Location management node, base station and methods in a wireless communucation network

Abstract

A method performed by a location management node for handling broadcast communication in a wireless communication network is provided. The location management node obtains (502) broadcast capability data from a base station. The broadcast capability data comprises one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting. The location management node sends assistance information to the base station. The assistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account.

Description

[0001] LOCATION MANAGEMENT NODE, BASE STATION AND METHODS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNUCATION NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments herein relate to a location management node, a base station and methods therein. In some aspects, they relate to handling broadcast communication in a wireless communication network.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (ST A) and / or User Equipment (UE), communicate via a Wide Area Network or a Local Area Network such as a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network comprising a Radio Access Network (RAN) part and a Core Network (CN) part. The RAN covers a geographical area which is divided into service areas or cell areas, which may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group, with each service area or cell area being served by a radio network node such as a radio access node e.g., a Wi-Fi access point, a Base Station (BS) or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be denoted, for example, a Base Station (BS), a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), or gNodeB (gNB) as denoted in Fifth Generation (5G) telecommunications. A service area or cell area is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio network node. The radio network node communicates over an air interface operating on a radio frequency with the wireless devices within the range of the radio network node.

[0006] 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is the standardization body for specifying the standards for the cellular system evolution, e.g., including 3G, 4G, 5G and the future evolutions. Specifications for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E- UTRA) and Evolved Packet System (EPS) have been completed within the 3GPP. In 4G also called a Fourth Generation (4G) network, EPS is core network and E-UTRA is radio access network. In 5G, 5GC is core network, NR is radio access network. As a continued network evolution, the new release of 3GPP specifies a 5G network also referred to as 5G New Radio (NR) and 5G Core (5GC).

[0007] Frequency bands for 5G NR are being separated into two different frequency ranges, Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). FR1 comprises sub-6 GHz frequency bands. Some of these bands are bands traditionally used by legacy standards but have been extended to cover potential new spectrum offerings from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. FR2 comprises frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Bands in this millimeter wave range have shorter range but higher available bandwidth than bands in the FR1.

[0008] Multi-antenna techniques may significantly increase the data rates and reliability of a wireless communication system. For a wireless connection between a single user, such as UE, and a base station (BS), the performance is in particular improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas, which results in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication channel. This may be referred to as Single-User (SU)-MIMO. In the scenario where MIMO techniques is used for the wireless connection between multiple users and the base station, MIMO enables the users to communicate with the base station simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources by spatially separating the users, which increases further the cell capacity. This may be referred to as Multi-User (MU)-MIMO. Note that MU-MIMO may benefit when each UE only has one antenna. The cell capacity can be increased linearly with respect to the number of antennas at the BS side. Due to that, more and more antennas are employed in BS. Such systems and / or related techniques are commonly referred to as massive MIMO.

[0009] In 3GPP clients, such as Location Service (LOS) clients, Access and Mobility Functions (AMF) and UEs may also trigger positioning requests. Figure 1 shows an architecture for LCS according to 3GPP.

[0010] A Location Management Function (LMF) or UE calculates the location and in some cases the UE needs assistance data from the network, such as the LMF, in order to improve the accuracy of the location estimate.

[0011] The UE may request the assistance data via N1 reference point and the LMF sends the assistance data in a point-to-point manner, such as unicast.

[0012] 3GPP has also defined a mechanism to broadcast the assistance data via Radio Resource Control (RRC) system information to all UEs in a cell. See e.g., Figure 2.

[0013] The LMF sends an NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) Assistance Information Control message to the NG-RAN node with an indication to start broadcasting assistance information. The message includes one or more System Information groups, where each group contains the broadcast periodicity and one or more positioning System Information Block (posSIB) types together with meta data to be scheduled in the same SI message. Each posSIB type may be ciphered and / or segmented at the LMF. The meta data may include an indication whether the posSIB type in the System Information group is ciphered or not, as well as an indication of an applicable GNSS type.

[0014] The NG-RAN node includes the received System Information groups in RRC System Information Messages and corresponding scheduling information in SIB1 as described in 3GPP TS 36.331 and / or 3GPP TS 38.331 v17.0.0. The UE applies the system information acquisition procedure according to 3GPP TS 36.331 v17.0.0 and / or 3GPP TS 38.331 v17.0.0 for acquiring the assistance data information that is broadcasted.

[0015] The NG-RAN node may choose not to broadcast and instead only indicate in SIB1 that the assistance data is available for broadcast. If not broadcasted but available, the UE may request the assistance data from NG-RAN. Upon receiving the request from UE, the decision of broadcasting or signalling in a dedicated way the posSIBs in SI message is up to the gNB-CU.

[0016] SUMMARY

[0017] As a part of developing embodiments herein a problem was identified by the inventors and will first be discussed.

[0018] For SI messages containing SIBs and posSIBs specified up to and including 3GPP Release (Rel) 16, the maximum number of SI messages to broadcast may be calculated according to:

[0019] Max #SI messages <= MIN(SIB periodicity) I siWindowLength (equation 1)

[0020] The periodicity for the positioning SIBs are received from LMF but the periodicity for other SIBs are set in RAN. The siWindowLength is set in RAN.

[0021] For Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, the SI window size will be large since not all slots can be used to transmit SIBs / posSIBs. This impacts the max number of SI messages as can be seen in equation 1.

[0022] The mapping of SIBs to SI messages is configured in schedulinglnfoList and scheduling! nfoList2 (for SIBs introduced from Rel 17), while the mapping of posSIBs to SI messages is configured in posSchedulinglnfoList and schedulinglnfoList2 (for posSIBs introduced from Rel 17). The scheduling order, defined in SIB1, is

[0023] 1. SIBs in schedulinglnfoList (Rel 16 and earlier);

[0024] 2. posSIBs in posSchedulinglnfoList (Rel 16 and earlier) 3. SIBs and posSIBS in scheduling! nfoList2. (Rel 17 and onwards)

[0025] For “1” and “2” periodicity, in radio frames, is configured and for “3” periodicity, in radio frames, and position (SI window). This means that SI messages with Rel 17 SIBs or posSIBS can be configured in a more flexible way and also that more SI messages can be scheduled.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example of how SIBs are configured and what is available for posSIBs. In this example the SI WindowSize is the same as 2 radio frames, that is 20ms.

[0027] In order for the LMF to be able to help the NG-RAN node, such as a gNB, to construct the SI messages carrying the posSIBs, the LMF must be aware of available SI message opportunities for Rel 16 and 17 posSIBs.

[0028] An SI message may contain several SIBs, if they share the same periodicity and if the maximum size allows it. Similar is valid also for posSIBs, but it is not possible to put a posSIB and ordinary SIB into the same message.

[0029] As can be seen the number of SI messages for assistance data also depends on total number of SI messages and all SIB periodicities and hence the number of SI messages for positioning are limited. The number of SI messages and periodicities may be different in different cells.

[0030] The max Transport Block Size (TBS) for an SI message specified by 3GPP 38.331 v17.7.0 is 372 octets. However, the maximum size of TBS for SI also depends on the cell configuration, such as:

[0031] • Bandwidth (BW), i.e., #PRBs allocated for SI

[0032] • SI Window size, i.e., the number of slots in-sequence during which one SI message can be transmitted.

[0033] If the LMF is aware of the scheduling possibilities and maximum size of an SI message, the LMF may implement a method to optimize information that may be broadcasted. One example of algorithm to decide on scheduling (maybe not optimized):

[0034] 1. Create broadcast list with minimum information (posSIB types, assistance data for minimum number of satellites, etc. a. Have a list of minimum information needed. b. For posSIB types to broadcast, create lists of posSIBs with same periodicity and that belong to the same scheduling information list. Each list is a preliminary SI message. c. For each preliminary SI message, calculate SI message size. d. Create preliminary SI segments. Split each preliminary SI message with size larger than maximum TBS size into preliminary SI segments and recalculate periodicity for each segment to meet the requirement of periodicity for the preliminary SI message. Each preliminary SI that has a size smaller than TBS, is also a preliminary SI segment. e. If available SI messages and periodicities are not enough to fit the preliminary SI segments, stop (no broadcast).

[0035] 2. Add information to the minimum broadcast list. a. Have a priority list of items to add: posSIB types or information per posSIB types. b. Calculate Remaining scheduling resources. c. Based on remaining scheduling resources, add items from the priority item list (2a).

[0036] 3. Start broadcast.

[0037] In 3GPP there is no mechanism to inform the LMF about NR cell capabilities in terms of number of posSIBs and SI messages and their sizes. As mentioned earlier in Figure 2, the RAN may report back failure to fit certain posSIBs but it is not possible for the LMF to know what the reason for it was. Was it so that the maximum size that was used in LMF was not consistent with the RAN configuration? Was the maximum number of posSIBs exceeded? Could it have been possible to fit the number of posSIBs if another periodicity had been used instead?

[0038] An object of embodiments herein is to improve the performance in a wireless communication network.

[0039] According to an aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a location management node for handling broadcast communication in a wireless communication network.

[0040] The location management node obtains broadcast capability data from a base station. The broadcast capability data comprises one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting.

[0041] The location management node sends assistance information to the base station. The assistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account.

[0042] According to another aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a base station for handling broadcast communication in a wireless communication network. The base station provides broadcast capability data to a location management node. The broadcast capability data comprises one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting.

[0043] The base station receives assistance information from the location management node. The assistance information is configured taking the broadcast capability data into account.

[0044] According to another aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a location management node configured to handle broadcast communication in a wireless communication network.

[0045] The location management node is further configured to obtain broadcast capability data from a base station. The broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting.

[0046] The location management node is further configured to send assistance information to the base station. The assistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account.

[0047] According to another aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a base station configured to handle broadcast communication in a wireless communication network.

[0048] The base station is further configured to provide broadcast capability data to a location management node. The broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting.

[0049] The base station is further configured to receive assistance information from the location management node. The assistance information is adapted to be configured taking the broadcast capability data into account.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Examples of embodiments herein are described in more detail with reference to attached drawings in which:

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram according to prior art.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a signalling diagram according to prior art.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates a an example of system information.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a wireless communications network. Figure 5 is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method in a location management node.

[0056] Figure 6 is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method in a base station.

[0057] Figure 7 is a signalling diagram according to embodiments herein.

[0058] Figure 8 is a signalling diagram according to embodiments herein.

[0059] Figure 9 is a signalling diagram according to embodiments herein.

[0060] Figure 10 is a signalling diagram according to embodiments herein.

[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of location management node.

[0062] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of base station.

[0063] Figure 13 shows an example of a communication system QQ100 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0064] Figure 14 shows a UE QQ200 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0065] Figure 15 shows a network node QQ300 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0066] Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment QQ400 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized.

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Embodiments herein relate to broadcast communication in wireless communication network.

[0069] Embodiments herein provide methods for providing RAN capability information to a location management node, such as an LMF. Examples of embodiments herein may e.g., comprise:

[0070] Enhancing feedback message “NRPPa Assistance Information Feedback” with a reason for failures and additional information about capabilities.

[0071] Introduce a new NRPPa procedure where the LMF may request RAN capability information and optionally another NRPPa procedure where RAN may update the LMF of changed capabilities.

[0072] Enhance the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) Information Exchange procedure to add possibility for the LMF to enquire of RAN SI message sizes, capability of broadcast certain posSIBs, and for the RAN to report such capability information to the LMF. According to examples of embodiments herein, the RAN provides positioning broadcast capabilities per cell to the LMF, enabling LMF to automatically adapt its list of posSIBs to be sent, e.g., to know the capability of the SI messages with positioning assistance data that will be possible for RAN to broadcast. The positioning capability may e.g., depend on the number of SI messages used already for the SIBs, the shortest SI message periodicity and the maximum allowed TBS size in the cell.

[0073] In a cell the SI message size may be more limited than stated in 3GPP. Examples of embodiments herein may provide methods for the LMF to automatically be aware of the maximum SI messages size per cell.

[0074] Further, according to examples of embodiments herein, the LMF may be aware of the number of available SI messages for posSIBs and their minimum periodicity per cell and may decide on how to construct the SI messages.

[0075] As the RAN is providing a minimum periodicity that may be used for the posSIBs, the LMF may decide if that periodicity is good enough for the distribution or if instead the assistance data should be distributed in a dedicated manner.

[0076] The configuration, such as e.g., size, periodicity, and / or number of SI messages, of the broadcast assistance data in LMF, may be automated and adopted per cell to match the capabilities of the cell. The LMF may for example decrease the number of satellites or satellite systems for which assistance data will be broadcasted which will decrease the information in posSIBs to fit maximum TBS size.

[0077] The LMF may adapt the configuration based on the received capability information such that it matches the capability of all the cells receiving the assistance information, i.e., all the cells receive the same assistance information. Alternatively, the LMF may send different configurations to different cells, e.g., by grouping the cells based on the received capability information, i.e., the assistance information may differ between the cells. The requires the LMF to send several messages comprising the assistance information, one message for each cell group.

[0078] Embodiments herein relate to wireless communication networks in general. Figure 4 is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communication network 100. The wireless communication network 100 comprises one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communication network 100 may use a number of different technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, 5G, New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications / enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM / EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible implementations. Embodiments herein relate to recent technology trends that are of particular interest in a 5G context, however, embodiments are also applicable in further development of the existing wireless communication systems such as e.g. WCDMA and LTE, or to future technologies such as 6G.

[0079] A number of network nodes operate in the wireless communication network 100 such as e.g. base station 101 . These nodes provide radio coverage in a number of cells which may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group of beams.

[0080] The base station 101 may be any of a NG-RAN node, a transmission and reception point e.g. a base station, a radio access network node such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), an access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a gNB, a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point, a network controlled repeater or any other network unit capable of communicating with a wireless device within the service area served by the base station 101 depending e.g. on the first radio access technology and terminology used. The base station 101 may be referred to as a serving radio network node and communicates with a wireless device 121 with Downlink (DL) transmissions to the wireless device 121 and Uplink (UL) transmissions from the wireless device 121.

[0081] In the wireless communication network 100, one or more UEs operate, such as e.g. the wireless device 121. The wireless device 121 may also referred to as a UE, a device, an loT device, a mobile station, a non-access point (non-AP) STA, a STA, a user equipment and / or a wireless terminals, communicate via one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. RAN, to one or more core networks (CN). It should be understood by the skilled in the art that “wireless device” is a non-limiting term which means any terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station communicating within a cell.

[0082] A location management node 110 may operate in the wireless communication network 100, such as in the CN. The location management node may e.g., comprise an LMF and / or an LCS node. Methods herein may be performed by the location management node 110. As an alternative, a Distributed Node (DN) and functionality, e.g. comprised in the cloud 190 as shown in Figure 4, may be used for performing or partly performing the methods herein.

[0083] The above-described problem is addressed in a number of embodiments, some of which may be seen as alternatives, while some may be used in combination.

[0084] A method according to embodiments will now be described from the view of the location management node 110 together with Figure 5. Figure 5 shows example embodiments of a method performed by in the location management node 110 for handling broadcasting communication in the wireless communication network 100. The location management node 110 may comprise e.g., an LMF and / or an LCS node. The method comprises the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order. Actions that are optional are presented in dashed boxes in Figure 5.

[0085] Action 501

[0086] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 requests the broadcast capability data from base station 101. Requesting the broadcast capability data may e.g., comprise a new NRPPa procedure, or updating existing procedures, such as procedures for Assistance Information Control / Feedback and / or TRP Information Exchange.

[0087] In some embodiments, requesting the broadcast capability data comprises sending a message to the base station 101 . The message may comprise a request for broadcast capability data. The message may be any one out of a capability request message, an assistance information control message, or a TRP information request message. The capability request message may be part of the new NRPPa procedure. The assistance information control message may be an updated, or extended, assistance information control message part of the Assistance Information Control / Feedback procedure. The assistance information control message may be updated, or extended, with an additional Information Element (IE) indicating whether the broadcast capability data is requested or not. This may mean that when the location management node 110 requests broadcast capability data, the additional IE in the assistance information control message indicates that the broadcast capability data is requested. Likewise, the TRP information request message may be updated, or extended, with an additional Information Element (IE) indicating whether the broadcast capability data is requested or not. This may mean that when the location management node 110 requests broadcast capability data, the additional IE in the TRP information request message indicates that the broadcast capability data is requested. Further, the capability request message may comprise the one or more additional lEs.

[0088] In some embodiments, the request may comprise an indication. The indication may indicate to base station 101 to further provide, such as send, broadcast capability data when the base stations 101 broadcast capabilities are updated. The indication may further indicate to the base station to provide, such as send, the broadcast capability data when a failure occurs, such as not being able to fit one or more posSIBs in a system information message, and to also provide a cause value indicating the failure cause. In some examples, the indication may indicate to the base station 101 to provide, such as send, the broadcast capability data in response to system information broadcast performed by the base station 101 regardless of whether a failure has occurred or not, and to provide the cause when a failure occurs.

[0089] Action 502

[0090] The location management node 110 obtains the broadcast capability data from the base station 101 . The broadcast capability data comprises one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting. Obtaining the broadcast capability data may e.g., comprise a new NRPPa procedure, or updating existing procedures, such as procedures for Assistance Information Control / Feedback and / or TRP Information Exchange. The broadcast capability data may be obtained in response to a request sent by the location management node 110, in response to a broadcast transmission by the base station 101 , and / or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. In some embodiments, obtaining the broadcast capability data comprises receiving a message from the base station 101 . The message may comprise the broadcast capability data. The message may be any one out of a capability response message, a capability update message, an assistance information feedback message, a TRP information response message, or a TRP information update message. The assistance information feedback message may be received either in response to the request, such as the assistance information control message, sent by the location management node 110, in response to a broadcast transmitted by the base station 101 , or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The assistance information feedback message may be an updated, or extended, assistance information feedback message part of the Assistance Information Control / Feedback procedure. The assistance information feedback message may be updated, or extended, with one or more additional lEs. The one or more additional lEs may e.g., comprise a failure cause, the broadcast capability data, a positioning capability cell list, and / or a positioning capability tracking area (TA) list. The positioning capability cell list and / or the positioning capability TA list may be associated with the broadcast capability data in the message. In other words, the positioning capability cell list may comprise one or more cells associated with the broadcast capability data, and the positioning capability TA list may comprise one or more TAs associated with the broadcast capability data. The TRP information response message may be received in response to the request, such as the TRP information request message, sent by the location management node 110, or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The TRP information update message may be received in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The TRP information response message may be updated, or extended, with the one or more additional lEs described above. The TRP information update message may also comprise said one or more additional lEs described above. The capability response message and the capability update message may be part of the new NRPPa procedure. The capability response message may be received in response to the request, such as the capability request message, sent by the location management node 110 and / or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The capability update message may be received in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The capability response message and the capability update message may both comprise said one or more additional lEs described above.

[0091] The location management node 110 may receive one message comprising the broadcast capability data associated with all cells provided by the base station 101. Alternatively, e.g., when the broadcast capability data of at least one cell differs from the other cell, or cells, the location management node 110 may receive the broadcast capability data per capability. This may mean that the location management node 110 receives one message per capability, or capability value, and the message indicating which cell, or cells, the capability, or capability value, is associated with. If two or more capabilities are common for all cells, they may be grouped in the same message.

[0092] In some embodiments, the assistance information feedback message is received in response to a failure associated with a system information broadcast. The failure may comprise a failure to fit one or more posSIBs in a system information message. The assistance information feedback message may further comprise a cause value indicating a failure cause. The failure cause may indicate reason for the failure. The failure reason may e.g., be related to a mismatch in a maximum SI message size between assistance information previously provided by the location management node 110 and a maximum SI message size configured in the base station 101 , maximum number of posSIBs exceeded, a minimum periodicity SI messages comprising posSIBs and / or a number of available SI message with a with periodicity corresponding to the minimum periodicity.

[0093] The broadcast capability data may comprise any one or more out of a number of available system information opportunities for posSIBs, a minimum periodicity for SI messages comprising posSIBs, and a number of available SI occasions, such as a number of available SI messages with a periodicity corresponding to the minimum periodicity.

[0094] Action 503

[0095] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 configures the assistance information taking the broadcast capability data into account. Configuring the assistance information may mean that the assistance information is generated taking the broadcast capability data into account. In other words, the location management node 110 may in some embodiments generate the assistance information taking the broadcast capability data into account. This may mean that the assistance data is configured, or generated, within the limits of the capabilities of the base station 101 comprised in the broadcast capability data, i.e. , that the base station is able to broadcast the system information message according to the assistance information. E.g., location management node 110 may change the size of the posSIBs and / or change a periodicity of system information message comprising one or more posSIBs. Thus, the assistance information may indicate which data to broadcast, such which posSIBs, and how to broadcast the data, such as the periodicity of system information messages comprising posSIBs and / or number of system information messages comprising posSIBs. E.g., the location management node may configure the structure and / or amount of assistance information taking the broadcast capability data into account.

[0096] When assistance information has previously been sent the base station 101, configuring the assistance information may comprise reconfiguring, such as regenerating or updating, the assistance information that was previously sent to the base station 101. The assistance information may further be configured, or generated, taking the failure cause into account. E g., that assistance information may be configured, or generated, in order to fit the one or more posSIBs in the system information message. The location management node 110 may decrease the size of the posSIBs to be comprised in the system information message in order for the posSIBs to fit in said system information message.

[0097] The assistance information may e.g., comprise one or more out of a number of system information messages comprising at least one posSIB to be scheduled, a broadcast periodicity for system information messages comprising at least one posSIB, a number of posSIBs to be comprised in a system information message, a posSIB type, a number of posSIB segments, assistance information meta data and a broadcast priority associated with the assistance information.

[0098] The location management node 110 may configure the assistance information such that it is acceptable to all cells provided by the base station 101 . This may mean that the assistance information is configured within the limits of the broadcast capabilities of all the cells provided by the base station 101. Alternatively, when the broadcast capabilities of at least one cell differs from the other cell, or cells, the location management node 110 may configured the assistance information per cell. If two or more cells has the same broadcasting capabilities, the assistance information may be identical for these cells.

[0099] Action 504

[0100] The location management node 110 sends the assistance information to the base station 101. Theassistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account. The assistance information may e.g., be sent to the base station 101 in an Assistance Information Control message. As mentioned above, the configured assistance information may differ between the cells provided by the base station 101. In case the location management node 110 has configured different assistance information for different cells, each version of the configured assistance information is sent in a separate message, such as a separate Assistance Information Control Message. The different messages may indicate the one or more cells requested to broadcast the system information message, such as the posSIBs, according to the assistance information.

[0101] In some embodiments, after sending the assistance information to the base station 101 , location management node 110 may return to Action 501 or Action 502, i.e., requesting broadcast capability data or obtaining the broadcasting capability data, and then repeat any of Action 503 and Action 504.

[0102] A method according to embodiments will now be described from the view of the base station 101 together with Figure 6. Figure 6 shows example embodiments of a method performed by in the base station 101 for handling broadcasting communication in the wireless communication network 100. The base station 101 may comprise e.g., a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The method comprises the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order. Actions that are optional are presented in dashed boxes in Figure 6. Action 601a

[0103] In some embodiments, the base station 101 receives a request for the broadcast capability data from the location management node 110. Receiving the request for the broadcast capability data may e.g., comprise a new NRPPa procedure, or updating existing procedures, such as procedures for Assistance Information Control / Feedback and / or TRP Information Exchange.

[0104] In some embodiments, the request may comprise an indication. The indication may indicate to base station 101 to further provide, such as send, broadcast capability data when the base stations 101 broadcast capabilities are updated. The indication may further indicate to the base station to provide, such as send, the broadcast capability data when a failure occurs, such as not being able to fit one or more posSIBs in a system information message, and to also provide a cause value indicating the failure cause. In some examples, the indication may indicate to the base station 101 to provide, such as send, the broadcast capability data in response to system information broadcast performed by the base station 101 regardless of whether a failure has occurred or not, and to provide the cause when a failure occurs.

[0105] In some embodiments, the request is any one out of a capability request message, an assistance information control message, or a TRP information request message. The capability request message may be part of the new NRPPa procedure. The assistance information control message may be an updated, or extended, assistance information control message part of the Assistance Information Control / Feedback procedure. The assistance information control message may be updated, or extended, with an additional Information Element (IE) indicating whether the broadcast capability data is requested or not. This may mean that when the location management node 110 requests broadcast capability data, the additional IE in the assistance information control message indicates that the broadcast capability data is requested. Likewise, the TRP information request message may be updated, or extended, with an additional Information Element (IE) indicating whether the broadcast capability data is requested or not. This may mean that when the location management node 110 requests broadcast capability data, the additional IE in the TRP information request message indicates that the broadcast capability data is requested.

[0106] Action 601b

[0107] In some embodiments, the base station 101 broadcasts a system information message, e.g., comprising one or more posSIBs, based on the broadcast capability data. The base station 101 may determine that a failure has occurred when one or more posSIBs intended to be comprised in the system information does not fit in the system information message. The failure may trigger the base station 101 to provide broadcast capability data and a cause value indicating the failure cause to the location management node 110. In some examples, the transmission of the system information message, whether a failure has occurred or not, triggers the base station to provide the broadcast capability data to the location management node 110. In this example, the cause value indicating the failure cause is provided if a failure has occurred.

[0108] Action 601c

[0109] In some embodiments, the broadcasting capabilities, such as broadcasting capabilities associated with broadcasting a system information comprising one or more posSIBs, are updated. The updating of the broadcasting capabilities may trigger the base station 1011 o provide broadcast capability data to the location management node 110.

[0110] Action 602

[0111] The base station 101 provides broadcast capability data to the location management node 110. The broadcast capability data comprises one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting. Providing the broadcast capability data may e.g., comprise a new NRPPa procedure, or updating existing procedures, such as procedures for Assistance Information Control / Feedback and / or TRP Information Exchange. The broadcast capability data may be provided in response to a request received from the location management node 110, in response to a broadcast transmission by the base station 101 , and / or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101 . In other words, providing the broadcast capability data may be triggered by a request received from the location management node 110, by a broadcast transmission performed by the base station, such as a broadcast of system information e.g., a system information message comprising, or supposed to comprise, one or more posSIBs, or by updated capabilities, such as broadcast capabilities, in the base station 101.

[0112] In some embodiments, providing the broadcast capability data comprises sending a message to the location management node 110. The message comprises the broadcast capability data. The message is any one out of a capability response message, a capability update message, an assistance information feedback message, a TRP information response message, or a TRP information update message. The assistance information feedback message may be sent either in response to the request, such as the assistance information control message, received from the location management node 110, in response to a broadcast transmitted by the base station 101 , or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The assistance information feedback message may be an updated, or extended, assistance information feedback message part of the Assistance Information Control / Feedback procedure. The assistance information feedback message may be updated, or extended, with one or more additional lEs. The one or more additional lEs may e.g., comprise a failure cause, the broadcast capability data, a positioning capability cell list, and / or a positioning capability TA list. The positioning capability cell list and / or the positioning capability TA list may be associated with the broadcast capability data in the message. In other words, the positioning capability cell list may comprise one or more cells associated with the broadcast capability data, and the positioning capability TA list may comprise one or more TAs associated with the broadcast capability data. The TRP information response message may be sent in response to the request, such as the TRP information request message, received from the location management node 110, or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The TRP information update message may be sent in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The TRP information response message may be updated, or extended, with the one or more additional lEs described above. The TRP information update message may also comprise said one or more additional lEs described above. The capability response message and the capability update message may be part of the new NRPPa procedure. The capability response message may be sent in response to the request, such as the capability request message, received from the location management node 110 or in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101 . The capability update message may be sent in response to updated capabilities in the base station 101. The capability response message and the capability update message may both comprise said one or more additional lEs described above.

[0113] The base station 101 may send one message comprising the broadcast capability data associated with all cells provided by the base station 101. Alternatively, e g., when the broadcast capability data of at least one cell differs from the other cell, or cells, the base station 101 may send the broadcast capability data per capability. This may mean that the base station 101 receives one message per capability, or capability value, and the message indicating which cell, or cells, the capability, or capability value, is associated with. If two or more capabilities are common for all cells, they may be grouped in the same message.

[0114] In some embodiments, the assistance information feedback message is sent in response to a failure to fit one or more posSIBs in a system information message. The assistance information feedback message further comprises a cause value indicating a failure cause. The failure cause may indicate reason for the failure. The failure reason may e.g., be related to a mismatch in a maximum SI message size between assistance information previously provided by the location management node 110 and a maximum SI message size configured in the base station 101 , maximum number of posSIBs exceeded, a minimum periodicity SI messages comprising posSIBs and / or a number of available SI message with a with periodicity corresponding to the minimum periodicity.

[0115] The broadcast capability data may comprise any one or more out of a number of available system information opportunities for posSIBs, a minimum periodicity for SI messages comprising posSIBs, and a number of available SI occasions, such as a number of available SI messages with a periodicity corresponding to the minimum periodicity.

[0116] Action 603

[0117] The base station 101 receives assistance information from the location management node 110. The assistance information is configured taking the broadcast capability data into account. The assistance information may e.g., be received from the location management node 110 in an Assistance Information Control message. The assistance information may indicate which data to broadcast, such which posSIBs, and how to broadcast the data, such as the periodicity of system information messages comprising posSIBs and / or number of system information messages comprising posSIBs.

[0118] The assistance information may e.g., comprise one or more out of a number of system information messages comprising at least one posSIB to be scheduled, a broadcast periodicity for system information messages comprising at least one posSIB, a number of posSIBs to be comprised in a system information message, a posSIB type, a number of posSIB segments, assistance information meta data and a broadcast priority associated with the assistance information.

[0119] The assistance information may be configured such that it is acceptable to all cells provided by the base station 101. This may mean that the assistance information is configured within the limits of the broadcast capabilities of all the cells provided by the base station 101 . Alternatively, when the broadcast capabilities of at least one cell differs from the other cell, or cells, the assistance information may be configured per cell. If two or more cells has the same broadcasting capabilities, the assistance information may be identical for these cells.

[0120] As mentioned above, the configured assistance information may differ between the cells provided by the base station 101. In case the location management node 110 has configured different assistance information for different cells, each version of the configured assistance information is received in a separate message, such as a separate Assistance Information Control Message. The different messages may indicate the one or more cells requested to broadcast the system information message, such as the posSIBs, according to the assistance information. Thus, the base station may receive more than one message comprising the assistance information.

[0121] In some embodiments, after receiving the assistance information, the base station 101 may return to Action 601c, i.e., updating the broadcasting capabilities, and then repeat Action 602 and Action 603.

[0122] Action 604

[0123] In some embodiments, the base station 101 broadcasts a system information message, e.g., comprising one or more posSIBs, based on the assistance information.

[0124] Broadcasting the system information message may e.g., comprise constructing, or generating, the system information message. Constructing, or generating, the system information message may be based on the assistance information.

[0125] In some embodiments, after broadcasting the system information message, the base station 101 may return to Action 601a or Action 601c, i.e., receiving a request form broadcast capability data or updating the broadcasting capabilities, and then repeat Action 602, Action 603 and optionally Action 604. Alternatively, the base station 101 may return to Action 602, i.e., providing the broadcasting capabilities, and then repeat Action 603 and optionally Action 604.

[0126] Embodiments herein such as the embodiments mentioned above will now be further described and exemplified. The text below is applicable to embodiments herein and may be combined with any suitable embodiment described above. In the below text the location management node 110 is referred to as LMF 110 and the base station 101 is referred to as gNB 101. The gNB 101 may comprise a gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) 101a and a gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) 101b. The embodiments and examples described below may be combined with the method described above in any suitable way.

[0127] According to examples of embodiments herein, the LMF 110 is made aware of, such as obtains, the NG-RAN Broadcasting capabilities, such as the broadcasting capability data.

[0128] E.g., the available SI message opportunities for Rel 16 and Rel 17 posSIBs are part of the NG-RAN Broadcast Capability. One alternative is to report:

[0129] Minimum periodicity (example above: 80 ms) Available SI occasions (example above: 1) Minimum periodicity, additional for release 17 (example above: 160 ms) Available SI occasions, additional for release 17 (example above: 1) Another method is to report a bitmap of used and unused SI slots.

[0130] According to some examples of embodiments herein, the maximum transport block size (TBS) for an SI message in a cell is part of the NG-RAN Broadcast Capability.

[0131] According to some examples of embodiments herein, shown in Figure 7, the LMF 110 is made aware of, such as obtains, NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities by signaling from the RAN, such as the gNB 101 , in an ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FEEDBACK message.

[0132] The LMF 110 may send S701 an Assistance Information Control message to the gNB 101 , such as the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-CU 101a may send said Assistance Information Control message to the gNB-DU 101b. The Assistance Information Control message may comprise assistance information associated with broadcasting a system information message. The gNB 101 , such as the gNB-DU 101b may perform a broadcast procedure S702 to broadcast a system information message. The gNB 101 may send S703 an Assistance Information Feedback message to the LMF 110. E.g., the gNB-DU 101 b may send the Assistance Information Feedback message to the gNB-CU 101a, which in turn sends said message to the LMF 110. The Assistance Information Feedback message may comprise the cause value indicating a failure cause associated with the broadcast of the system information message, NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities associated with the gNB 101 and / or cell and / or area information associated with the NG- RAN capability information. The cell and / or area information may e.g., be added by the gNB-CU 101a when the gNB 101 comprises the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-DU 101b. The LMF 110 may reconfigure S704, such as regenerate, the assistance information based on the content of the received Assistance Information Feedback message. The new assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101, e.g., to the gNB-DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in a subsequent Assistance Information Control message.

[0133] In one example, the reason for failure is added in a “cause value” and in addition the “capability information” is sent in the Assistance Information Feedback message, i.e., both the cause value and the capability information is sent in the Assistance Information Feedback message. If there are different failure causes in different cells, the Assistance Information Feedback messages has to be sent per failure cause.

[0134] The cause of failure may be indicated per posSIB or per Cell that failed to broadcast the posSIB.

[0135] The broadcast capability information may even be sent in successful case or at any time when the capability changes. The information is valid for an indicated cell or area. If there are different capabilities in different cells, the Assistance Information Feedback messages has to be sent per capability.

[0136] According to some examples of embodiments herein, shown in Figure 8, the LMF 110 is made aware of, such as obtains, NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities by requesting the capabilities using a new procedure is introduced in NRPPa where the LMF 110 may request for capabilities in a new message, e.g., called Capability Request. In case the capabilities are changed in RAN, such as the gNB 101 , an update is sent to the LMF 110, here with new procedure with message CAPABILITY UPDATE.

[0137] The LMF 110 may send S801 a Capability Request message to the gNB 101 , such as the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-CU 101a may send said Capability Request message to the gNB-DU 101b. The Capability Request message requests the gNB 101 to provide NG-RAN Capability information to the LMF 110. The gNB 101 may send S802 a Capability Response message to the LMF 110. E.g., the gNB-DU 101 b may send the Capability Response message to the gNB-CU 101a, which in turn sends said message to the LMF 110. The Capability Response message may comprise the NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities associated with the gNB 101 and / or cell and / or area information associated with the NG-RAN capability information. The cell and / or area information may e.g., be added by the gNB-CU 101a when the gNB 101 comprises the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-DU 101 b. The LMF 110 may configure S803, such as generate, the assistance information based on the content of the received Capability Response message. The assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101, e.g., to the gNB-DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in an Assistance Information Control message. If the NG-RAN Capability Information changes, the gNB 101 may send S804 a Capability Update message to the LMF 110, the Capability Update message comprises the updated NG-RAN Capability information. E.g., the gNB-DU 101b may send the Capability Update message to the gNB- CU 101a, which in turn sends the Capability Update message to the LMF 110. The LMF 110 may reconfigure S805, such as regenerate, the assistance information based on the content of the received Capability Update message. The assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101 , e.g., to the gNB-DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in an Assistance Information Control message.

[0138] According to some examples of embodiments herein, shown in Figure 9, In one embodiment, the LMF is made aware of, such as obtains, NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities by requesting the capabilities using the existing procedures for Assistance Information Control / Feedback.

[0139] The LMF 110 may send S901 an Assistance Information Control message to the gNB 101 , such as the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-CU 101a may send said Assistance Information Control message to the gNB-DU 101b. The Assistance Information Control message requests the gNB 101 to provide NG-RAN Capability information to the LMF 110. The gNB 101 may send S902 an Assistance Information Feedback message to the LMF 110. E.g., the gNB-DU 101b may send the Assistance Information Feedback message to the gNB-CU 101a, which in turn sends said message to the LMF 110. The Assistance Information Feedback message may comprise NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities associated with the gNB 101 and / or cell and / or area information associated with the NG-RAN capability information. The cell and / or area information may e.g., be added by the gNB-CU 101a when the gNB 101 comprises the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-DU 101 b. The LMF 110 may configure S903, such as generate, the assistance information based on the content of the received Assistance Information Feedback message. The assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101 , e.g., to the gNB- DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in an Assistance Information Control message. If the NG- RAN Capability Information changes, the gNB 101 may send S904 an Assistance Information Feedback message to the LMF 110, the Assistance Information Feedback message comprises the updated NG-RAN Capability information. E.g., the gNB-DU 101b may send the Assistance Information Feedback message to the gNB-CU 101a, which in turn sends the Assistance Information Feedback message to the LMF 110. The LMF 110 may reconfigure S905, such as regenerate, the assistance information based on the content of the received Capability Update message. The assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101 , e.g., to the gNB-DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in an Assistance Information Control message.

[0140] According to some examples of embodiments herein, shown in Figure 10, the LMF is made aware of NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities by by updating the TRP Information Exchange procedure The LMF 110 may send S1001 a TRP Information Request message to the gNB 101 , such as the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-CU 101a may send said Assistance TRP Information Request message to the gNB-DU 101b. The TRP Information Request message requests the gNB 101 to provide NG-RAN Capability information to the LMF 110. The gNB 101 may send S1002 an TRP Information Response message to the LMF 110. E.g., the gNB-DU 101b may send the TRP Information Response message to the gNB-CU 101a, which in turn sends said message to the LMF 110. The TRP Information Response message may comprise NG-RAN Broadcast Capabilities associated with the gNB 101 and / or cell and / or area information associated with the NG-RAN capability information. The cell and / or area information may e.g., be added by the gNB-CU 101a when the gNB 101 comprises the gNB-CU 101a and the gNB-DU 101b. The LMF 110 may configure S1003, such as generate, the assistance information based on the content of the received TRP Information Response message. The assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101 , e.g., to the gNB-DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in an Assistance Information Control message. If the NG-RAN Capability Information changes, the gNB 101 may send S1004 a message comprising the updated NG-RAN Capability Information. The message may e.g., be a TRP Information Response message or a TRP Information Update message. E.g., the gNB-DU 101b may send the message, such as the TRP Information Response message or TRP Information Update message, to the gNB-CU 101a, which in turn sends the message to the LMF 110. The LMF 110 may reconfigure S1005, such as regenerate, the assistance information based on the content of the received message. The assistance information may be provided to the gNB 101 , e.g., to the gNB-DU 101b via the gNB-CU 101a, in an Assistance Information Control message.

[0141] According to some examples of embodiments herein,, the NG-RAN capability information may be sent form gNB 101 to LMF 110, once the transmission / broadcast to a UE has been performed.

[0142] According to some examples of embodiments herein, the LMF 110 enquires, such as request the gNB 101 of its capabilities via new CAPABILITY REQUEST message before sending the ASSISTANCE INFORMATION CONTROL. The LMF 110 takes into account the NG-RAN capability Information when indicating the list of posSIBs to be broadcast in some specific cells, such as the assistance information. Here the impact when reusing existing procedures is shown. New information is marked in italic and underlined.

[0143] »»»»»Start of implementation example in TS 38.455 v17.7.0 ««««« 9.1.1.14 TRP INFORMATION REQUEST

[0144] This message is sent by an LMF to request information for TRPs hosted by an NG- RAN node.

[0145] Direction: node.

[0146]

[0147] 9.1.1.15 TRP INFORMATION RESPONSE

[0148] This message is sent by an NG-RAN node to convey TRP information to an LMF.

[0149] Direction: NG-RAN node

[0150]

[0151] 9.1.3.1 ASSISTANCE INFORMATION CONTROL

[0152] This message is sent by the LMF to transfer assistance information. Node.

[0153] 9.1.3.2 ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FEEDBACK

[0154] This message is sent by the NG-RAN Node to give feedback on assistance information broadcasting. Direction: NG-RAN Node ® LMF.

[0155]

[0156] 9.x.x Broadcast Capability

[0157] »»»»»»>End of implementation example in TS 38.455<<<<<<<<<<<

[0158] Alternative is to use minTbsSize and maxSISegmenttSize, and a bitmap with unused and used slots.

[0159] To perform the method actions above, the location management node 110 is configured to handle broadcast communication the wireless communication network 100. The location management node 110 may comprise an arrangement depicted in Figure 11.

[0160] The location management node 110 may comprise an input and output interface 1100 configured to communicate with each other. The input and output interface 1100 may comprise a receiver, e.g. wired and / or wireless, (not shown) and a transmitter, e.g. wired and / or wireless, (not shown).

[0161] The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processor or one or more processors, such as at least one processor 1110 of a processing circuitry in the location management node 110 depicted in Figure 11 , together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the location management node 110. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the location management node 110.

[0162] The location management node 110 and or processor 1110 is configured to handle broadcast communication in the wireless communication network 100.

[0163] The location management node 110 and or processor 1110 is configured to obtain broadcast capability data from a base station 101 . The broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting.

[0164] The location management node 110 and or processor 1110 is configured to send assistance information to the base station 101. The assistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account.

[0165] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 and or processor 1110 may further be configured to request the broadcast capability data from the base station 101.

[0166] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 and or processor 1110 may further be configured to request the broadcast capability data by sending, to the base station 101, a message adapted to comprise a request for the broadcast capability data. The message may be adapted to be any one out of:

[0167] - a capability request message,

[0168] - an assistance information control message, or

[0169] - a transmission reception point, TRP, information request message,

[0170] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 and or processor 1110 may further be configured to obtain the broadcast capability data by receiving, from the base station 101 , a message adapted to comprise the broadcast capability data. The message may be adapted to any one out of:

[0171] - a capability response message,

[0172] - a capability update message,

[0173] - an assistance information feedback message,

[0174] - a TRP information response message, or

[0175] - a TRP information update message.

[0176] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 and or processor 1110 may further be configured to receive the assistance information feedback message in response to a failure to fit one or more positioning system information blocks, posSIBs, in a system information message. The assistance information feedback message may further be adapted to comprise a cause value indication a failure cause.

[0177] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 and or processor 1110 may further be configured to receive any one or more out of:

[0178] - the assistance information feedback message in response to an assistance information control message or in response to updated capabilities,

[0179] - the capability response message in response to a capability request message or in response to updated capabilities,

[0180] - the capability update message in response to updated capabilities,

[0181] - the TRP information response message in response to a TRP information request message or in response to updated capabilities, or

[0182] - the TRP information update message in response to updated capabilities.

[0183] In some embodiments, the location management node 110 and or processor 1110 may further be configured to configure the assistance information taking the broadcast capability data into account.

[0184] In some embodiments, the broadcast capability data may be adapted to comprise any one or more out of:

[0185] - available system information opportunities for posSIBs,

[0186] - a minimum periodicity, and

[0187] - available system information occasions.

[0188] The location management node 110 may further comprise a memory 1120 comprising one or more memory units. The memory 1120 comprises instructions executable by the processor 1110 in location management node 110. The memory 1120 is arranged to be used to store e.g. information, indications, data, configurations, messages, assistance information, broadcast capability data, and applications to perform the methods herein when being executed in the location management node 110.

[0189] In some embodiments, a computer program 1130 comprises instructions, which when executed by the respective at least one processor 1110, cause the at least one processor 1110 of the location management node 110 to perform the actions above.

[0190] In some embodiments, a respective carrier 1140 comprises the respective computer program 1130, wherein the carrier 1140 is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0191] Thus, embodiments herein may disclose the r location management node 110 configured to handle broadcast communication in the wireless communication network 100. The location management node 110 comprises the processor 1110 and the memory 1120, said memory 1120 comprising instructions executable by said processor 1110 whereby said location management node 110 is operative to perform any of the methods herein.

[0192] As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions means or modules may be implemented using digital logic and / or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and / or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a base station, for example.

[0193] Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processing means discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term “processor” or “controller” as used herein does not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory for storing software and / or program or application data, and nonvolatile memory. Other hardware, conventional and / or custom, may also be included. Designers of communications receivers will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices.

[0194] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses. Each virtual apparatus may comprise a number of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional unit to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0195] To perform the method actions above, the base station 101 is configured to handle broadcast communication the wireless communication network 100. The base station 101 may comprise an arrangement depicted in Figure 12.

[0196] The base station 101 may comprise an input and output interface 1200 configured to communicate with each other. The input and output interface 1200 may comprise a receiver, e.g. wired and / or wireless, (not shown) and a transmitter, e.g. wired and / or wireless, (not shown).

[0197] The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processor or one or more processors, such as at least one processor 1220 of a processing circuitry in the base station 101 depicted in Figure 12, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the base station 101. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the base station 101.

[0198] The base station 101 and / or processor 1210 is configured to handle broadcast communication in the wireless communication network 100.

[0199] The base station 101 and / or processor 1210 is configured to provide broadcast capability data to a location management node 110. The broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting.

[0200] The base station 101 and / or processor 1210 is configured to receive assistance information from the location management node 110. The assistance information is adapted to be configured taking the broadcast capability data into account.

[0201] In some embodiments, the base station 101 and / or processor 1210 may further be configured to receive a request for the broadcast capability data from the location management node 110.

[0202] In some embodiments, the request may be adapted to be any one out of:

[0203] - a capability request message,

[0204] - an assistance information control message, or

[0205] - a transmission reception point, TRP, information request message,

[0206] In some embodiments, the base station 101 and / or processor 1210 may further be configured to provide the broadcast capability data by sending, to the location management node 110, a message adapted to comprise the broadcast capability data. The message may be adapted to be any one out of:

[0207] - a capability response message,

[0208] - a capability update message,

[0209] - an assistance information feedback message,

[0210] - a TRP information response message, or

[0211] - a TRP information update message.

[0212] In some embodiments, the base station 101 and / or processor 1210 may further be configured to send the assistance information feedback message in response to a failure to fit one or more positioning system information blocks, posSIBs, in a system information message. The assistance information feedback message may further be adapted to comprise a cause value indicating a failure cause.

[0213] In some embodiments, the base station 101 and / or processor 1210 may further be configured to send any one or more out of:

[0214] - the assistance information feedback message in response to an assistance information control message or in response to updated capabilities,

[0215] - the capability response message in response to a capability request message or in response to updated capabilities,

[0216] - the capability update message in response to updated capabilities,

[0217] - the TRP information response message in response to a TRP information request message or in response to updated capabilities, or - the TRP information update message in response to updated capabilities.

[0218] In some embodiments, the base station 101 and / or processor 1210 may further be configured to broadcast a system information message based on the received assistance information.

[0219] In some embodiments, the broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise any one or more out of:

[0220] - available system information opportunities for posSIBs,

[0221] - a minimum periodicity, and

[0222] - available system information occasions.

[0223] The base station 101 may further comprise a memory 1220 comprising one or more memory units. The memory 1220 comprises instructions executable by the processor 1220 in base station 101. The memory 1220 is arranged to be used to store e.g. information, indications, data, configurations, messages, assistance information, broadcast capability data, and applications to perform the methods herein when being executed in the base station 101 .

[0224] In some embodiments, a computer program 1230 comprises instructions, which when executed by the respective at least one processor 1220, cause the at least one processor 1220 of the base station 101 to perform the actions above.

[0225] In some embodiments, a respective carrier 1240 comprises the respective computer program 1230, wherein the carrier 1240 is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0226] Thus, embodiments herein may disclose the r base station 101 configured to handle broadcast communication in the wireless communication network 100. The base station 101 comprises the processor 1220 and the memory 1220, said memory 1220 comprising instructions executable by said processor 1220 whereby said base station 101 is operative to perform any of the methods herein.

[0227] As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions means or modules may be implemented using digital logic and / or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and / or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a base station, for example. Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processing means discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term “processor” or “controller” as used herein does not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory for storing software and / or program or application data, and nonvolatile memory. Other hardware, conventional and / or custom, may also be included. Designers of communications receivers will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices.

[0228] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses. Each virtual apparatus may comprise a number of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional unit to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0229] ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION

[0230] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0231] Figure 13 shows an example of a communication system QQ100 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0232] In the example, the communication system QQ100 includes a telecommunication network QQ102 that includes an access network QQ104, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network QQ106, which includes one or more core network nodes QQ108. The access network QQ104 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes QQ110a and QQ110b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes QQ110), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the telecommunication network QQ102 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network QQ102 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the telecommunication network QQ102, including one or more network nodes QQ110 and / or core network nodes QQ108.

[0233] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O- CU-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an A1 , F1, W1 , E1, E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Moreover, an ORAN access node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies. The network nodes QQ110 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs QQ112a, QQ112b, QQ112c, and QQ112d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs QQ112) to the core network QQ106 over one or more wireless connections.

[0234] 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 QQ100 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 QQ100 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0235] The UEs QQ112 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 QQ110 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes QQ110 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs QQ112 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network QQ102 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 QQ102.

[0236] In the depicted example, the core network QQ106 connects the network nodes QQ110 to one or more host computing systems, such as host QQ116. 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 QQ106 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node QQ108) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar 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 QQ108. 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).

[0237] The host QQ116 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network QQ104 and / or the telecommunication network QQ102. The host QQ116 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.

[0238] As a whole, the communication system QQ100 of Figure 13 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.

[0239] In some examples, the telecommunication network QQ102 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network QQ102 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network QQ102. For example, the telecommunications network QQ102 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.

[0240] In some examples, the UEs QQ112 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 QQ104 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network QQ104. 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 dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0241] In the example, the hub QQ114 communicates with the access network QQ104 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE QQ112c and / or QQ112d) and network nodes (e.g., network node QQ110b). In some examples, the hub QQ114 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub QQ114 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network QQ106 for the UEs. As another example, the hub QQ114 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 QQ110, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub QQ114. As another example, the hub QQ114 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 QQ114 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR device, display, loudspeaker, or other media delivery device, the hub QQ114 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub QQ114 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub QQ114 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0242] The hub QQ114 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node QQ110b. The hub QQ114 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub QQ114 and UEs (e.g., UE QQ112c and / or QQ112d), and between the hub QQ114 and the core network QQ106. In other examples, the hub QQ114 is connected to the core network QQ106 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub QQ114 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network QQ104 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes QQ110 while still connected via the hub QQ114 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub QQ114 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 QQ110b. In other embodiments, the hub QQ114 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node QQ110b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0243] Figure 14 shows a UE QQ200 in accordance with some embodiments. The UE QQ200 presents additional details of some embodiments of the UE QQ112 of Figure 1. 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 / playback device, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), an Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehiclemounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-loT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0244] 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).

[0245] The UE QQ200 includes processing circuitry QQ202 that is operatively coupled via a bus QQ204 to an input / output interface QQ206, a power source QQ208, a memory QQ210, a communication interface QQ212, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 14. 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.

[0246] The processing circuitry QQ202 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 QQ210. The processing circuitry QQ202 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 QQ202 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0247] In the example, the input / output interface QQ206 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 QQ200. 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 input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0248] In some embodiments, the power source QQ208 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 QQ208 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source QQ208 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE QQ200 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source QQ208. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source QQ208 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE QQ200 to which power is supplied.

[0249] The memory QQ210 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 QQ210 includes one or more application programs QQ214, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data QQ216. The memory QQ210 may store, for use by the UE QQ200, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0250] The memory QQ210 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 (eUlCC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory QQ210 may allow the UE QQ200 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 QQ210, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0251] The processing circuitry QQ202 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface QQ212. The communication interface QQ212 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna QQ222. The communication interface QQ212 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 QQ218 and / or a receiver QQ220 appropriate to provide network communications (e g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter QQ218 and receiver QQ220 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e g., antenna QQ222) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0252] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface QQ212 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 / internet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0253] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface QQ212, 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).

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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 smartwatch, a fitness tracker, 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), and any 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 QQ200 shown in Figure 14.

[0256] 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-loT 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] Figure 15 shows a network node QQ300 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 NR NodeBs (gNBs)), O- RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0259] 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, distributed units (e.g., in an O-RAN access node) 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).

[0260] 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- cel l / 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).

[0261] The network node QQ300 includes a processing circuitry QQ302, a memory QQ304, a communication interface QQ306, and a power source QQ308. The network node QQ300 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 QQ300 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 QQ300 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory QQ304 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna QQ310 may be shared by different RATs). The network node QQ300 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node QQ300, 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 QQ300.

[0262] The processing circuitry QQ302 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 QQ300 components, such as the memory QQ304, to provide network node QQ300 functionality.

[0263] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry QQ302 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry QQ302 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry QQ312 and baseband processing circuitry QQ314. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry QQ312 and the baseband processing circuitry QQ314 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 QQ312 and baseband processing circuitry QQ314 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0264] The memory QQ304 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 QQ302. The memory QQ304 may store any 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 QQ302 and utilized by the network node QQ300. The memory QQ304 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry QQ302 and / or any data received via the communication interface QQ306. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry QQ302 and memory QQ304 is integrated.

[0265] The communication interface QQ306 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 QQ306 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) QQ316 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface QQ306 also includes radio front-end circuitry QQ318 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna QQ310. Radio front-end circuitry QQ318 comprises filters QQ320 and amplifiers QQ322. The radio front-end circuitry QQ318 may be connected to an antenna QQ310 and processing circuitry QQ302. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna QQ310 and processing circuitry QQ302. The radio front-end circuitry QQ318 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 QQ318 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters QQ320 and / or amplifiers QQ322. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna QQ310. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna QQ310 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry QQ318. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry QQ302. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0266] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node QQ300 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry QQ318, instead, the processing circuitry QQ302 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna QQ310. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry QQ312 is part of the communication interface QQ306. In still other embodiments, the communication interface QQ306 includes one or more ports or terminals QQ316, the radio front-end circuitry QQ318, and the RF transceiver circuitry QQ312, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface QQ306 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry QQ314, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0267] The antenna QQ310 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna QQ310 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry QQ318 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna QQ310 is separate from the network node QQ300 and connectable to the network node QQ300 through an interface or port.

[0268] The antenna QQ310, communication interface QQ306, and / or the processing circuitry QQ302 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 QQ310, the communication interface QQ306, and / or the processing circuitry QQ302 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.

[0269] The power source QQ308 provides power to the various components of network node QQ300 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source QQ308 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node QQ300 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node QQ300 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 QQ308. As a further example, the power source QQ308 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.

[0270] Embodiments of the network node QQ300 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 15 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 QQ300 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node QQ300 and to allow output of information from the network node QQ300. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node QQ300. In some embodiments providing a core network node, such as core network node 108 of FIG. QQ1 , some components, such as the radio front-end circuitry QQ318 and the RF transceiver circuitry QQ312 may be omitted.

[0271] Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment QQ400 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 QQ400 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. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment QQ400 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface. Virtualization may facilitate distributed implementations of a network node, UE, core network node, or host.

[0272] Applications QQ402 (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.

[0273] Hardware QQ404 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 QQ406 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs QQ408a and QQ408b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs QQ408), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer QQ406 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs QQ408.

[0274] The VMs QQ408 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer QQ406. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance QQ402 may be implemented on one or more of VMs QQ408, 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.

[0275] In the context of NFV, a VM QQ408 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 QQ408, and that part of hardware QQ404 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 QQ408 on top of the hardware QQ404 and corresponds to the application QQ402.

[0276] Hardware QQ404 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware QQ404 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware QQ404 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 QQ410, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications QQ402. In some embodiments, hardware QQ404 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 QQ412 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0277] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes) 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 network node, 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.

[0278] 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.

[0279] When using the word "comprise" or “comprising” it shall be interpreted as nonlimiting, i.e. meaning "consist at least of".

[0280] The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method performed by a location management node (110) for handling broadcast communication in a wireless communication network (100), the method comprising: obtaining (502) broadcast capability data from a base station (101), the broadcast capability data comprising one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting, and sending (504) assistance information to the base station (101), which assistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account.

2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: requesting (501) the broadcast capability data from base station (101).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein requesting (501) the broadcast capability data comprises sending, to the base station (101), a message comprising a request for broadcast capability data, wherein the message is any one out of:- a capability request message,- an assistance information control message, or- a transmission reception point, TRP, information request message,4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein obtaining (502) the broadcast capability data comprises receiving, from the base station (101), a message comprising the broadcast capability data, wherein the message is any one out of:- a capability response message,- a capability update message,- an assistance information feedback message,- a TRP information response message, or- a TRP information update message.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the assistance information feedback message is received in response to a failure to fit one or more positioning system information blocks, posSIBs, in a system information message, and wherein theassistance information feedback message further comprises a cause value indication failure cause.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein any one or more out of:- the assistance information feedback message is received in response to an assistance information control message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability response message is received in response to a capability request message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability update message is received in response to updated capabilities,- the TRP information response message is received in response to a TRP information request message or in response to updated capabilities, or- the TRP information update message is received in response to updated capabilities.

7. The method according to any of claims 1-6, further comprising: configuring (503) the assistance information taking the broadcast capability data into account.

8. The method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the broadcast capability data comprises any one or more out of:- available system information opportunities for posSIBs,- a minimum periodicity, and- available system information occasions.

9. A computer program (1130) comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor (1110), causes the processor (1110) to perform actions according to any of the claims 1-8.

10. A carrier (1140) comprising the computer program (1130) of claim 9, wherein the carrier (1140) is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

11. A method performed by a base station (101) for handling broadcast communication in a wireless communication network (100), the method comprising:providing (602) broadcast capability data to a location management node (110), the broadcast capability data comprising one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting, and receiving (603) assistance information from the location management node (110), which assistance information is configured taking the broadcast capability data into account.

12. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising: receiving (601) a request for the broadcast capability data from the location management node (110).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the request is any one out of:- a capability request message,- an assistance information control message, or- a transmission reception point, TRP, information request message,14. The method according to any of claims 11-13, wherein providing (602) the broadcast capability data comprises sending, to the location management node (110), a message comprising the broadcast capability data, wherein the message is any one out of:- a capability response message,- a capability update message,- an assistance information feedback message,- a TRP information response message, or- a TRP information update message.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the assistance information feedback message is sent in response to a failure to fit one or more positioning system information blocks, posSIBs, in a system information message, and wherein the assistance information feedback message further comprises a cause value indicating a failure cause.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein any one or more out of:- the assistance information feedback message is sent in response to an assistance information control message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability response message is sent in response to a capability request message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability update message is sent in response to updated capabilities,- the TRP information response message is sent in response to a TRP information request message or in response to updated capabilities, or- the TRP information update message is sent in response to updated capabilities.

17. The method according to any of claims 11-16, further comprising: broadcasting (604) a system information message based on the received assistance information.

18. The method according to any of claims 11-17, wherein the broadcast capability data comprises any one or more out of:- available system information opportunities for posSIBs,- a minimum periodicity, and- available system information occasions.

19. A computer program (1230) comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor (1230), causes the processor (1230) to perform actions according to any of the claims 11-18.

20. A carrier (1240) comprising the computer program (1230) of claim 19, wherein the carrier (1240) is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

21. A location management node (110) configured to handle broadcast communication in a wireless communication network (100), the location management node 110 further being configured to: obtain broadcast capability data from a base station (101), the broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting, and send assistance information to the base station (101), which assistance information is configured taking the received broadcast capability data into account.

22. The location management node (110) according to claim 21 , further being configured to: request the broadcast capability data from the base station (101).

23. The location management node (110) according to claim 22, wherein the location management node (110) is configured to request the broadcast capability data by sending, to the base station (101), a message adapted to comprise a request for the broadcast capability data, wherein the message is adapted to be any one out of:- a capability request message,- an assistance information control message, or- a transmission reception point, TRP, information request message,24. The location management node (110) according to any of claims 21-23, wherein the location management node (110) is configured to obtain the broadcast capability data by receiving, from the base station (101), a message adapted to comprise the broadcast capability data, wherein the message is adapted to any one out of:- a capability response message,- a capability update message,- an assistance information feedback message,- a TRP information response message, or- a TRP information update message.

25. The location management node (110) according to claim 24, wherein the location management node (110) is configured to receive the assistance information feedback message in response to a failure to fit one or more positioning system information blocks, posSIBs, in a system information message, and wherein the assistance information feedback message is further adapted to comprise a cause value indication a failure cause.

26. The location management node (110) according to claim 24, wherein the location management node (110) is configured to receive any one or more out of:- the assistance information feedback message in response to an assistance information control message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability response message in response to a capability request message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability update message in response to updated capabilities,- the TRP information response message in response to a TRP information request message or in response to updated capabilities, or- the TRP information update message in response to updated capabilities.

27. The location management node (110) according to any of claims 21-26, further being configured to: configure the assistance information taking the broadcast capability data into account.

28. The location management node (110) according to any of claims 21-27, wherein the broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise any one or more out of:- available system information opportunities for posSIBs,- a minimum periodicity, and- available system information occasions.

29. A base station (101) configured to handle broadcast communication in a wireless communication network (100), the base station (101) further being configured to: provide broadcast capability data to a location management node (110), the broadcast capability data adapted to comprise one or more capabilities associated with system information broadcasting, and receive assistance information from the location management node (110), which assistance information is adapted to be configured taking the broadcast capability data into account.

30. The base station (101) according to claim 29, further being configured to: receive a request for the broadcast capability data from the location management node (110).

31. The base station (101) according to claim 30, wherein the request is adapted to be any one out of:- a capability request message,- an assistance information control message, or- a transmission reception point, TRP, information request message,32. The base station (101) according to any of claims 29-31 , wherein the base station (101) is configured to provide the broadcast capability data by sending, to the location management node (110), a message adapted to comprise the broadcast capability data, wherein the message is adapted to be any one out of:- a capability response message,- a capability update message,- an assistance information feedback message,- a TRP information response message, or- a TRP information update message.

33. The base station (101) according to claim 32, wherein the base station (101) is configured to send the assistance information feedback message in response to a failure to fit one or more positioning system information blocks, posSIBs, in a system information message, and wherein the assistance information feedback message is further adapted to comprise a cause value indicating a failure cause.

34. The base station (101) according to claim 32, wherein the base station (101) is configured to send any one or more out of:- the assistance information feedback message in response to an assistance information control message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability response message in response to a capability request message or in response to updated capabilities,- the capability update message in response to updated capabilities,- the TRP information response message in response to a TRP information request message or in response to updated capabilities, or- the TRP information update message in response to updated capabilities.

35. The base station (101) according to any of claims 29-34, further being configured to: broadcast a system information message based on the received assistance information.

36. The base station (101) according to any of claims 29-35, wherein the broadcast capability data is adapted to comprise any one or more out of:- available system information opportunities for posSIBs,- a minimum periodicity, and- available system information occasions.

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