Methods and network nodes for handling a-PSQP in a wireless communications network

Abstract

A method, performed by a first network node (521), for handling Alternative PDU Set QoS parameters, A-PSQP, in a wireless communications network. The method comprises receiving (502) a first message including PSQP and A-PSQP from a second network node (522). In response to receiving the first message, the method comprises transmitting (503) a second message including an indication of which A- PSQP that are currently fulfilled to the second network node (522).

Description

[0001] METHODS AND NETWORK NODES FOR HANDLING A-PSQP IN A WIRELESS

[0002] COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The embodiments herein relate to a multi-segment Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) comprising the multi-segment DAC and a method for detecting a weight error of the multi-segment DAC. A corresponding computer program and a computer program carrier are also disclosed.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (ST A) and / or User Equipments (UE), communicate via a Local Area Network such as a Wi-Fi network or a Radio Access Network (RAN) to one or more core networks (CN). 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 access node, e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be denoted, for example, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), or gNB as denoted in 5G. A service area or cell area is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio access node. The radio access node communicates over an air interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless device within range of the radio access node.

[0007] Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also called a Fourth Generation (4G) network, have been completed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and this work continues in the coming 3GPP releases, for example to specify a Fifth Generation (5G) network also referred to as 5G New Radio (NR). The EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), also known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E- UTRAN / LTE is a variant of a 3GPP radio access network wherein the radio access nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network rather than to RNCs used in 3G networks. In general, in E-UTRAN / LTE the functions of a 3G RNC are distributed between the radio access nodes, e.g. eNodeBs in LTE, and the core network. As such, the RAN of an EPS has an essentially “flat” architecture comprising radio access nodes connected directly to one or more core networks, i.e. they are not connected to RNCs. To compensate for that, the E-UTRAN specification defines a direct interface between the radio access nodes, this interface being denoted the X2 interface.

[0008] Wireless communication systems in 3GPP

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified wireless communication system with a UE 12, which communicates with one or multiple radio access nodes 103-104, which in turn is connected to a network node 106. The access nodes 103-104 are part of a radio access network 10.

[0010] For wireless communication systems pursuant to 3GPP Evolved Packet System, (EPS), also referred to as Long Term Evolution, LTE, or 4G, standard specifications, such as specified in 3GPP TS 36.300 and related specifications, the radio access nodes 103- 104 corresponds typically to a Evolved NodeBs (eNBs) and the network node 106 corresponds typically to either a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and / or a Serving Gateway (SGW). The eNB is part of the radio access network 10, which in this case is the E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), while the MME and SGW are both part of the EPC (Evolved Packet Core network). The eNBs are interconnected via the X2 interface, and connected to EPC via the S1 interface, more specifically via S1-C to the MME and S1-U to the SGW.

[0011] For wireless communication systems pursuant to 3GPP 5G System, 5GS (also referred to as New Radio, NR, or 5G) standard specifications, such as specified in 3GPP TS 38.300 and related specifications, on the other hand, the radio access nodes 103-104 corresponds typically to an 5G NodeB (gNB) and the network node 106 corresponds typically to either a Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and / or a User Plane Function (UPF). The gNB is part of the radio access network 10, which in this case is the NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network), while the AMF and UPF are both part of the 5G Core Network (5GC). The gNBs are inter-connected via the Xn interface, and connected to 5GC via the NG interface, more specifically via NG-C to the AMF and NG-U to the UPF.

[0012] To support fast mobility between NR and LTE and avoid change of core network, LTE eNBs may also be connected to the 5G-CN via NG-U / NG-C and support the Xn interface. An eNB connected to 5GC is called a next generation eNB (ng-eNB) and is considered part of the NG-RAN. LTE connected to 5GC will not be discussed further in this document; however, it should be noted that most of the solutions / features described for LTE and NR in this document also apply to LTE connected to 5GC. In this document, when the term LTE is used without further specification it refers to LTE-EPC.

[0013] 5G Architecture

[0014] An overall 5G RAN (NG-RAN) architecture is depicted in Figure 2. Xn-C interface connects two gNB-CUs and F1 interface connects gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0015] Figure 3a shows a user plane and Figure 3b shows a control plane between NG- RAN (MN and SN) and a 5G Core.

[0016] The gNB with the split architecture is depicted in Figure 4. A gNB-CU hosts the RRC and the control plane part of the PDCP. gNB-DU hosts RLC, MAC and the physical layer. E1 interface connects between gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP.

[0017] 3GPP background SA2 Conclusions, RAN2 and RAN-P Agreements,

[0018] In 3GPP, working group (WG) System Architecture 2 (SA2) has concluded the study item: “Extended Reality and Media service (XRM) Phase 2” in Technical Report (TR) 23.700-70 for Rel-19 and captured in the Work Item Description (WID) the following objectives:

[0019] As part of this work item, FS_XRM_Ph2 conclusion agreed in TR 23.700-70 for the following key issues will be specified:

[0020] WT#1.1

[0021] Kl#1 Enhancement for PDU Set based QoS Handling.

[0022] New indicator over NGAP to indicate support for PDU Set Information marking and Session Management Function (SMF) performing the PDU Set Information marking based on information from NG RAN.

[0023] Enhancement to support AQP, Notification control.

[0024] Enhancements to provide AL-FEC awareness, content ratio over Control plane for NG-RAN.

[0025] NOTE: Whether to do enhancements for AL-FEC awareness at RAN are subject to RAN-level enhancements of RLC Acknowledged Mode (RLC AM) for XR as per RP- 240791 and further feasibility analyses and feedback from RAN WG2. RLC UM is not intended to be supported in this release due to concerns shared so far from RAN WG2 (see R2-2405781), pending further status update from RAN WG2. WT#1.2

[0026] Kl#2 Enhancement to support QoS control and PDU Set identification for XR traffic stream with e2e encryption.

[0027] Media over QUIC (MoQ), Proxy-UDP-in-HTTP / 3+QUIC-Aware Proxying and UDP Options should be supported for XRM metadata delivery for XR traffic stream with e2e encryption.

[0028] WT#1.3

[0029] Kl#3 Enhancement for PDU Set based DSCP marking.

[0030] Leverage PDU Set QoS information for DSCP marking over N3 / N9 in the transport network (i.e. to enable differentiated handling of PDU Sets within QoS Flow).

[0031] WT#2

[0032] Kl#4 QoS handling enhancement for XRM services.

[0033] Support for additional packet filter for traffic detection and QoS Flow mapping for different media types multiplexed data flows within a single end-to-end transport connection.

[0034] WT#2.2

[0035] Kl#5 Dynamic traffic characteristics update.

[0036] Support dynamic change (via user plane) in traffic characteristics (i.e., burst size, TTNB) provided by the application in the DN.

[0037] Support data boosting triggered by AF.

[0038] WT#3.1

[0039] Kl#6 Further enhancement to support XR based on non-3GPP access.

[0040] Support L4S in untrusted / trusted access (N3IWF, TNGF).

[0041] Support L4S in wireline access (W-AGF, 5G-RG).

[0042] WT#3.2

[0043] Kl#7 Extend PDU Set QoS Control mechanisms to non-3GPP access networks.

[0044] Support PDU Set QoS in untrusted / trusted access (N3IWF, TNGF).

[0045] Support PDU Set QoS in wireline access (W-AGF, 5G-RG).

[0046] Provide Protocol Description to the UE for trusted / untrusted access.

[0047] Enhancements for DSCP marking by N3IWF / TNGF based on PDU Set Importance.

[0048] WT#4

[0049] Kl#9 Extend exposure framework for XRM related information. Support exposure of available data rate, media rate information towards the

[0050] AF.

[0051] Support of Alternative QoS profiles for PDU Set QoS Parameters (PSQP) has been discussed in SA2 for adding an indication from CN to RAN. The CN will send a list of Alternative PSQP (A-PSQP) over NGAP for both UL and / or DL, and the NG-RAN will send a QoS notification as described in 3gpp TR 27.700-70 and repeated below:

[0052] 8.1.3 Conclusion for KI#1_AQP

[0053] The following conclusion principles are agreed for key issue #1_AQP.

[0054] 1 . The AF may provide Alternative Service requirements to 5GC which may contain the UL and / or DL PDU Set QoS Parameters (i.e. UL PSDB, DL PSDB, UL PSER and / or DL PSER).

[0055] 2. Based on the Alternative Service Requirements from AF, the PCF generates PCC rule with Alternative QoS parameters in a prioritized order, which can include UL and / or DL PDU Set QoS Parameters (i.e. UL PSDB, DL PSDB, UL PSER and / or DL PSER) and the corresponding reference to each Alternative QoS parameter Set.

[0056] 3. SMF provides one or more Alternative QoS Profile(s) with UL and / or DL PDU Set QoS parameters to NG-RAN. When the QoS profile includes UL and / or DL PDU Set QoS parameter, the Alternative QoS Profile shall include the corresponding PDU Set QoS parameters; otherwise, the Alternative QoS profile does not include the corresponding PDU Set QoS parameters(s) when the QoS profile doesn't include the UL and / or DL PDU Set QoS parameter.

[0057] 4. If QoS notification is determined as "GFBR cannot be guaranteed", the NG- RAN determines the AQP that can be used as a reference to the currently fulfilled QoS considering the priority order: If the PDU Set QoS handling is applied in the corresponding direction, the PSDB and PSER in the corresponding direction and GFBR in the AQP are used by the NG RAN to determine the AQP that can be used as a reference to the currently fulfilled QoS.

[0058] 5. During PDU Session Establishment / Modification procedures, the SMF / PCF may update the QoS profile and / or Alternative QoS Profiles to include / exclude the PDU Set QoS parameters based on the PDU Set Based Handling Support Indication from the NG-RAN, and / or the QoS requirement from the AF. It is understood that SMF provides to RAN the A-PSQP only when sending UL / DL PSQP. An example of the impact on the specification of NGAP (3GPP TS 38.413 v. 18.2.0) of this signalling is illustrated below:

[0059]

[0060] This IE contains alternative sets of PDU Set QoS parameters.

[0061] SUMMARY

[0062] In case of a split / disaggregated NG-RAN deployment, the information of A-PSQP may need to be signalled to other nodes to make use of such information and perform admission control, or notification control. For instance, not only NGAP is impacted but other specifications such as F1 , due to CU-DU split, XnAP for mobility purpose and admission control, and E1AP between CU-CP and CU-UP will be impacted. The respective application protocols contain almost identical definitions for QoS Flow Level QoS Parameters. Dual connectivity (DC) is also not mentioned in 3gpp TR 27.700-70 and requires support to indicate alterative PDU Set QoS parameters fulfilment between MN and SN levels.

[0063] Furthermore, in case of NG-based or Xn-based mobility, the CN may need to know what currently fulfilled A-PSQP are supported by a new target node. So further NGAP impact is also foreseen.

[0064] There is thus a need for a more efficient approach for signalling A-PSQP over NG- RAN interfaces in a split network and in DC.

[0065] An object of embodiments herein may be to obviate some of the problems mentioned above. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and network nodes for handling A-PSQP, especially to signalling A-PSQP over NG-RAN interfaces in a split network and in DC.

[0066] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods to support signalling of A- PSQP for UL and DL in NG-RAN interfaces: E1 , F1 and Xn, when PSPQP are signalled as part of the QoS profile.

[0067] Embodiments disclosed herein also are directed to methods to signal A-PSQP in a Dual connectivity scenario over Xn for MN and SN terminated bearers.

[0068] Embodiments disclosed herein are further directed to methods to signal the A- PSQP as part of the NGAP Path Switch Request procedure.

[0069] The A-PSQPs are signalled by a first network node to a second network node when the first network node includes the PSQP in a message. The A-PSQPs are for a specific direction, UL or DL. The second network node then transmits an indication of which A- PSQPs are currently fulfilled to the first network node. For example, the second network node may transmit one or more indices of the A-PSQPs.

[0070] For example, initially the first network node sends a list of A-PSQP and the second network node picks an index from the list and replies which one is ok from its perspective.

[0071] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by method, performed by a first network node. The method is for handling A-PSQP in a wireless communications network. The method comprises receiving a first message including PSQP and A- PSQP from a second network node. The first message may include a complete set of PSQP and a complete set of A-PSQP. In response to receiving the first message, the method comprises transmitting a second message including an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled to the second network node.

[0072] According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a first network node. The first network node is adapted to perform the method according to the first aspect above.

[0073] According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a method, performed by a second network node. The method is for handling A-PSQP in a wireless communications network. The method comprises transmitting a first message, including PSQP and A- PSQP, to a first network node. The first message may include a complete set of PSQP and a complete set of A-PSQP.

[0074] The method further comprises receiving a second message, including an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled, from the first network node.

[0075] According to a fourth aspect, the object is achieved by a s second network node. The second network node is adapted to perform the method according to the third aspect above.

[0076] According to a further aspect, the object is achieved by a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform actions according to any of the aspects above.

[0077] According to a further aspect, the object is achieved by a carrier comprising the computer program of the aspect above, wherein the carrier 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.

[0078] Embodiments disclosed herein provide support of alternative PDU Set QoS parameters in for example NG-RAN split architecture in DC cases.

[0079] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] In the figures, features that appear in some embodiments are indicated by dashed lines. The various aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, including particular features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0081] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a simplified wireless communication system according to prior art,

[0082] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an overall 5G RAN (NG- RAN) architecture according to prior art,

[0083] Figure 3a is a block diagram schematically illustrating user plane between NG-RAN (MN and SN) and a 5G Core according to prior art,

[0084] Figure 3b is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control plane between NG-RAN (MN and SN) and a 5G Core according to prior art,

[0085] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a gNB with a split architecture according to prior art,

[0086] Figure 5 is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to embodiments herein,

[0087] Figure 6 is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0088] Figure 7a is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0089] Figure 7b is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0090] Figure 7c is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0091] Figure 7d is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0092] Figure 7e is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0093] Figure 8a is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0094] Figure 8b is a signalling diagram schematically illustrating a method according to some further embodiments herein,

[0095] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a first network node according to some embodiments herein,

[0096] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a second network node according to some embodiments herein, Figure 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a wireless communication system in which embodiments herein may be implemented.

[0097] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Figure 5 illustrates embodiments over the F1 interface and F1AP.

[0099] In some embodiments, a first network node 521 , such as a first radio access node (gNB-DU), receives (action 502) the A-PSQP from a second network node 522, such as a second radio access node (gNB-CU), over an F1AP message. The F1AP message may be a UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST or a UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message that contains the A-PSQP, as part of the QoS parameters in 9.3.1.45 QoS Flow Level QoS Parameters IE defined in F1AP TS 38.473 v 18.3.0.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first network node 521 indicates (503) the set of A- PSQP, or the index of the A-PSQP that the first network node 521 is able to currently fulfil to the second network node 522 via an F1AP message. The F1AP message may be UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE or UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE or NOTIFY message that contains the set of A-PSQP, or an index indicating which APSQPs that are currently fulfilled.

[0101] In some embodiments, in case the first network node 521 cannot fulfill any of the indicated A-PSQP, it sends an indication that none of the signaled A-PSQP are fulfilled. As an example, the first network node 521 sends an A-PSQP index for which 0 indicates that it cannot even fulfil the lowest A-PSQP set.

[0102] Actions of Figure 5 will now be described within a 5G context.

[0103] Action 501 : A gNB-CU may receive the A-PSQP List from the CN node 523 via the NGAP message.

[0104] Action 502: When the gNB-CU has received the A-PSQP List from the CN node 523 via the NGAP message, it signals the list to the gNB-DU via an F1AP message to the gNB-DU.

[0105] Action 503: When the gNB-DU has received the A-PSQP List from the gNB-CU, the gNB-DU may indicate which A-PSQP set, or the index to it, it is able to currently fulfil in the F1AP Notify procedure.

[0106] The gNB-DU may also indicate when it cannot even fulfil the lowest A-PSQP set by sending a special index (e.g., A-PSQP index 0).

[0107] Figure 6 illustrates embodiments over the E1 interface and E1AP. For a QoS flow established with PDU Set QoS parameters, the second network node 522, such as the gNB-CU-CP in this embodiment, may signal the “Alternative PDU Set QoS Parameters List as part of the GBR QoS Flow Information to gNB-CU-UP in the BEARER CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message in action 601.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first network node 521 (a gNB-CU-UP in this embodiment) receives (action 601) from the second network node 522 (gNB-CU-CP) the A-PSQP as part of the QoS parameters over E1 message during Bearer Context management procedures.

[0109] The first network node 521 may then indicate a set or one or more indices of the current A-PSQP that is currently fulfilled, e.g. in a BEARER CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE message in action 602.

[0110] Figures 7a-7e illustrate embodiments over the Xn interface and XnAP.

[0111] Mobility cases (Figures 7a-7c):

[0112] In some embodiments, the first network node 521 , such as a radio access node, which may also be referred to as a Radio Access (RA) network node (an NG-RAN node in 5G), receives (action 701) the A-PSQP as part of the QoS parameters over an XnAP message from the second network node 522, such as another radio access node, also sometimes referred to as another RA network node (another NG-RAN in 5G), in the following procedures: a. Figure 7a illustrates a handover procedure in which a HANDOVER REQUEST message (action 701) is sent. Then the first network node 521 may be a target network node and the second network node 522 may be a source network node. For a QoS flow established with PDU Set QoS parameters, the target gNB may include in the HANDOVER REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message the set or the index of the current A-PSQP that is currently fulfilled in action 702. b. Figure 7b illustrates a procedure in which a RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT REQUEST message is sent in Action 703. Then the first network node 521 may be a new network node, such as a new NG-RAN node, and the second network node 522 may be an old network node, such as an old NG-RAN node. In response to the RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT REQUEST message the first network node 521 may send a RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT RESPONSE message comprising the set or the index of the current A-PSQP that is currently fulfilled in action 704. c. Figure 7c illustrates a procedure in which the first network node 521 , which may be an S-NG-RAN node in this case, may receive the A-PSQP as part of an S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST message from the second network node 522, which may be an M-NG-RAN node in this case, in action 705. The first network node 521 may in response transmit an S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, comprising the set or the index of the current A-PSQP that is currently fulfilled, to the second network node 522 in action 706.

[0113] The first network node 521 may also receive the A-PSQP as part of an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST in Action 707. The first network node 521 may in response transmit an S- NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message comprising the set or the index of the current A- PSQP that is currently fulfilled, to the second network node 522 in action 708.

[0114] For the S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST the A-PSQP may be received:

[0115] In PDU Session Resource Setup Info - SN terminated IE or the PDU Session Resource Modification Info - SN terminated IE or the PDU Session Resource Setup Info - MN terminated IE or the PDU Session Resource Modification Info - MN terminated IE Figures 7d-7e illustrate embodiments in Dual connectivity cases. In some embodiments, which may be set in the DC scenario, an MN may indicate the full list of A- PSQP to an SN by any of the messages described in the previous paragraph. a. In Figure 7d the first network node 521 , such as an M-NG-RAN node, indicates in the XnAP message to the second network node 522, such as an S-NG-RAN node, the set or the index of the A-PSQP List which the first network node 521 can currently fulfil for SN-terminated bearers for an already established QoS flow with PSQP in Action 709. b. In Figure 7e the first network node 521 , such as the S-NG-RAN node, indicates in the XnAP message to the second network node 522 (M-NG- RAN node) the set or the index of the A-PSQP List which the first network node 521 can currently fulfil for MN-terminated bearers and / or for SN- terminated bearers for an already established QoS flow with PSQP in Action 710.

[0116] In some embodiments in case of dual connectivity operation, the Secondary NG- RAN (S-NG-RAN node) receives a notification from the primary master (M-NG-RAN node) with an indication of A-PSQP which the primary master can currently fulfil for SN- terminated bearers in the NOTIFICATION CONTROL INDICATION message over XnAP.

[0117] In some embodiments in case of dual connectivity operation, the M-NG-RAN node receives a notification from the S-NG-RAN node with an indication of A-PSQP which the S-NG-RAN node can currently fulfil for SN-terminated bearers in the NOTIFICATION CONTROL INDICATION message over XnAP.

[0118] In some embodiments in case of dual connectivity operation, the M-NG-RAN node receives a notification from S-NG-RAN node with an indication of A-PSQP which the S- NG-RAN node can currently fulfil for MN-terminated bearers in the NOTIFICATION CONTROL INDICATION message over XnAP.

[0119] Figure 8a and Figure 8b illustrate embodiments over the NG interface and NGAP.

[0120] Figure 8a illustrates NGAP handover.

[0121] The first network node 521 , such as an NG-RAN node, receives the first message, such as a NGAP HANDOVER REQUEST message, including PSQP and A-PSQP from the second network node 522 in action 801. In some embodiments the second network node 522 (a CN node) receives the A- PSQP from the first network node 521 (NG-RAN node) via an NGAP message after a successful NGAP-based handover procedure in action 802. The second network node 522 may receive the A-PSQP indication via the HANDOVER REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, as a new IE in section 9.3.2.13 of TS 38.413 in the QoS Flow List with Data Forwarding IE on the current A-PSQP fulfilled by the first network node 521 .

[0122] Figure 8b illustrates embodiments in a scenario of an XN-AP handover and Path Switch Request.

[0123] After a successful XnAP handover operation, the second network node 522 (SMF) may receive an indication from the first network node 521 (NG-RAN node) of the current A-PSQP fulfilled in the NGAP PATH SWITCH REQUEST message as a new indication within the Path Switch Request Transfer IE defined in section 9.3.4.8 of TS 38.413 in action 803.

[0124] The first network node 521 , such as the NG-RAN node, may receive the A-PSQP List from the second network node 522 via the NGAP PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, as new indication within the Path Switch Request Transfer IE defined in section 9.3.4.8 of TS 38.413 in action 804. Sending the A-PSQP List in action 804 may be for information purpose.

[0125] TS 38.413 specification implementation example:

[0126] 9.3.1.X Alternative PDU Set QoS Parameters Set Index

[0127] This IE indicates the alternative PDU Set QoS parameters set which can currently be fulfilled.

[0128] 9.3.1. Y Alternative PDU Set QoS Parameters Set Notify Index This IE indicates the alternative PDU Set QoS parameters set which can currently be fulfilled.

[0129] Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrate further optional details of the first network node 521 and the second network node 522.

[0130] The first and second network nodes 521 , 522 are configured to perform the method actions above.

[0131] The embodiments herein may be implemented through a processor or one or more processors, such as the processor 904, 1004 of a processing circuitry in the first and second network nodes 521 , 522 and depicted in Figures 9 and 10 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 any the first and second network nodes 521 , 522. 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 each of the first and second network nodes 521 , 522. The first and second network nodes 521 , 522 may further comprise a memory 902, 1002 comprising one or more memory units. The memory comprises instructions executable by the processor in the first and second network nodes 521 , 522.

[0132] The respective memory 902, 1002 is arranged to be used to store e.g. information, data, configurations, and applications to perform the methods herein when being executed in the first and second network nodes 521 , 522.

[0133] In some embodiments, a computer program 903, 1003 comprises instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor of the first and second network nodes 521 , 522 to perform the actions above.

[0134] In some embodiments, a carrier 905, 1005 comprises the computer program, wherein the carrier 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.

[0135] The first and second network nodes 521 , 522 may further comprise an input and output interface, I / O, 906, 1006 configured to communicate with other devices. The input and output interface 906, 1006 may comprise a wireless transceiver.

[0136] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the units described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware, e.g. stored in each of the first and second network nodes 521 , 522, that when executed by the respective one or more processors such as the processors described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a- chip (SoC).

[0137] Embodiments herein relate to wireless communications networks in general. Figure 11 is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communications network 170 wherein embodiments herein may be implemented.

[0138] The wireless communications network 170 may be a telecommunications network, such as a cellular network. For example, the wireless communications network 170 may comprise one or more Radio Access Networks (RAN) and one or more Core Networks (CN).

[0139] The wireless communications network 170 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 and in future wireless communication systems, such as 6G systems.

[0140] Access nodes, such as a first radio access node 111, operate in the RAN of the wireless communications network 170. The first radio access node 111 provides radio coverage over a geographical area, a service area referred to as a cell 115, which may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group of a first radio access technology (RAT), such as 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi or similar. There may also be further cells for which radio coverage is provided by the first radio access node 111 , such as a second cell 116.

[0141] There may also be further radio access nodes, such as a second radio access node 112. The second radio access node 112 may provide radio coverage over a third cell and / or a fourth cell.

[0142] The first radio access node 111 and the second radio access node may each be a NR-RAN node (also referred to as NG-RAN), transmission and reception point e.g. a base station, a radio access node such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP ST A), 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 or any other network unit capable of communicating with a wireless device within the service area depending e.g. on the radio access technology and terminology used. In a 5G embodiment the first radio access node 111 and the second radio access node may each have and operate according to a split architecture according to Figure 2 and Figure 4 above.

[0143] In case of DC one of the radio access nodes, such as the first radio access node

[0144] 111 , may be the primary master node (M-NG-RAN node in 5G), while the other radio access node, such as the first radio access node 111 , may be the secondary node (S-NG- RAN node in 5G).

[0145] The respective first and second radio access node may be referred to as a serving radio access node and communicates with a UE with Downlink (DL) transmissions to the UE and Uplink (UL) transmissions from the UE.

[0146] A number of wireless communications devices operate in the wireless communications network 170, such as a wireless communications device 121. The wireless communications device 121 may, for example, be a UE.

[0147] The wireless communications device 121 may be a mobile station, a non-access point (non-AP) STA, a STA, a user equipment and / or a wireless terminal, that communicates via one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. RAN, e.g. via the first radio access node 111 to one or more core networks (CN) e.g. comprising a ON node 130, for example comprising the SMF mentioned in relation to the embodiments presented above, and / or comprising an Access Management Function (AMF). It should be understood by the skilled in the art that “UE” 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.

[0148] The wireless communications network 170 may further comprise an OAM node 135.

[0149] Methods herein may be performed by one or more network nodes, such as the first radio access node 111 , the second radio access node 112 and the CN node 130. As an alternative, a Distributed Node (DN) and functionality, e.g. comprised in a cloud 140 as shown in Figure 11 , may be used for performing or partly performing the methods.

[0150] When using the word "comprise" or “comprising” it shall be interpreted as nonlimiting, i.e. meaning "consist at least of'.

[0151] The embodiments herein are not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.

[0152] NUMBERED EMBODIMENTS

[0153] 1 . A method, performed by a first network node, for handling A-PSQP in a wireless communications network.

[0154] The first network node receives a first message including PSQP and A-PSQP from a second network node. The first message may include a complete set of PSQP and a complete set of A-PSQP.

[0155] In response to receiving the first message the first network node transmits a second message to the second network node. The second message includes an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled.

[0156] 2. A first network node. The first network node is adapted to perform the method of embodiment 1.

[0157] 3. A method, performed by a second network node, for handling A-PSQP in a wireless communications network.

[0158] The second network node transmits a first message to a first network node. The first message includes PSQP and A-PSQP. The first message may include a complete set of PSQP and a complete set of A-PSQP. The second network node receives a second message from the first network node. The second message includes an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled.

[0159] 4. A second network node. The source network node is adapted to perform the method of embodiment 3.

[0160] 5. A computer program, comprising computer readable code units which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform the method according to any of the embodiments 1 and 3.

[0161] 6. A carrier comprising the computer program according to the preceding claim, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal and a computer readable medium.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method, performed by a first network node (521), for handling Alternative PDU Set QoS parameters, A-PSQP, in a wireless communications network, the method comprising:Receiving (502, 601 , 701 , 703, 705, 707, 801) a first message including PSQP and A-PSQP from a second network node (522); and in response to receiving the first message, transmitting (503, 602, 702, 704, 706, 708, 802) a second message including an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled to the second network node (522).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the indication of the second message indicates that none of the received A-PSQP are fulfilled.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first network node (521) is a gNB- DU, the second network node (522) is a gNB-CU, the first message is an F1AP message, and the second message is an F1AP Notify message.

4. The method according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein the first network node (521) is a gNB-CU-CP, the second network node (522) is a gNB-CU-UP, the first message is an E1 message, and the second message is an E1 response message.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first message is a BEARER CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message and the second message is a BEARER CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE message.

6. The method according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein the first network node 521 is a radio access node, the second network node 522 is a second radio access node, and both the first message and second messages are XnAP messages.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first network node 521 is a target network node and the second network node 522 is a source network node, and the first message is a HANDOVER REQUEST message and the second message is a HANDOVER REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message.

8. A first network node (521) for handling Alternative PDU Set QoS parameters A-PSQP in a wireless communications network, the first network node (521) being adapted to:receive a first message including PSQP and A-PSQP from a second network node (522); and in response to receiving the first message, transmit a second message including an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled to the second network node (522).

9. The first network node according to claim 8 and further adapted to perform the method of any of claims 2-7.

10. A computer program, comprising computer readable code units which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform the method according to any of the claims 1-7.11 . A method, performed by a second network node (522), for handling Alternative PDU Set QoS parameters, A-PSQP, in a wireless communications network, the method comprising: transmitting (502, 601 , 701 , 703, 705, 707, 801) a first message, including PSQP and A-PSQP, to a first network node (521); and receiving (503, 602, 702, 704, 706, 708, 802) a second message, including an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled, from the first network node (521).

12. A second network node (522) for handling Alternative PDU Set QoS parameters, A- PSQP, in a wireless communications network, the first network node (521) being adapted to: transmitting (502, 601 , 701 , 703, 705, 707, 801) a first message, including PSQP and A-PSQP, to a first network node (521); and receiving (503, 602, 702, 704, 706, 708, 802) a second message, including an indication of which A-PSQP that are currently fulfilled, from the first network node (521).

13. A computer program, comprising computer readable code units which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform the method according claim 11 .

14. A carrier comprising the computer program according claim 10 or 13, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal and a computer readable medium.

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