neural network, NN, inputted with at least the mobility information of the at least one UAV.

18. The method (300) according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising: informing (S318) the plurality of GUE that the service configuration is to be changed; and applying (S320) the target ATA, based on the mobility information and / or a connection status of the at least one UAV.

19. The method (300) according to any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the network node comprises: a CPU; and wherein an access node comprises: an AP.

20. The method (300) according to claim 19, wherein the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

21. A method (400) performed by a UE, comprising: transmitting (S402), to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

22. The method (400) according to claim 21, further comprising: receiving (S404), from the access node, information about that a service configuration of at least one access node in the list of access nodes is to be changed.

23. The method (400) according to any of claims 21 to 22, wherein an access node comprises: an AP; wherein the UE comprises: a GUE.

24. The method (400) according to claim 23, wherein the AP is an initial AP for at least one UAV.

25. A method (500) performed by a UAV control node, comprising: transmitting (S502), to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; receiving (S504), from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

26. The method (500) according to claim 25, further comprising: transmitting (S506), to the at least one UAV, the information.

27. The method (500) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the mobility information comprises a start, a stop, a speed, or a predicted path of the at least one UAV.

28. The method (500) according to any of claim 25 to 27, wherein the UAV control node comprises: a UAV-C or a UTM; wherein the network node comprises: a CPU; and wherein an access node comprises: an AP.

29. The method (500) according to claim 28, wherein the AP is an initial AP for the at least one UAV.

30. A method (600) performed by a UAV, comprising: receiving (S602), from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; receiving (S604) availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and connecting (S606) to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

31. The method (600) according to claim 30, wherein the UAV receives the availability information about at least one access node, from the UAV control node or a network node or an access node.

32. The method (600) according to claim 31,wherein the UAV control node comprises: a UAV-C or a UTM; wherein the network node comprises: a CPU; and wherein an access node comprises: an AP.

33. The method (600) according to claim 21, wherein the AP is an initial AP for the at least one UAV.

34. An apparatus (70) for a network node in a communication network, comprising: a processor (701); and a memory (702), the memory (702) containing instructions executable by the processor (701), whereby the apparatus (70) for the network node is operative for: receiving, a plurality of lists of access nodes created by a plurality of user equipments, UE, wherein a UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE; selecting at least one access node as at least one candidate to change a service configuration, based on the plurality of lists of access nodes; and transmitting, to the selected at least one access node, an indication about the selection.

35. The apparatus (70) according to claim 34, wherein the apparatus (70) is further operative to perform the method according to any of claims 2 to 10.

36. An apparatus (71) for an access node in a communication network, comprising: a processor (711); and a memory (712), the memory (712) containing instructions executable by the processor (711), whereby the apparatus (71) for the access node is operative for: receiving, from a plurality of UE, a plurality of lists of access nodes, wherein a UE uses a list of access nodes to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE; and transmitting, to a network node, the plurality of lists of access nodes.

37. The apparatus (71) according to claim 36, wherein the apparatus (71) is further operative to perform the method according to any of claims 12 to 20.

38. An apparatus (72) for a UE in a communication network, comprising: a processor (721); and a memory (722), the memory (722) containing instructions executable by the processor (721), whereby the apparatus (72) for the UE is operative for: transmitting, to an access node, a list of access nodes, to indicate a difference of importance among access nodes in the list of access nodes to a network service for the UE.

39. The apparatus (72) according to claim 38, wherein the apparatus (72) is further operative to perform the method according to any of claims 22 to 24.

40. An apparatus (73) for a UAV control node in a communication network, comprising: a processor (731); and a memory (732), the memory (732) containing instructions executable by the processor (731), whereby the apparatus (73) for the UAV control node is operative for: transmitting, to a network node, mobility information about at least one UAV; receiving, from the network node, information about at least one access node available to serve the at least one UAV.

41. The apparatus (73) according to claim 40, wherein the apparatus (73) is further operative to perform the method according to any of claims 26 to 29.

42. An apparatus (74) for a UAV in a communication network, comprising: a processor (741); and a memory (742), the memory (742) containing instructions executable by the processor (741), whereby the apparatus (74) for the UAV is operative for: receiving, from a UAV control node, mobility commands / information; receiving availability information about at least one access node to serve the UAV during a mobility; and connecting to at least one access node based on the availability information during the mobility.

43. The apparatus (74) according to claim 40, wherein the apparatus (74) is further operative to perform the method according to any of claims 31 to 33.

44. A computer-readable storage medium (80) storing instructions (81), which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

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