System and nodes for connectivity of a user equipment to a telecommunication network

Abstract

A system for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, the system comprising an aerial micro node for providing a communication pathway between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node, wherein the aerial micro node comprises a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV. Also described is a macro node configured to estimate a pathloss offset to be used by the UE for communications via an aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, the estimated pathloss offset based on at least a first and second pathloss offset and a first and a second set of flight path characteristics.

Description

[0001]SYSTEM AND NODES FOR CONNECTIVITY OF A USER EQUIPMENT TO A TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK Field of the disclosure A system for connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to the core network of a telecommunications network. The system comprises an aerial micro node and a macro node in communication with the UE, wherein an uplink channel can be provided from the UE to the macro node directly, and from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node. Also described is a macro node and a method for calculating a pathloss offset for the UL channel between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node. Background to the disclosure A heterogeneous cellular network is a cellular network that makes use of different access technologies. In particular, the heterogeneous cellular network makes use of two levels of base station, including at least one macro-cellular base station or node (herein denoted a macro node) and at least one underlying small cell or micro base station or radio access node (herein denoted a micro node). The macro node and micro node may use the same or different wireless technology (e.g. LTE or WiFi). The macro node (which may be a gNodeB) and the micro node differ in transmission power (the macro node typically having a higher power than the micro node). A heterogeneous cellular network increases network capacity, and typically provides a better coverage, thereby improving user experience. Use of the direct transmission link between the UE and the macro node for both downlink (DL) transmissions and uplink (UL) transmissions can reduce the DL capacity. Therefore, a user equipment, UE, may preferably receive download (DL) transmissions from the macro node directly, but uplink (UL) throughput may be maximised by directing transmissions from the UE to the macro node via a micro node. As an option to reduce energy consumption, the micro nodes can, for instance, reduce or even turn off DL transmissions and facilitate only UL transmissions (an asymmetric DL / UL framework). Use of an asymmetric DL / UL framework in this way can have particular benefits where the direct link between a UE and a macro node is congested, which may be the result of the presence of unauthorised or illegal repeaters by third parties in the network. Typically, a reference signal is provided at a UE. For instance, in 5G a sound reference signal (SRS) is provided, being a reference signal with known characteristics 16690429.VHR.VHR transmitted by the UE to the macro node in the uplink direction. The SRS allows the macro node to measure channel quality or other uplink channel characteristics over a wide bandwidth (for example, by measuring the received power of the SRS signal). This information can then be passed to and used by UEs to configure and adjust transmit power levels, optimize duplex configurations, and select transmission modes. In view of the value of the SRS uplink transmissions from the UE to the macro node, communications can be allocated via different possible pathways (either directly to the macro node, or via one or more non-co-located micro nodes). Different pathloss (being a reduction in power density (attenuation) of a signal, typically due to reflection, absorption or refraction of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates through space) may be experienced for transmissions from the UE to the macro node via a micro node than compared to transmissions sent directly from the UE to the macro node. Therefore, a measurement of the SRS signal transmitted directly from the UE to the macro node often does not give an accurate indication of pass loss for transmissions directed to the macro node from the UE via the micro node. To take this into account, 3GPP specification “RP-240087, NR MIMO Phase 5” has proposed calculating a pathloss offset for UL communications are sent to the macro node via the micro node, to be applied to the pathloss calculated from the SRS signal transmitted directly from the UE to the macro node. There is desired an improved system and method for managing transmissions through a heterogeneous cellular network. Summary of the disclosure In a first aspect there is a system for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, the system comprising: an aerial micro node for providing a communication pathway between the UE and a macro node via the aerial micro node, the aerial micro node being in direct communication with the macro node and the UE, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via the macro node; wherein the aerial micro node comprises a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV. The UAV may be any moveable, flying or air-borne vehicle, for instance a drone. Mounting the micro node on a UAV allows for easier relocation, reorientation or deployment of the aerial micro node compared to the prior art (in which micro nodes are at fixed locations, for instance mounted on a tower). The UAV mounted aerial micro nodes allow 16690429.VHR.VHR straightforward changes in the height of the micro node, to adapt to the presence or obstructions from buildings or other structure. The proposed system can better respond to congestion in an UL between the UE and the macro node than typical prior art systems. The proposed system also offers easier optimisation of a UL link between the UE and the macro node via the micro node. The aerial micro node allows the network to be dynamically modified to provide improved UL throughput by providing additional or better positioned micro nodes. The aerial micro node has particular advantages to mitigate the negative effects to UL quality where unauthorised repeaters or other interfering signals are present within the UE to macro node UL. Alternatively or additionally, use of an aerial micro base station can improve the accuracy of UE geolocation The system may further comprise the macro node, the macro node being in direct communication with the UE, providing a further communication pathway between the UE and the macro node directly. The aerial micro node may be configured as a repeater for receiving communications from the UE and transmitting the received communications to the macro node. In other words, the aerial micro node is used for receipt and retransmission of UL signals from the UE to the macro node. The aerial micro node may be configured to: receive communications from the UE over a first frequency band; and transmit the received communications to the macro node over a second frequency band, that is different to the first frequency band. The macro node may be configured to receive communications directly from the UE over a different frequency band than communications received from the aerial micro node. The macro node may be configured to receive communications directly from the UE over the first frequency band and to receive communications from the aerial micro node over the second frequency band. In other words, communications between the aerial micro node and the macro node may be passed over a different frequency band than communications between the UE and the macro node directly. This allows UL communications from the UE to be received at the macro node over a different frequency than interference signals (such as those from unauthorised 16690429.VHR.VHR repeaters, which would make use of the frequency band of the UE to macro node direct link). Communications between the aerial micro node and the macro node may be passed over the backhaul, which is a wired, optical fibre or wireless link that connect nodes towards the edge of the network (such as micro nodes) with the core (via the macro node). The macro node may be further configured to: send an instruction to the aerial micro node to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to reorientate in a specified direction; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to relocate to a specified location. In other words, the macro node can straightforwardly adapt the characteristics of the micro node (including frequency of transmission, location and orientation) so as to adapt the portion of the UL between the micro node and the macro node in order to improve the quality of the UL for the UE. The use of the aerial micro node (in place of a fixed micro node) makes the system highly dynamic and enables it to be reactive to changes in the UL quality due to external factors (including unauthorised repeaters). The macro node may be further configured to, prior to the instruction being sent, identify a modification to the position, orientation and / or frequency of transmission of the aerial micro node that is predicted to provide an improved UL throughput over the UL link between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node. In other words, the macro node may identify modifications that could be made to the position, orientation or transmission frequency of the micro node in order to improve or optimise the UL from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node. The macro node may send an instruction to the aerial micro node to make said modifications. The macro node may determine the geographical location (being an area or set of coordinates) or orientation at which the aerial micro node should be relocated to optimise the UL capacity. The macro node may be further configured to send an instruction to a further aerial micro node to deploy at a specified location designated by the macro node, for providing an alternative communication pathway between the UE and the macro node via the further aerial micro node. For instance, the macro node may identify that further capacity for the UL is required, and instruct the deployment of an additional aerial micro node to form a third communication pathway between the UE and the macro node. The instruction from the macro node may take the form of an alert or indication to an operator that further UL capacity is required. The macro node may determine the geographical location (being an area or set 16690429.VHR.VHR of coordinates) at which the further aerial micro node should be deployed to optimise the UL capacity. The macro node may be further configured to determine if an upload, UL, link directly between the UE and macro node is congested. In other words, the UL link may be congested if the throughput or quality of service for a given UE is significantly reduced, for instance due to the presence of too many devices connected to the macro node over the given UL link. The macro node may be configured to determine if the upload, UL, link directly between the UE and macro node is congested comprises comparison of a UL throughput over the UL link with a threshold, wherein the UL throughput being less than or equal to the threshold indicates a congested UL link. However, other methods of identifying congestion may be used. If the UL link directly between the UE and the macro node is determined to be congested, then the macro node may be further configured to send an instruction to the aerial micro node to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node. Changing the frequency band may alleviate congestion, as the macro node can receive UL traffic over the updated frequency band from the aerial micro node, in preference to communications over the previous frequency band (which may include additional interference signals, for instance from unauthorised repeaters, which reduce capacity over the UL at that previous frequency). If the UL link directly between the UE and the macro node is determined to be congested, then the macro node may be further configured to: send an instruction to the aerial micro node to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to reorientate in a specified direction; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to relocate to an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node; and / or send an instruction to a further aerial micro node to deploy at an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node. Advantageously, the macro node can relocate, reorientate or change the transmission frequency in order to mitigate against to congestion on the UL. It will be understood that these steps can be taken specifically in response to identification of congestion on the direct UL between the UE and the macro node, or could be used to improve 16690429.VHR.VHR or optimise the alternative pathway from the UE to the macro node via the micro node, even if the UE to macro node direct UL is not deemed congested. The macro node may be further configured to predict a position of unauthorised repeaters within the telecommunications system and to determine the identified location based on the predicted position of the unauthorised repeaters. Prior art methods may be used to predict a position of unauthorised repeaters within the telecommunications system. The macro node may the use the prediction to identify a location for the aerial micro node at which interference from the unauthorised repeaters is reduced or avoided. In a further aspect there is a method for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, comprising: deploying an aerial micro node for providing a communication pathway between the UE and a macro node via the aerial micro node, wherein the aerial micro node is in direct communication with the macro node, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via the macro node, and the aerial micro node is in direct communication with the UE, wherein the aerial micro node comprises a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV. Use of an aerial micro node makes the system especially dynamic and adaptable. The method may further comprise providing the macro node in direct communication with the UE, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via the macro node. The method may further comprise determining, by the macro node, if an upload, UL, link between the UE and macro node is congested. If the UL link between the UE and the macro node is determined to be congested, the method may further comprise: sending an instruction, by the macro node to the aerial micro node, to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node; and / or sending an instruction, by the macro node to the aerial micro node, to relocate the aerial micro node to an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node; and / or sending an instruction, by the macro node to the aerial micro node, to reorientate the aerial micro node to be in an identified direction in proximity to the UE and the macro node; and / or sending an instruction, by the macro node to a further aerial micro 16690429.VHR.VHR node, to deploy the further aerial micro node to an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node. The method may comprise identifying a modification to the position, orientation and / or frequency of transmission of the aerial micro node that is predicted to provide an improved UL throughput over the UL link between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node. The method may further comprise predicting a position of unauthorised repeaters within the telecommunications system and determining the identified location or identified direction based on the predicted position of the unauthorised repeaters. In a still further aspect there is macro node for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via the macro node, the macro node being in direct communication with the UE thereby providing a communication pathway between the UE and the macro node, and the macro node further being in direct communication with an aerial micro node, the aerial micro node also being in direct communication with the UE, thereby providing an alternative communication pathway between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node, the aerial micro node being a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, wherein the macro node is configured to: obtain a first measured value of received power at the macro node of a reference signal transmitted from the UE, RPmacro-UE, at a first time; receive a first measurement report from the aerial micro node, the first measurement report comprising a first measured value of received power at the aerial micro node of the reference signal transmitted from the UE, RPaerial micro-UE, at the first time, and the first measurement report further comprising a first set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the first time; determine a first pathloss offset based on the first measured value of RPaerial micro-UEand the first measured value of RPmacro-UE, wherein the first pathloss offset represents a difference in a signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the first set of flight path characteristics than compared to signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node directly; obtain a second measured value of RPmacro-UE at a second time; 16690429.VHR.VHR receive a second measurement report from the aerial micro node, the second measurement report comprising a second measured value of RPaerial micro-UE at the second time, and the second measurement report further comprising a second set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the second time, wherein the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the second time are different from the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the first time; determine a second pathloss offset based on the second measured value of RPaerial micro-UE and the second measured value of RPmacro-UE, wherein the second pathloss offset represents a difference in a signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the second set of flight path characteristics than compared to signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node directly; estimate, for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, a pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated pathloss offset based on at least the first and second pathloss offset and the first and the second set of flight path characteristics; transmit the estimated pathloss offset to the UE, wherein the estimated pathloss offset is implemented at the UE for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the flight path represented by the specified set of flight path characteristics. The value of a pathloss can be applied in the power control of the UL transmkission power of the UE, wherein the pathloss offset can be associated to a particular UL TCI state associated with a particular UL beam. Therefore, use of an optimal estimate of pathloss offset provides improved power control at the UE. By considering known pathloss offsets together with the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node for which the known pathloss offsets were determined, the macro node can select or estimate the optimal pathloss offset for a particular, specified position of the aerial micro node and then configure the UE accordingly. In one example, the estimated pathloss offset could be selected from one of the determined pathloss offsets (e.g. the first or second pathloss offset) based on a similarity of the specified flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node to the flight path characteristics associated with the selected pathloss offset. The reference signal may be a sound-reference signal, SRS, as defined in 3GPP or any other UL channel / signal, such as the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) 16690429.VHR.VHR Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) DMRS. By estimating a pathloss offset based on a determined (or numerically calculated) first and second pathloss offset and the associated first and second flight path characteristics, the estimated pathloss offset can take into account the moveable nature and changing flight path (location, height, orientation) of the aerial micro node. Therefore, an estimated pathloss (found using the pathloss offset) for the UE-to-aerial micro node-to-macro node UL link is more representative and more accurate. When the more accurate estimated pathloss offset is implemented at the UE, this allows for improved power control of transmissions at the UE. The aerial micro node may be configured as a repeater for receiving communications from the UE and transmitting the received communications to the macro node. In other words, the aerial micro node may act as a UL repeater only, to provide a highly adaptable asymmetric DL sTRP / UL mTRP framework. The set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node may comprise one or more parameters from a group comprising: location of the aerial micro node, orientation of the aerial micro node, height of the aerial micro node from the ground, speed of movement of the aerial micro node, latitude and / or longitude of the aerial micro node, past and / or future flight path of the aerial micro node. The flight path characteristics may comprise parameters relating to the geolocation, receiver direction or orientation of the aerial micro node. Prior to the estimating step, the macro node may be further configured to: obtain a third measured value of RPmacro-UEat a third time; receive a third measurement report from the aerial micro node, the third measurement report comprising a third measured value of RPaerial micro-UEat the third time, and the measurement report further comprising a third set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the third time, wherein the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the third time are different from the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the first and the second time; determine a third pathloss offset based on the third measured value of RPaerial micro-UE and the third measured value of RPmacro-UE, wherein the third pathloss offset represents a difference in a signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro 16690429.VHR.VHR node via the aerial micro node having the third set of flight path characteristics than compared to signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node directly; and wherein the macro node being configured to estimate, for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, a pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated pathloss offset based on at least the first and second pathloss offset and the first and the second set of flight path characteristics, comprises the macro node being configured to: estimate, for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, a pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated pathloss offset based on at least the first, second and third pathloss offset and the first, second and third set of flight path characteristics. In fact, a pathloss offset may be determined in a manner equivalent to the first, second and third pathloss offset any number of times (at different locations / orientations of the aerial micro node), so that the resultant determined pathloss offsets and their associated set of flight path characteristics may be used within the estimation of the pathloss offset for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics. Having a greater number of determined pathloss offsets and associated flight path characteristics available for establishing the estimated pathloss offset improves the accuracy of the estimate. In the example described above in which the estimated pathloss offset is be selected from one of the determined pathloss offsets based on a similarity of the specified flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node to the flight path characteristics associated with the selected pathloss offset, having a larger number of determined pathloss offsets associated with different flight path characteristics may be of particular importance. In this example, again, having a greater number of determined pathloss offsets and associated flight path characteristics available for establishing the estimate improves the accuracy of the estimate. The pathloss offset, ^^^, may be determined according to: ^^^ = ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^In certain circumstances, the measurement report may further comprise a value of one or more characteristic of the UE. The characteristics of the UE may be received by the aerial 16690429.VHR.VHR micro node in a measurement report from the UE and combined within the measurement report from the aerial micro node to the macro node. Alternatively, the characteristics of the UE may be passed to the macro node in a separate measurement report. The characteristics of the UE include parameters to characterise the movement and functionality of the UE. The one or more characteristic of the UE may be from a group comprising: height of the UE from the ground, location of the UE, speed of movement of the UE, movement path of the UE. The information on the UE can be provided to to activate relevant beamforming capabilities that would facilitate the establishment of the link between the UE and micro node. The macro node may be further configured to receive communications directly from the UE over a different frequency band than communications from the aerial micro node. This allows UL communications to be passed over a different frequency between the aerial micro node and the macro node than interference signals (such as those from unauthorised repeaters, which would make use of the frequency band of the UE to macro node link) received at the macro node. Communications between the aerial micro node and the macro node may be passed over the backhaul. The macro node may be further configured to determine if an upload, UL, link between the UE and macro node is congested. The UL link may be congested if the throughput or quality of service for a given UE is significantly reduced, for instance due to the present of too many devices connected to the macro node over the given UL link. The macro node may be configured to determine if an upload, UL, link between the UE and macro node is congested by comparison of a UL throughput over the UL link with a threshold, wherein the UL throughput being less than or equal to the threshold indicates a congested UL link. However, other methods of identifying congestion may be used. If the UL link directly between the UE and the macro node is determined to be congested, then the macro node may be further configured to: send an instruction to the aerial micro node to move on a flight path represented by a further set of flight path characteristics; and estimate, for the aerial micro node having the flight path represented by the further set of flight path characteristics, a further pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated further pathloss offset based on at 16690429.VHR.VHR least the first and second pathloss offset and the first and the second set of parameters characterising the flight path of the aerial micro node; transmit the estimated further pathloss offset to the UE, wherein the estimated further pathloss offset is implemented at the UE for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the flight path represented by the further set of flight path characteristics. Advantageously, the macro node can relocate or reorientate in order to mitigate against congestion on the UL. As such, the aerial micro node will have a new, further set of flight path characteristics. An appropriate pathloss offset for an aerial micro node having the new, further set of flight path characteristics can be estimated based on the known pathloss offsets (e.g. at least the first and the second pathloss offsets) and their associated flight path characteristics It will be understood that these steps can be taken specifically in response to identification of congestion on the direct UL between the UE and the macro node, or could be used to improve or optimise the alternative pathway from the UE to the macro node via the micro node, even if the UE to macro node direct UL is not deemed congested. The macro node may be further configured to predict a position of unauthorised repeaters within the telecommunications system and to determine the further set of flight path characteristics for the aerial micro node based on the predicted position of the unauthorised repeaters. In other words, the macro node may specify a location or orientation for the aerial micro node based on the predicted position of the unauthorised repeaters, and then estimate the pathloss offset for the aerial micro node at that specified location or orientation. The described measurement reports may be transmitted from the aerial micro node to the macro node over a backhaul link. The described measurement reports may be transmitted from the aerial micro node to the macro node over an Xn interface or by gNB implementation. The macro node may transmit an estimated value of the pathloss offset to the UE by a radio resource control, RRC. The macro node may indicate the estimated value of pathloss offset to be used by the UE over downlink control information, DCI. 16690429.VHR.VHR The macro node may associate by RRC the value of estimated pathloss offset to a joint or a UL Transmission Configuration Indication, TCI, and update the value of the pathloss offset via Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE. The macro node may be a gNodeB In a still further aspect, there is a system for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, the system comprising: the macro node as described above; and an aerial micro node, the aerial micro node in direct communication with the macro node and with the UE, the aerial micro node being a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, the aerial micro node for providing an alternative communication pathway between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node. The aerial micro node may be configured to: measure the value of RPaerial micro-UEat the first time, and transmit the first measurement report to the macro node, the first measurement report comprising the first measured value of RPaerial micro-UEat the first time, and the measurement report further comprising the first set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the first time; and measure the value of RPaerial micro-UEat the second time, and transmit the second measurement report to the macro node, the second measurement report comprising the second measured value of RPaerial micro-UE, at the second time, and the measurement report further comprising the second set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the second time. The flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node are those mentioned above. The aerial micro node may also receive a measurement report from the UE, and include parameters within the measurement report form the UE in the measurement report transmitted from the aerial micro node. The aerial micro node may be configured to: receive the estimated pathloss offset to from the macro node; and implement the estimated pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the flight path represented by the specified set of flight path characteristics. The estimated pathloss offset is implemented within the power controls of the UE, for more efficient power control. 16690429.VHR.VHR In a yet further aspect, there is a method for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via a macro node, wherein the macro node is in direct communication with the UE thereby providing a communication pathway between the UE and the macro node, and the macro node further is in direct communication with an aerial micro node, the aerial micro node also being in direct communication with the UE, thereby providing an alternative communication pathway between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node, the aerial micro node being a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, comprising: obtaining, by the macro node, a first measured value of received power at the macro node of a reference signal transmitted from the UE, RPmacro-UE, at a first time; receiving, at the macro node, a first measurement report from an aerial micro node, the first measurement report comprising a first measured value of received power at the aerial micro node of the reference signal transmitted from the UE, RPaerial micro-UE, at the first time, and the first measurement report further comprising a first set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the first time; determining, at the macro node, a first pathloss offset based on the first measured value of RPaerial micro-UEand the first measured value of RPmacro-UE, wherein the first pathloss offset represents a difference in a signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the first set of flight path characteristics than compared to signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node directly; obtaining, by the macro node, a second measured value of RPmacro-UEat a second time; receiving, at the macro node, a second measurement report from the aerial micro node, the second measurement report comprising a second measured value of RPaerial micro-UEat the second time, and the second measurement report further comprising a second set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the second time, wherein the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the second time are different from the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the first time; determining, at the macro node, a second pathloss offset based on the second measured value of RPaerial micro-UE and the second measured value of RPmacro-UE, wherein the second pathloss offset represents a difference in a signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the second 16690429.VHR.VHR set of flight path characteristics than compared to signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node directly; estimating, for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, a pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated pathloss offset based on at least the first and second pathloss offset and the first and the second set of flight path characteristics; transmitting the estimated pathloss offset from the macro node to the UE; implementing the estimated pathloss offset at the UE for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the flight path represented by the specified set of flight path characteristics. The set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node may comprise one or more parameters from a group comprising: location of the aerial micro node, orientation of the aerial micro node, height of the aerial micro node from the ground, speed of movement of the aerial micro node, latitude and / or longitude of the aerial micro node, past and / or future flight path of the aerial micro node. Prior to the estimating step, the method may further comprise: obtaining, by the macro node, a third measured value of RPmacro-UEat a third time; receiving, by the macro node, a third measurement report from the aerial micro node, the third measurement report comprising a third measured value of RPaerial micro-UEat the third time, and the measurement report further comprising a third set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the third time, wherein the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the third time are different from the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node at the first and the second time; determining, by the macro node, a third pathloss offset based on the third measured value of RPaerial micro-UEand the third measured value of RPmacro-UE, wherein the third pathloss offset represents a difference in a signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node having the third set of flight path characteristics than compared to signal pathloss in transmissions communicated from the UE to the macro node directly; and wherein the step of estimating, for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, a pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated 16690429.VHR.VHR pathloss offset based on at least the first and second pathloss offset and the first and the second set of flight path characteristics, comprises: estimating, for the aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics, a pathloss offset for communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the estimated pathloss offset based on at least the first, second and third pathloss offset and the first, second and third set of flight path characteristics. Here, the pathloss offset, ^^^, may be determined according to: ^^^ = ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^It will be understood that any details, alternatives or advantages described above with respect to a system or apparatus feature would also be applicable to the equivalent feature within the described method. Brief description of the figures The disclosure may be put into practice in various ways, some of which will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art system for connectivity of a UE to a telecommunications network in which unauthorised repeaters are present; FIGURE 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system for connectivity of a UE to a telecommunications network in which an aerial micro node is used; FIGURE 3 shows an example of the positioning of an aerial micro node in order to reduce interference from unauthorised repeaters and other sources; FIGURE 4 shows a schematic diagram of a system for connectivity of a UE to a telecommunications network in which an aerial micro node is used and in which a pathloss offset is determined; FIGURE 5 shows the steps of a method for estimating a pathloss offset for use in communications via an aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics; FIGURE 6 provides an example of the TCI-UL-state information for implementation of the pathloss offset at the UE; FIGURE 7 shows option for the configuration and indication of TCI states; and 16690429.VHR.VHR FIGURE 8 shows an example of joint and separate beam indications for different TCI states. FIGURE 8(a) shows a joint beam indication and FIGURE 8(b) shows a separate beam indication. It will be understood that like features are labelled using like reference numerals. The figures are not to scale. Detailed description of specific embodiments An example of a prior art system for connectivity of a UE to a telecommunications network is shown in FIGURE 1 as an example. Here it can be seen that downlink (DL) transmissions 20 pass from a macro node 10 to the UE 12 directly. Some uplink (UL) transmissions 22 pass from the UE to the macro node 10 directly, but other uplink transmissions 18a, 18b may pass from the UE 12 to a fixed micro node 14, and then from the fixed micro node 14 to the macro node 10. The transmissions from the fixed micro node to the macro node may pass over the backhaul (which is a fiber-based or wireless link between the two nodes). The macro node acts to pass the communications onwards to the core network 100. Prior art systems may encounter the problem of unauthorised repeaters. As shown in FIGURE 1, an unauthorised repeater 16 may receive an UL communication 24 from a UE 12 (or another UE, not shown in FIGURE 1), and may retransmit the UL communication to the macro node 10 as a higher powered or amplified signal 26. This may cause congestion over the direct UL channel between the UE to macro node. Nevertheless, the effect of the repeaters may be mitigated by passing UL transmissions 18a, 18b over the alternative UL pathway via the micro node 14. However, even this alternative UL pathway may be constrained by the relative configuration and characteristics of the fixed micro node compared to the UE and the macro node. Set up or installation of a fixed micro node to be used in this way can be slow, time consuming and costly. According to the prior art, the micro node is typically at a fixed geographical location (for instance, mounted at a tower). Therefore, installation of each fixed micro node requires a site visit by an engineer, as well as the obtaining of permits or permissions to mount a base station at a particular geographical location or on a particular tower or building. A new fixed micro node cannot be quickly deployed to react to newly identified (or temporary) congestion in an UL pathway. This may be a particular problem when unauthorised repeaters may be used (even temporarily) within the network. 16690429.VHR.VHR In view of this, the inventors of the present disclosure propose deploying a micro node (or radio access node) mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as a drone. Use of a UAV mounted micro node (here denoted an “aerial micro node”) allows the network to be adapted dynamically, if and when congestion on an UL is identified. In particular, an operator may quickly maneuver a UAV mounted micro node (“aerial micro node”) into position to mitigate against congestion over the UE-to-macro node UL much more easily and quickly than setup of a new fixed micro node. Furthermore, an existing aerial micro node can be relocated or reorientated to improve or optimize an UL pathway via the micro node much more easily than when using a fixed micro node. Consequently, by use of aerial micro nodes the service to a UE (and so a user experience) can be improved, even when unauthorised repeaters are present within a network, as the network can by dynamically adapted to provide extra UL capacity when and where required. Referring to FIGURE 2, there is shown a system having an aerial micro node 50 (being a micro node mounted to a UAV) together with a macro node 10 (arranged as a gateway to the core network 100) and a UE 12. Downlink transmissions 20 are passed in the normal way from the macro node 10 to the UE 12. The aerial micro node 50 receive UL communications 18a from a UE 12 and the UL communication 18b is then transmitted from the aerial micro node 50 to the macro node 10 via the backhaul. The backhaul may be a wired or wireless link that connects the aerial micro node 50 and the macro node 10. The aerial micro node is configured as a repeater. In particular, the aerial micro node is configured as a repeater for UL only communications, meaning it is repeating only the signals coming from the UE (and not DL signals from the macro node or base station). Deployment of the micro node as an aerial micro node has a number of advantages. In particular, the position (geographical location and orientation) of the aerial micro node is not static or fixed, and so its location can be dynamically adapted to respond to congestion or changes in the system. In particular, the aerial micro nodes can be deployed to mitigate against congestion in the UE-to-macro node UL as a result of the presence of unauthorised repeaters. As the aerial micro node is effectively acting as a repeater this proposed solution relies only on the configuration of the aerial micro node and may repeat (or retransmit) signals from any type of UE. Therefore it may provide improvements to a user irrespective of the age or specification of their UE. In a particular example of the system shown in FIGURE 2, the aerial micro node-to- macro node link (which may be over the backhaul) operates over a different frequency band than the frequency band of a UL link directly from the UE 12 to the macro node 10 (the latter being the frequency band that is typically employed by any unauthorised repeaters). As 16690429.VHR.VHR such, a first frequency band is used to transmit from the UE to the micro node (and from the UE to the macro node, where that UL pathway is used), and a second frequency band is used to transmit from the aerial micro node to the macro node. Where the system is configured to pass all UL communications from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, the macro node 10 can redirect its aerial to preferentially receive communications over the second frequency band. This is beneficial to mitigate against or bypass the effects of unauthorised repeaters broadcasting on the first frequency band (and would reduce the quality of service to those unauthorised repeaters). As noted above, a particular benefit of the system shown in FIGURE 2 is the adaptability of the location of the aerial micro node. The location and / or orientation of the aerial micro node may be controlled by the macro node to optimise the quality the link between the aerial micro node and the macro node and / or between the aerial micro node and the UE. In particular, the macro node may issue an instruction or command to the aerial micro node (specifically to a controller of the UAV at the aerial micro node) to move its location or orientation (for instance relative to the macro node and / or the micro node). Alternatively, the macro node may issue an instruction or command to deploy a second or further aerial micro node to a particular geographical location, in order to establish a further communication path way between the UE to the macro node via the second or further aerial micro node. In a specific example, the micro node is configured to determine that the UL between the UE and the macro node is congested. One mechanism by which the macro node can identify congestion in the UE-to-macro node direct UL is by comparison of the throughput over that link to a predefined threshold. Where throughput is less than or equal to the threshold then the link is considered to be congested. However, other methods could also be used to identify congestion within the UL between a UE and a macro node. In particular, the macro node may identify congestion over the direct UE-to-macro node link that occurs as a result of unauthorised repeaters. Other methods that could be used to identify congestion within the UL between a UE and a macro node include identifying an increase of random access (RACH) attempts, identifying an increase of UL interference, or determining that there is a higher utilisation of UL physical resource blocks (which would translate to an increase of throughput). In one example, where the macro node identifies a congested link between the UE and the macro node directly, the macro node sends a command or instruction to the aerial micro node to send communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node over a different frequency than the frequency band used for the UE-to-macro node UL. 16690429.VHR.VHR Alternatively or additionally, the macro node issues an instruction for relocation or reorientation of the aerial micro node, or deployment of a further micro node, in order to mitigate the effects of the congested UE to macro node link. The relocation may be to a specified location (for instance, specified by the macro node as geographical coordinates in an instruction or command sent to the aerial micro node). In some cases, the macro node may identify a location or orientation of the aerial micro node (or the further aerial micro node) that would optimise the throughput on the UL link via the said aerial micro node. In other cases, the macro node may identify or determine an estimated location of unauthorised repeaters causing congestion in the system, and subsequently issue an instruction to relocate the aerial micro node (or deploy a further aerial micro node) to a specific location identified by the macro node in order to mitigate against the presence of the unauthorised repeaters. Determination of an estimated location of the unauthorised repeaters can be achieved using prior art methods (for instance, as described in 2019 Fourth International Conference on Informatics and Computing (ICIC), “Predicting the position of unauthorised repeaters in cellular systems” by Alaydrus et al.). By way of illustration, FIGURE 3 shows the positioning of an aerial micro node 50 with respect to a first macro node 10a, second macro node 10b and a UE 12, in order to mitigate against interfering signals 200a, 200b in the UL caused by the presence of unauthorised repeaters 210 or interfering UE 212. Although the macro node may issue directly an instruction or command for the relocation or reorientation of an aerial micro node, or for deployment of a further aerial micro node, it will be understood that the macro node may instead send a report to an operator, to inform the operator of the need to take such actions. Use of aerial micro nodes 50 as discussed above with reference to FIGURE 2 may be used in conjunction with all UEs, as such a system does not rely on any specific configuration for a UE. Instead, the aerial mode node 50 effectively acts as a repeater. However, an improvement to this solution may be implemented in conjunction with newer UE (for example, those conforming to 3GPP Release-19 or later) that can accept a pathloss offset indication for improved power management at the UE. In particular, estimate of a pathloss offset to be used by a UE with respect to communications send to the macro node via an aerial micro node that is to be deployed to a specified location can result in more efficient power control and improved quality of service for the UE. As noted above, 3GPP specification “RP-240087, NR MIMO Phase 5” has proposed calculating a pathloss offset to be applied to UL communications sent to a macro node via a fixed micro node. In particular, the pathloss offset is applied at the UE to the power control of the UL transmission power of the UE (in other words, to the power of transmission from 16690429.VHR.VHR the UE). This pathloss offset can be used to take account of the differing pathloss for communciations passed from the UE to the macro node via the fixed micro node, as opposed to from the UE to the macro node directly. As previously discussed, use of a measurement of the received power of a sound reference signal, SRS, transmitted directly from the UE to the macro node often does not give an accurate indication of the true pathloss for transmissions directed to the macro node from the UE via a fixed micro node. To take this into account, 3GPP specification “RP- 240087, NR MIMO Phase 5” has proposed calculating a pathloss offset to be used where UL communications are sent to the macro node via the fixed micro node. The pathloss offset is a value applied to the pathloss calculated from the received power at the macro node of the SRS transmitted directly from the UE to the macro node. The pathloss offset is sent to the UE to be implemented on UL communications sent by the UE via the micro node. Nevertheless, 3GPP specification “RP-240087, NR MIMO Phase 5” assumes that the micro node is fixed. Therefore, the inventors now propose an improvement to the estimation of the pathloss offset for use in conjunction with an aerial micro node and that takes account of the flight path characteristics of an aerial micro node (which may include position, orientation, height or speed of the aerial micro node, for example). By way of background, the 3GPP specification “3GPP, RP-233386, NR Support for UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles)” considers support for UE mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle (such as a drone). 3GPP specification “3GPP, RP-233386, NR Support for UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles)” proposes the preparation of a measurement report by the UE, which can be sent to a macro node to provide information on flight path characteristics of the UE. This can then be used for improved signaling and beamforming between the UE and the macro node. For instance, the measurement report is sent from the UE containing information on height, location and speed of the UE, as well as flight path measurements. The inventors now propose the use of a measurement report prepared by the aerial micro node and sent from the aerial micro node to the macro node. The measurement report from the aerial micro node provides information on the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node. Flight path characteristics may include location of the aerial micro node, orientation of the aerial micro node, height of the aerial micro node from the ground, speed of movement of the aerial micro node, latitude and / or longitude of the aerial micro node, and / or past and / or future flight path of the aerial micro node. The measurement report from the aerial micro node further includes a measured value for the received power of a reference signal (such as an SRS) received from the UE at the aerial micro node having the given set of flight path characteristics. In an alternative, the measured value for the received power of 16690429.VHR.VHR the reference signal could also be obtained by or sent to the macro node from the aerial micro node separately from the measurement report. Looking to FIGURE 4, there is shown a system in which a pathloss offset is estimated for an aerial micro node having a specified set of flight path characteristics (such as location and / or orientation). The system of FIGURE 4 comprises an aerial micro node 50 (being a micro node mounted to a UAV) together with a macro node 10 (arranged as a gateway to the core network 100) and a UE 12. Downlink transmissions 20 are passed in the normal way from the macro node 10 to the UE 12. The aerial micro node 50 receives UL communications 18a from a UE 12 and the UL communications 18b are then transmitted from the aerial micro node 50 to the macro node 10 (for instance, via the backhaul). The backhaul may be a wired or wireless link that connects the aerial micro node 50 and the macro node 10. Also in the system of FIGURE 4, the UE 12 transmits a reference signal 30, 32. In an example, the reference signal is an SRS. A first portion 30 of the transmitted reference signal is received by the macro node 10 and in parallel a second portion 32 of the transmitted reference signal is received by the aerial micro node 50. The reference signal is a signal with known characteristics (including a pre-defined and known signal power when transmitted from the UE), and the measured received power of the reference signal at each of the aerial micro node and the macro node at a particular time can be used to determine the quality of the UL between each element at that time. Furthermore, the system of FIGURE 4 sends a measurement report 26 from the aerial micro node 50 to the macro node 10. The measurement report 26 includes parameters representative of the flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node. In particular, the flight path characteristics represent the location and orientation of the aerial micro node at a given time t, and could include height of the aerial micro node from the ground, location of the aerial micro node, speed of movement of the aerial micro node, latitude and / or longitude of the aerial micro node, and the flight path (i.e. flight path coordinates) of the aerial micro node. The measurement report also includes the received signal power of the reference signal transmitted from the UE to the aerial micro node at the time t. In order to determine an estimated pathloss offset for an aerial micro node having a specified set of flight path characteristics (such as location and / or orientation), the system performs a method which is described below with reference to FIGURE 5. In a first step 500, the macro node calculates or obtains a value for the received signal power of the reference signal sent from the UE to the macro node, ^^^^^^^^^^, at a first time, t1. 16690429.VHR.VHR In a second step 505, the macro node receives a measurement report containing a first set of flight path characteristics representative of the flight path of the aerial micro node at the first time t1. For instance, the measurement report provides a set of parameters characterising the location, movement and / or orientation of the aerial micro node at the first time. The set of parameters may include one or more of the height of the aerial micro node from the ground, location of the aerial micro node, speed of movement of the aerial micro node, latitude and / or longitude of the aerial micro node, and the flight path coordinates of the aerial micro node at time t1. In addition, the measurement report further comprises a value for the received signal power of the reference signal sent from the UE to the aerial micro node, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^, at a first time, t1. Subsequently, at step 510, the macro node calculates a first pathloss offset representative of communications sent via the aerial micro node at the first time t1 and having the associated first set of flight path characteristics. In particular, the first pathloss offset is based on the measured value of received power at the aerial micro node of the reference signal transmitted from the UE, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^, at the first time t1, together with the measured value of received power at the macro node of the same reference signal transmitted from the UE, ^^^^^^^^^^, at the first time, t1. The pathloss offset may be estimated by comparing the difference in the received signal power of the reference signal at the aerial micro node than at the macro node. More specifically, the determination of a pathloss offset for a given time t follows the example for the calculation of a pathloss offset for an UL only channel via a fixed aerial node that is discussed in 3GPP specification, R1-2404532, Section 2.2.1.1. According to the present disclosure, the macro node can estimate the pathloss offset, ^^∆, in dB for an aerial micro node having a given set of flight path characteristics according to: ^^^ = ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^where ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^denotes the received reference signal received power (RSRP) at the micro node of the reference signal transmitted by the UE, and ^^^^^^^^^^denotes the received RSRP at the macro node of the reference signal transmitted by the UE. Referring to step 510 of FIGURE 5, the first pathloss offset representative of communications sent via the aerial micro node at the first time t1 and having the associated first set of flight path characteristics can therefore be determined by the macro node. According to the method of FIGURE 5, the steps of obtaining a value for the received signal power of the reference signal sent from the UE to the macro node, ^^^^^^^^^^, receiving a measurement report and then calculating a pathloss offset are repeated with respect to the aerial micro node at a second time t2, wherein the flight path characteristics of 16690429.VHR.VHR the aerial micro node at the second time t2 are different to the flight path characteristics at first time t1 (for instance, because the aerial micro node has moved location and / or orientation). In other words, at step 515, the macro node calculates or obtains a value for the received signal power of the reference signal sent from the UE to the macro node, ^^^^^^^^^^, at the second time, t2. Then, at step 520, the macro node receives a measurement report containing a second set of flight path characteristics representative of the flight path of the aerial micro node at the second time t2, together with a value for the received signal power of the reference signal sent from the UE to the aerial micro node, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^, at the second time, t2. At step 525, the macro node calculates a second pathloss offset representative of communications sent via the aerial micro node at the second time t2and having the associated second set of flight path characteristics. In particular, the second pathloss offset is based on the measured value of received power at the aerial micro node of the reference signal transmitted from the UE, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^, at the second time t2, together with the measured value of received power at the macro node of the same reference signal transmitted from the UE, ^^^^^^^^^^, at the second time, t2. At a further step 530, the macro node can estimate a pathloss offset for the aerial micro node having a particular, specified set of flight path characteristics. In particular, the macro node may estimate the pathloss offset based on the calculated first and second pathloss offsets and their associated first and second set of flight path characteristics. In other words, with a view of the pathloss offset required for an aerial micro node at first time t1 and at a second time t2, respectively having the first and second set of flight path characteristics, the macro node may estimate the pathloss offset for the same aerial micro node at a further time tn at which the aerial micro node has a still further set of flight path characteristics. For instance, differences in the pathloss offset may be correlated with a difference in the flight path characteristics between the first time t1 and second time t2, in order to estimate the pathloss offset for use with the aerial micro node at the further time tn and having the further set of flight path characteristics. Alternatively, the estimated pathloss offset can be selected from one of the determined pathloss offsets (e.g. first or second pathloss offsets) based on a similarity of the specified flight path characteristics of the aerial micro node to the flight path characteristics associated with the selected pathloss offset. In either case, the pathloss offset can be estimated for use with the aerial micro node at a particular, specified location / orientation, based on the previously calculated pathloss offsets. In a next step 535, the macro node 10 sends the estimated pathloss offset (24 in FIGURE 4) to the UE. In a final step 540, the UE then implements the estimated pathloss offset in transmissions sent from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro when the 16690429.VHR.VHR aerial micro node has a flight path represented by the specified set of flight path characteristics (i.e. the specified location and / or orientation). It will be understood that the estimated value of the pathloss offset is applied in the control of the transmisson power of the UL from the UE. In a particular illustrative example, the UE can apply an estimated pathloss offset, ^^∆, to a pathloss calculated for UL transmission between the UE and the macro node directly, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^, to provide a pathloss for the UL channel from the UE to the macro node via the aerial micro node, ^^^^^ ^^^^^. This can be determined as follows: Although the method of FIGURE 5 considers using only a first and second flight path offset and associated first and second set of flight path characteristics for estimation of a pathloss offset for implementation where the aerial micro node has a specified set of flight path characteristics, it will be understood that any number of calculated pathloss offsets for aerial micro nodes having an associated set of flight path characteristics could be used. For instance, prior to the estimation step 530, the macro node may obtain a third measured value of the received power at the macro node of a reference signal transmitted from the UE at a third time t3, as well as receiving a third measurement report from the aerial micro node comprising a third measured value of received power at the aerial micro node of the reference signal transmitted from the UE at the third time t3 and a third set of flight path characteristics representing the flight path of the aerial micro node at the third time t3. This can then be used to determine a third pathloss offset associated with the aerial micro node having the third set of flight path characteristics and based on the measured value of the received power at the macro node of a reference signal transmitted from the UE at the third time t3 and the measured value of the received power at the micro node of the reference signal transmitted from the UE at the third time t3. Said third pathloss offset could then be used in the estimation of the pathloss offset for the aerial micro node having a particular, specified set of flight path characteristics. As will be understood, a fourth, fifth, or any number of pathloss offsets associated with the aerial micro node having different sets of flight path characteristics may be obtained, and the estimated pathloss offset for an aerial micro node at the specified location can be found based on all available pathloss offsets and associated flight path characteristics. Ideally, an optimal pathloss offset is found or estimated for an aerial micro node having a specified set of flight path characteristics based on as many numerically determined pathloss offsets as are available for a given aerial micro node. Increasing the number of numerically determined pathloss offsets and associated flight path characteristics will improve the 16690429.VHR.VHR accuracy of an estimated pathloss offset associated with a specified set of flight path characteristics (i.e. location and orientation). The macro node may be configured to store the first, second and any further pathloss offsets, together with the associated flight path characteristics for the aerial micro node, at a memory or storage medium. The macro node may be configured to retrieve said stored pathloss offsets and associated flight path characteristics in order to estimate the pathloss offset for an aerial micro node having a flight path represented by a specified set of flight path characteristics. In a still further example, the macro node may be configured to determine if a direct upload link between the UE and the macro node is congested, and if so to then move the aerial micro node on a flight path represented by a further set of flight path characteristics. The pathloss offset to be applied for UL transmissions via the aerial micro node on the flight path represented by the further set of flight path characteristics can be estimated based on the all the available numerically determined pathloss offsets and their associated flight path characteristics. In some cases, the flight path represented by the further set of flight path characteristics can be determined from a predicted position of unauthorised repeaters causing the congestion. In other words, the aerial micro node can be moved according to the flight path represented by the further set of flight path characteristics in order to avoid congestion from unauthorised repeaters, and an appropriate pathloss offset can be selected or estimated to be used with communications from that aerial micro node. It will be understood that, generally speaking, the pathloss offset could be derived based on various UL reference signals, and not just the SRS. For instance, the reference signal may be other UL signals / channels, such as the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) DMRS. In a particular example, the macro node transmits a value of the pathloss offset to the UE by a radio resource control, RRC. In one option, the macro node indicates the value of pathloss offset to be used by the UE over downlink control information, DCI. This can be through a DCI indicating a value on a list of pathloss offset values configured by RRC. In a second option (illustrated in FIGURE 7), the macro node associates by RRC the value of pathloss offset to a joint or a UL Transmission Configuration Indication, TCI, and updates the value of the pathloss offset via Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE. The TCI is a signalling framework in which the beam characteristics for a particular channel to or from the UE can be specified. An example of said TCI-UL state information is shown in FIGURE 16690429.VHR.VHR 6. This second option had the benefit of containing more information referring to the UL beam to be used by the UE. It will be understood that the TCI state including the pathloss offset could be provided as a joint TCI state (wherein the UE uses the same beam characteristics for DL and UL as illustrated in FIGURE 8(a)) or as a UL TCI state (wherein the UE uses a specific beam characteristic for the UL only channel as illustrated in FIGURE 8(b)). It should be noted that in some cases the measurement report 26 may further include values for parameters representative of the UE. For instance, parameters such as the height of the UE from the ground, location of the UE, speed of movement of the UE or the movement path (coordinates) of the UE may be received at the aerial micro node from the UE, and then included in the measurement report sent from the aerial micro node to the macro node. Alternatively, a separate measurement report could be sent form the UE to the macro node, reporting characteristics for the UE. Any of the characteristics of the UE or aerial micro node provided may be used within the calculation of the pathloss offset. Inclusion of this information in relation to the UE (specifically) would allow adaptation and instruction of beamforming capabilities to facilitate the establishment of the link between the UE and micro node. Overall, a number of benefits may be provided by the disclosed system (or disclosed aerial micro node or macro node). In particular: - Use of an aerial micro node mitigates the effects of unauthorised or interfering repeaters by allowing easier deployment of micro nodes to give alternative UL pathways from the UE to the macro node. Use of an aerial micro base station can also improve the accuracy of UE geolocation; - When used with aerial micro nodes, the proposed pathloss offset can take into account movement, change in location, change in height etc. of the aerial micro node; and - An improved management of UL channels (and their power management at the UE) is achieved by providing a more accurate signal pathloss measurement once the estimated pathloss offset is applied. Although examples according to the disclosure have been described with reference to specific illustrative examples, other approaches according to the disclosure may be used. Certain features may be omitted or substituted, for example as indicated herein. Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 16690429.VHR.VHR In this detailed description of the various examples and / or embodiments, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the examples and / or embodiments disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that these various examples and / or embodiments may be practiced with or without these specific details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the scope of the various examples and / or embodiments disclosed herein. As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of terms are to be construed as including the plural form and vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" means "one or more". Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise", "including", "having" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises" or similar, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Also, the use of “or” is inclusive, such that the phrase “A or B” is true when “A” is true, “B” is true, or both “A” and “B” are true. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("for instance", "such as", "for example" and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” may be reversed without changing the scope of the disclosure. That is, the terms are relative such that an element termed a “first” element or position may instead be termed a “second” element or position and an element termed a “second” element or position may instead be considered a “first” element or position. Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is described as being performed after another step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed. For instance, step 500 and 505 could be performed in either order, or step 515 and 520 could be performed in either order. It is also to be understood that, for any given component, example or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will be understood that any list of such candidates 16690429.VHR.VHR or alternatives is merely illustrative and not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. 16690429.VHR.VHR

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, the system comprising: an aerial micro node for providing a communication pathway between the UE and a macro node via the aerial micro node, the aerial micro node being in direct communication with the macro node and the UE, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via the macro node; wherein the aerial micro node comprises a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising the macro node, the macro node being in direct communication with the UE, providing a further communication pathway between the UE and the macro node directly.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aerial micro node is configured as a repeater for receiving communications from the UE and transmitting the received communications to the macro node.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the aerial micro node is configured to: receive communications from the UE over a first frequency band; and transmit the received communications to the macro node over a second frequency band, that is different to the first frequency band.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the macro node is configured to receive communications directly from the UE over the first frequency band and to receive communications from the aerial micro node over the second frequency band.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the macro node is further configured to: send an instruction to the aerial micro node to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to reorientate in a specified direction; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to relocate to a specified location. 16690429.VHR.VHR7. The system of claim 6, wherein the macro node is further configured to, prior to the instruction being sent, identify a modification to the position, orientation and / or frequency of transmission of the aerial micro node that is predicted to provide an improved UL throughput over the UL link between the UE and the macro node via the aerial micro node.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the macro node is further configured to: send an instruction to a further aerial micro node to deploy at a specified location designated by the macro node, for providing an alternative communication pathway between the UE and the macro node via the further aerial micro node.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the macro node is further configured to determine if an upload, UL, link directly between the UE and macro node is congested.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the macro node configured to determine if the upload, UL, link directly between the UE and macro node is congested comprises comparison of a UL throughput over the UL link with a threshold, wherein the UL throughput being less than or equal to the threshold indicates a congested UL link.

11. The system of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein if the UL link directly between the UE and the macro node is determined to be congested, then the macro node is further configured to: send an instruction to the aerial micro node to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node; and / or send an instruction to the aerial micro node to reorientate in a specified direction.

12. The system of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein if the UL link directly between the UE and the macro node is determined to be congested, then the macro node is further configured to: send an instruction to the aerial micro node to relocate to an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node; and / or send an instruction to a further aerial micro node to deploy at an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node. 16690429.VHR.VHR13. The system of claim 12, wherein the macro node is further configured to: predict a position of unauthorised repeaters within the telecommunications system and to determine the identified location based on the predicted position of the unauthorised repeaters.

14. A method for providing connectivity of a user equipment, UE, to a telecommunications network, comprising: deploying an aerial micro node for providing a communication pathway between the UE and a macro node via the aerial micro node, wherein the aerial micro node is in direct communication with the macro node, wherein communications to and from the UE pass to the telecommunications network via the macro node, and the aerial micro node is in direct communication with the UE, wherein the aerial micro node comprises a radio access node mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: sending an instruction, by the macro node to the aerial micro node, to change the frequency band for transmission of communications from the aerial micro node to the macro node; and / or sending an instruction, by the macro node to the aerial micro node, to relocate the aerial micro node to an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node; and / or sending an instruction, by the macro node to the aerial micro node, to reorientate the aerial micro node to be in an identified direction in proximity to the UE and the macro node; and / or sending an instruction, by the macro node to a further aerial micro node, to deploy the further aerial micro node to an identified location in proximity to the UE and the macro node. 16690429.VHR.VHR

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