Packet filtering in a communication network

Abstract

A communication device (12) is configured for use in a communication network. The communication device (12) transmits, to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), signaling (30) indicating whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E). In some embodiments, extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), where non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N- S) of filtering criteria, where extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, and where the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

Description

[0001] P112032W001

[0002] PACKET FILTERING IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present application relates generally to a communication network, and relates more particularly to packet filtering in such a network.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Packet filtering in a communication network enables differentiated handling and treatment of packets, e.g., for quality of service (QoS) purposes. Packet filtering entails applying packet filters to packets (e.g., Internet Protocol, IP, packets) that are transmitted or received, to effectively filter packets into different groups of packets. Different packet filters may be defined to match different groups of packets. Different groups of packets may then be handled differently, e.g., mapped to different radio bearers or QoS flows with different QoS requirements.

[0007] A packet filter defined for a group of packets specifies a set of criteria which matches packets belonging to that group. The set of criteria can for example concern the source Internet Protocol (IP) address, destination IP address, source port, destination port, and / or IP protocol of a packet. As an example, a packet filter may be defined to identify packets carrying Voice Over IP (VoIP) traffic, e.g., to provide priority QoS treatment to those packets which may include low latency and guaranteed bit rate. The packet filter may specify that any packet matching the following set of criteria is identified as a packet carrying VoIP traffic: (1) a source IP address of 192.168.1.0 / 24; (2) a destination IP address of 10.0.0.0 / 24; (3) a source port within the range of 10000-20000; (4) a destination port within the range of 10000-20000; and (5) an IP protocol of User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0008] Traditional packet filtering criteria such as the IP 5-tuple above do not differentiate packets transported on the same transport layer connection, e.g., on the same IP connection. Traditional packet filtering criteria therefore prove inadequate for supporting differentiated QoS for some types of services, such as extended Reality (XR) or other interactive media services that send data traffic of different media components (e.g., video, audio, pose) and with different QoS requirements. Indeed, some types of services may multiplex different streams or flows onto the same end-to-end transport layer connection. For example, in an XR service, different media streams may be multiplexed on a single IP 5- tuple with a transport protocol such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC) protocol defined in IETF RFC 9000, e.g., using different QUIC connections or different QUIC streams. In another example, video and audio Realtime Transport Protocol (RTP) streams or different layers of media streams with different QoS P112032W001 requirements may be multiplexed onto a single transport layer connection with the same IP 5-tuple.

[0009] One approach extends packet filtering to address this issue. In particular, the packet filtering criteria is extended to include one or more additional criteria usable for differentiating packets transported on the same transport layer connection. The packet filtering criteria may for instance be extended to include stream information, e.g., a connection ID or stream ID as defined in IETF QUIC (RFC 9000). See, e.g., 3GPP TR 23.700-70 Solution #14 in Section 6.14.

[0010] Challenges exist however with how to implement and realize packet filtering that is extended for these or other purposes, at least in an efficient manner with optimized performance.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] Some embodiments herein introduce capability signaling for extended packet filtering, to equip a communication network with an indication of whether a communication device supports extended packet filtering. Equipped with such an indication, the communication network may selectively configure the communication device and / or network node(s) in the communication network to perform extended packet filtering, e.g., by only configuring the communication device and / or network node(s) with extended set(s) of packet filters if the communication device actually supports extended packet filtering. Extended packet filtering capability signaling according to some embodiments may thereby improve the efficiency with which the communication network configures the communication device and / or network node(s), e.g., by reducing or minimizing configuration signaling in the network.

[0013] More particularly, embodiments herein include a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network. The method comprises transmitting, to a network node in the communication network, signaling indicating whether, or that, the communication device supports extended packet filtering.

[0014] Other embodiments herein include a method performed by a radio network node configured for use in a communication network. The method comprises transmitting and / or receiving signaling indicating whether, or that, a communication device supports extended packet filtering.

[0015] Other embodiments herein include a method performed by a core network node configured for use in a communication network. The method comprises receiving signaling indicating whether, or that, a communication device supports extended packet filtering.

[0016] Embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatus, computer programs, and carriers of those computer programs.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS P112032W001

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a communication network according to certain embodiments.

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates multiplexing of multiple streams on the same transport layer connection according to certain embodiments.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates the overall 5G radio access network (RAN) (5G-RAN) architecture according to one or more such embodiments.

[0021] Figure 4 shows the Control plane and User plane between NG-RAN (MN and SN) and 5G Core according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 5 shows a gNB with a split architecture according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 6 shows an example of Dual Connectivity where the MN and SN host separate RRC in Control plan and MAC layer in User plane.

[0024] Figure 7 shows configuration of extended packet filtering according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 depicts a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network in accordance with particular embodiments.

[0026] Figure 9 depicts a method performed by a radio network node configured for use in a communication network in accordance with other particular embodiments.

[0027] Figure 10 depicts a method performed by a core network node configured for use in a communication network in accordance with other particular embodiments.

[0028] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a radio network node according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a network node according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a UE in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a network node in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 17 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 shows a communication network 10 according to some embodiments, e.g., a wireless communication network. The communication network 10 is configured to provide communication service to a communication device 12, e.g., a user equipment (UE). Provided with such communication service, the communication device 12 transmits and / or receives packets 20, e.g., to and / or from a user plane network node 18 that may for instance P112032W001 implement a User Plane Function (UPF). The packets 20 may for example be Internet Protocol (IP) packets.

[0037] According to embodiments herein, the communication device 12 is configured to transmit signaling 30 (e.g., radio resource control, RRC, signaling) to a network node in the communication network 10, e.g., to a radio network node 14 such as an NG-RAN node. The signaling 30 notably indicates whether (or that) the communication device 12 supports so-called extended packet filtering 22E. The signaling 30 as shown in this regard may include an extended packet filtering capability indication 32 that, if present, indicates that the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E and that, if absent, indicates that the communication device 12 lacks support for extended packet filtering 22E. The communication device 12 in one or more embodiments may transmit this signaling 30 in response to a request for capability information from the communication device 12 indicating one or more capabilities of the communication device 12. In these or other embodiments, the communication device 12 may transmit the signaling 30 as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session with the communication network 10.

[0038] In some embodiments as shown in Figure 1 , extended packet filtering 22E is packet filtering 22 that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering 22N. The extended nature here may mean that extended packet filtering 22E filters packets 20 based on an extended set of filtering criteria as compared to non-extended packet filtering 22N. More particularly in this regard, Figure 1 shows that non-extended packet filtering 22N filters packet 20 based on a non-extended set 22N-S of filtering criteria that includes X filtering criterions 22-1...2-X. The filtering criterions 22-1...22-X in the non-extended set 22N-S may for instance include source Internet Protocol (IP) address, destination IP address, source port, destination port, and / or IP protocol of a packet 20. By contrast, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets 20 based on an extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria. Figure 1 shows as an example that this extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria may be a proper superset of the non-extended set 22N-S of filtering criteria, i.e., E E where E represents the extended set 22E-S and N represented the non-extended set 22N-S. The extended set 22E-S in this case thereby includes not only the filtering criterions 22-1 ...22-X from the nonextended set 22N-S but also Y additional filtering criterion(s), where Y > 1.

[0039] In some embodiments, the Y additional filtering criterion(s) enables extended packet filtering 22E to differentiate between multiple connections, flows, or streams that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection. Figure 2 shows one example in the context of multiplexed streams.

[0040] In Figure 2, the communication device 12 has a transport layer connection 19. The transport layer connection 19 may be an Internet Protocol (IP) connection, e.g., represented by an IP 5-tuple of source IP address, destination IP address, source port, destination port, P112032W001 and IP protocol. The transport layer connection 19 may terminate at or traverse the user plane network node 18.

[0041] Despite there being only a single transport layer connection 19, multiple streams 19- 1 ... 19-N of packets 20 are multiplexed on this single transport layer connection 19. The multiple streams 19-1 ... 19-N may correspond to different respective media streams, components, or layers. For example, the streams 19-1 ... 19-N may correspond to data traffic of different media components (e.g., video, audio, pose), e.g., of an XR service or other interactive media service. In another example, the streams 19-1 ... 19-N may correspond to different RTP streams (e.g., video and audio RTP streams) or different media layers. Regardless, the multiple streams 19-1... 19-N may be multiplexed using a multiplexed transport protocol such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Quick UDP Internet Connections (QIIIC) protocol defined in IETF RFC 9000, e.g., in which case the multiple streams 19-1 ... 19-N may be realized as different QIIIC streams identified by respective stream IDs.

[0042] Figure 2 shows that extended packet filtering 20E may be exploited for filtering packets 20, in order to differentiate packets 20 of the different streams 19-1 ... 19-N despite those streams 19-1 ... 19-N being multiplexed on the same transport layer connection 19. For example, extended packet filtering 20E may filter packets 20 based on an extended set 20E- S of filtering criteria that includes a stream identity, e.g., a stream ID that identifies a QIIIC stream defined according to IETF RFC 9000. As shown in Figure 2, then, N different filters may be defined with different stream identities that respectively identify the different streams 19-1 ... 19-N. The N different filters thereby perform extended packet filtering 20E in such a way as to differentiate packets 20 belonging to different streams 19-1... 19-N.

[0043] In any case, some embodiments account for the possibility that extended packet filtering 22E may not be universally supported by all communication devices. Indeed, some “legacy” communication devices may only support non-extended packet filtering 22N, e.g., so as to be incapable of differentiating packets 20 belonging to different connections, flows, or streams multiplexed onto a single transport layer connection. Other communication devices by contrast may support extended packet filtering 22E, e.g., so as to be capable of differentiating packets 20 belonging to different connections, flows, or streams multiplexed onto a single transport layer connection. Some embodiments accordingly introduce and exploit the signaling 30 in Figure 1 indicating whether (or that) a communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E. Indeed, in receipt of such signaling 30, the communication network 10 may configure the communication device 12 and / or network node(s) appropriately in view of the capability or incapability of the communication device 12 to perform extended packet filtering 22E. For example, the communication network 10 may selectively configure the communication device 12 and / or network node(s) in the P112032W001 communication network 10 to perform extended packet filtering 22E, e.g., by only configuring the communication device 12 and / or network node(s) with extended set(s) 22E-S of packet filters if the communication device 12 actually supports extended packet filtering 22E. Extended packet filtering capability signaling according to some embodiments may thereby improve the efficiency with which the communication network 10 configures the communication device 12 and / or network node(s), e.g., by reducing or minimizing configuration signaling in the network 10.

[0044] More particularly in this regard, Figure 1 shows that a radio network node 14 may receive the signaling 30 from the communication device 12 indicating whether (or that) the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E. The radio network node 14 may for instance receive the signaling 30 in response to transmitting a request (not shown) for the communication device 12 to indicate one or more capabilities of the communication device 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, the radio network node 14 in turn transmits signaling 34 to or towards one or more other network nodes 16 in the communication network 10, e.g., one or more other radio network nodes and / or one or more core network nodes. This signaling 34 indicates, consistent with the signaling 30 received from the communication device 12, whether (or that) the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E. The signaling 34 may accordingly include a corresponding extended packet filtering capability indication 36 consistent with the extended packet filtering capability indication 32 received from the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the radio network node 14 simply relays the signaling 30 received from the communication device 12 to the one or more other network nodes 16, in which case the signaling 34 transmitted by the radio network node 14 may be the same as the signaling 30 received by the radio network node 14. In other embodiments, the radio network node 14 conditions, repackages, or otherwise processes the signaling 30 received from the communication device 12 such that the signaling 34 transmitted by the radio network node 14 differs at least in form from the signaling 30 received from the communication device 12, e.g., the signaling 34 may be transmitted at a different protocol layer or using a different protocol than that with which the radio network node 14 received the signaling 30 from the communication device 12. Either way, though, the signaling 34 transmitted by the radio network node 14 is consistent with the signaling 30 received from the communication device 12 in the sense that it reflects the same capability or lack thereof concerning extended packing filtering 22E.

[0046] One or more of the network node(s) 16 provided with the communication device’s capability (or lack thereof) for extended packet filtering 22E may in turn configure the communication device 12 and / or the user plane network node 18 in dependence on that capability or lack thereof. Figure 1 for instance shows the network node(s) 16 transmitting P112032W001 configuration signaling 28 to the user plane network node 18 for this purpose. One or more of the network node(s) 16 may for example selectively configure the communication device 12 and / or the user plane network node 18 to perform extended packet filtering 22E, e.g., by only configuring the communication device 12 and / or the user plane network node 18 with extended set(s) 22E-S of packet filters for the communication device 12 if the communication device 12 actually supports extended packet filtering 22E. Extended packet filtering capability signaling 30, 34 according to some embodiments may thereby improve the efficiency with which the communication network 10 configures the communication device 12 and / or the user plane network node 18, e.g., by reducing or minimizing configuration signaling in the network 10. Alternatively or additionally, the extended packet filtering capability signaling 30, 34 may reduce or minimize packet filtering, e.g., by avoiding application by the user plane network node 18 of extended packet filtering 22E in the case that the communication device 12 lacks support for extended packet filtering 22E.

[0047] Note that signaling 34 in the communication network 10 that facilitates such selective configuration may be conveyed between radio network nodes, between a radio network node and a core network node, and / or between core network nodes.

[0048] Some embodiments in this regard introduce or define signaling 34 between radio network nodes, e.g., over an Xn interface, for indicating whether (or that) a communication device 12 supports extended packing filtering 22E.

[0049] As one example, radio network node 14 may transmit signaling 34 to another network node 16 that is a radio network node in the case that the communication device 12 operates in multi-connectivity, e.g., dual connectivity (DC). Multi-connectivity here refers to the simultaneous connection of the communication device 12 (e.g., at the RRC layer) to multiple different radio network nodes, or to multiple different cells served by different radio network nodes. For example, in multi-connectivity, the communication device 12 may have multiple receivers (Rx) and / or transmitters (Tx) and / pr may utilize radio resources amongst one or more radio access technologies (e.g., New Radio, NR, and / or E-LITRA) provided by multiple distinct schedulers connected via a non-ideal backhaul. Multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) in this regard is a generalization of Intra-E-UTRA DC, where a multiple Rx / Tx communication device may be configured to utilize resources provided by two different nodes connected via a non-ideal backhaul, one providing NR access and the other one providing either E-LITRA or NR access. One node acts as the master node (MN) providing a Master Cell Group (MCG) and the other as the secondary node (SN) providing a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). In such a case, the radio network node 14 transmitting signaling 34 may be the MN or the SN, and the other radio network node 16 to which the signaling 34 is transmitted may be the other of the MN or the SN. For example, when the communication device 12 is configured via Signaling Radio Bearer #3 (SRB3) by an SN, the SN may be the P112032W001 radio network node 14 that transmits the signaling 34 to another radio network node 16 that is the MN, in order to indicate whether (or that) the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E. In other embodiments, though, the communication device 12 may autonomously decide to which of the MN and / or SN the communication device 12 transmits signaling 30, such that the MN in some cases may receive signaling 30 from the communication device 12 rather than receiving signaling 34 from the SN.

[0050] Other embodiments herein alternatively or additionally introduce or define signaling 34 between a radio network node and a core network node, e.g., over an NGAP interface, for indicating to the core network node whether (or that) a communication device 12 supports extended packing filtering 22E. In some embodiments, for instance, the signaling 34 is transmitted between a radio network node and a core network node that implements a Session Management Function (SMF). In these or other embodiments, the signaling 34 may be transmitted as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments, the signaling 34 may be conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message, e.g., in a PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer Information Element (IE) of such a message. Table 1 below indicates one example of a PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer IE in this case, e.g., as otherwise defined in 3GPP TS 38.413 v18.3.0. This IE may be transparent to an Access and Mobility Function (AMF). P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001

[0052] Table 1 : PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer IE In one such embodiment, the signaling 34 may be or be conveyed in response to a request for the signaling 34. Such a request may for instance be included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message, e.g., in a PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer IE of such a message. Table 2 below illustrates one implementation of such an IE, e.g., as otherwise defined in 3GPP TS 38.413 v18.3.0. P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001 P112032W001

[0053] Table 2: PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer IE Consider now additional details of some embodiments herein as applicable in a context where the communication network 10 is a 5G network, the communication device 12 is exemplified as a user equipment (UE), the radio network node 14 is exemplified as an NG- RAN node (e.g., gNB), and the network node(s) 16 include another NG-RAN node or a core network node such as a node implementing an SMF. Figure 3 shows the overall 5G radio access network (RAN) (5G-RAN) architecture according to one or more such embodiments.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the Control plane and User plane between NG-RAN (MN and SN) and 5G Core according to some embodiments. Figure 5 shows a gNB with a split architecture. In this regard, the gNB central unit (gNB-CU) hosts the RRC and the control plane part of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). The gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) hosts Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC) and the physical layer. Figure 6 shows an example of Dual Connectivity where the MN and SN host separate RRC in Control plan and MAC layer in User plane.

[0055] UE Radio Capability handling

[0056] In some embodiments, the UE Radio Capability information is as otherwise defined in P112032W001

[0057] TS 38.300 V18.2.0 and contains information on RATs that the UE supports (e.g. power class, frequency bands, etc.). Consequently, this information can be sufficiently large that it is undesirable to send it across the radio interface at every transition of UE CM state in the AMF from CM IDLE to CM CONNECTED. To avoid this radio overhead, the AMF shall store the UE Radio Capability information during CM IDLE state for the UE and RM- REGISTERED state for the UE and the AMF shall if it is available, send its most up to date UE Radio Capability information to the RAN in the N2 REQUEST message, i.e. INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST or UE RADIO CAPABILITY CHECK REQUEST.

[0058] XR Traffic detection and QoS flow mapping for multiplexed data flows

[0059] In some embodiments, XR and interactive media services may send data traffic of different media components and with different QoS requirements. Several media streams may be multiplexed on the same end-to-end transport layer connection.

[0060] For example, in XR service, several media streams may be multiplexed on a single IP 5-tuple with Transport protocol like IETF QUIC, using different QUIC connections or different QUIC streams. In another example, video and audio RTP streams or different layers of media streams with different QoS requirements are multiplexed into a single transport layer connection with same IP 5-tuple.

[0061] The existing 5GS QoS Framework does not fit well to support differentiated QoS for the multiplexed traffic flows when they share the same IP 5 tuple. Some embodiments exploit an Extending Packet Filter Set to identify multiplexed traffic flows within a single transport connection, as an implementation of extended packet filtering 22E. Figure 7 shows configuration of extended packet filtering 22E according to one embodiment. With reference to Figure 7:

[0062] 1. AF provides service information to the PCF by invoking Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create Request or Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update Request service operation as described in step 1a in clause 4.16.5.2 of

[0063] TS 23.502 v19.0.0. In this step AF provides the extended Packet Filters which including stream info to PCF. NEF can be involved between the AF and PCF.

[0064] 2. PCF generates the authorized PCC rule(s) based on the AF request, and performs PCF initiated SM Policy Association Modification procedure as defined in clause 4.16.5.2 of TS 23.502 v19.0.0 to provide the PCC rule(s) to SMF. The PCC rule(s) also include the extended Packet Filters.

[0065] 3. SMF reuses the existing functionality specified in clause 6.1.3.2.4 of TS 23.503 v19.0.0 for QoS flow binding. P112032W001

[0066] 4. SMF updates the UPF with N4 Rules related to new or modified QoS Flow(s), the extended Packet Filters are provided to UPF in the N4 Rules for downlink traffic filtering.

[0067] 5. N2 SM messages are exchanged between SMF and UE. In this step, UE receives QoS rule(s) with the extended Packet Filters for uplink traffic filtering.

[0068] In some embodiments, for DL traffic, UPF performs traffic filtering with the received N4 rule(s), the DL packets are classified based on the IP / UDP / N6 tunnel header and the extended Packet Filters in the N4 rule(s). For UL traffic, UE performs traffic filtering with the received QoS rule(s). UE evaluates UL packets based on the IP / UDP / upper layer header against the extended Packet Filter Set in a QoS rule. UE can get the stream info from its upper layer by its implementation.

[0069] According to some embodiments, for the best performance, the SMF shall use the “new extended Packet filter” when the UE can support it. In one embodiment, SMF obtains the UE supporting externed IP filter capability either via NG-RAN node, during PDU session resource procedure, or via some other entity. Some embodiments thereby provide solutions for the SMF to obtain the UE supporting externed packet filter capability. Some embodiments advantageously allow functional support of extended packet filtering at the CN.

[0070] In some embodiments, for example, during PDU session resource Setup / Modification procedure, the SMF requests the NG-RAN node to indicate the UE supporting extended packet filter capability. The NG-RAN node notifies the SMF the UE supporting externed packet filter capability. Upon the reception, SMF subsequently determines to use the extended packet filter when it communicates to UPF.

[0071] UE side embodiments;

[0072] In one embodiment, the UE receives an indication from the network (NW) to provide its capability for extended packet filtering 22E. In one embodiment, the UE provides an indication 32 whether the capability is supported or not to the NW.

[0073] NG-RAN node embodiments:

[0074] In one embodiment, the network (NG-RAN) receives a request from the SMF to report the UE’s capability for extended packet filtering 22E. Here, the NG-RAN exemplifies radio network node 14 in Figure 1 and the SMF exemplifies network node(s) 16. In one embodiment, the SMF includes the request in the NGAP messages from CN to NG-RAN during PDU Session Management procedures. An example of such messages where the request indication is sent are the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST and PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST messages.

[0075] In one embodiment, the NG-RAN node includes the UE capability for extended packet filtering 22E to SMF in the NGAP response message to CN. An example of such P112032W001 messages where the capability indication is sent are the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE and PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE messages.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the UE’s capability is changed, e.g., the UE disables its extended packet filter capability, the NG-RAN signals a NGAP message to CN that the UE’s extended packet filter capability is no longer active / supported.

[0077] In another embodiment, in case of dual connectivity, the MN and SN exchange over Xn signalling indication about UE’s capability for extended packet filter capability. Specifically, when the UE is configured via SRB3 by the SN, the SN indicates the UE capability to MN, which will then signal it to CN as described in above NGAP embodiment.

[0078] Alternatively, UE decides to which node it should transmit the indication about it supporting extended packet filtering 22E.

[0079] The MN shall also signal the updated UE capability, if received from SN to CN via NGAP message.

[0080] In view of the modifications and variations herein, Figure 8 depicts a method performed by a communication device 12 configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with particular embodiments. The method includes transmitting, to a network node 16 in the communication network 10, signaling 30 indicating whether, or that, the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E (Block 800).

[0081] In some embodiments, the network node 16 is a radio network node 14. In some embodiments, the radio network node 14 is an NG-RAN node.

[0082] In some embodiments, the signaling 30 is radio resource control, RRC, signaling.

[0083] In some embodiments, the signaling 30 is transmitted as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session with the communication network 10.

[0084] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E comprises filtering packets to differentiate packets of different streams multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection.

[0085] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering. In some embodiments, non-extended packet filtering filters packets based on a non-extended set of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets based on an extended set of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, the extended set of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set of filtering criteria.

[0086] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets based on an extended set of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, the extended set of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity. In some embodiments, the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same P112032W001 transport layer connection as one or more other connections or streams. In some embodiments, the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000. In some embodiments, the connection identity or a stream identity identifies a QUIC connection or a QIIIC stream.

[0087] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from the network node 16, a request for the communication device 12 to indicate whether, or that, the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E (Block 810). In some embodiments, the signaling 30 is transmitted in response to the request.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing extended packet filtering 22E for transmission or reception of packets (Block 820). In some embodiments, said performing comprises performing extended packet filtering 22E for transmission or reception of packets on different connections or streams that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection.

[0089] Figure 9 depicts a method performed by a radio network node 14 configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes transmitting signaling 30 indicating whether, or that, a communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E (Block 900). The method also includes receiving signaling 34 indicating whether, or that, a communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E (Block 910).

[0090] In some embodiments, said transmitting and / or receiving comprises receiving the signaling 30 from the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the signaling 30 is radio resource control, RRC, signaling. In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting, to the communication device 12, a request for the communication device 12 to indicate whether, or that, the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E, wherein the signaling 30 is received in response to the request.

[0091] In some embodiments, said transmitting or receiving comprises transmitting the signaling 34 to another radio network node 16 and / or to a core network node 16 in the communication network 10. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is transmitted to a core network node 16, wherein the core network node implements a Session Management Function, SMF. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 comprises or is conveyed in an NGAP message. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is transmitted as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 comprises or is conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is conveyed in a PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION P112032W001

[0092] RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 comprises or is conveyed in response to a request for the signaling. In some embodiments, the request is included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message. In some embodiments, the request is included in a PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message. In some embodiments, the radio network node 14 is a first radio network node, wherein the signaling 34 is transmitted to a second radio network node. In some embodiments, the first network node 14 is a master node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device 12 and the second network node 16 is a secondary node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device 12. In other embodiments, the first network node 14 is a secondary node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device 12 and the second network node 16 is a master node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device 12.

[0093] In some embodiments, the signaling 30, 34 is transmitted or received as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10.

[0094] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E comprises filtering packets to differentiate packets 20 of different streams 19-1 ... 19-N multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection 19.

[0095] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering 22N. In some embodiments, nonextended packet filtering 22N filters packets 20 based on a non-extended set 22N-S of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets 20 based on an extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, the extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set 22N-S of filtering criteria.

[0096] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets 20 based on an extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, the extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity. In some embodiments, the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection as one or more other connections or streams. In some embodiments, the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000. In some embodiments, the connection identity or a stream identity identifies a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream. P112032W001

[0097] Figure 10 depicts a method performed by a core network node 16 configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes receiving signaling 34 indicating whether, or that, a communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E (Block 1000).

[0098] In some embodiments, receiving the signaling 34 comprises receiving the signaling 34 from a radio network node 14. In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting, to the radio network node 14, a request for an indication of whether, or that, the communication device 12 supports extended packet filtering 22E. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is received in response to the request.

[0099] In some embodiments, the core network node 16 implements a Session Management Function, SMF.

[0100] In some embodiments, the signaling 34 comprises or is conveyed in an NGAP message.

[0101] In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is received as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10.

[0102] In some embodiments, the signaling 34 comprises or is conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is conveyed in a PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message. In some embodiments, the signaling 34 comprises or is conveyed in response to a request for the signaling, wherein the request is included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message. In some embodiments, the request is included in a PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0103] In some embodiments, the signaling 34 is received as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10.

[0104] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E comprises filtering packets 20 to differentiate packets of different streams 19-1 ... 19-N multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection 19.

[0105] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering 22N. In some embodiments, nonextended packet filtering 22N filters packets 20 based on a non-extended set 22N-S of P112032W001 filtering criteria. In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets 20 based on an extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, the extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set 22N-Sof filtering criteria.

[0106] In some embodiments, extended packet filtering 22E filters packets 20 based on an extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria. In some embodiments, the extended set 22E-S of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity. In some embodiments, the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection 19 as one or more other connections or streams. In some embodiments, the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000. In some embodiments, the connection identity or a stream identity identifies a QUIC connection or a QIIIC stream.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method further comprises configuring the communication device 12 and / or a user plane network node 18 to perform extended packet filtering 22E according to the received signaling 34 (Block 1010). In some embodiments, the user plane network node 18 implements a User Plane Function, UPF. In some embodiments, said configuring comprises configuring the communication device 12 and / or the user plane network node 18 with an extended set 22E-S of packet filters for filtering packets 20 transmitted between the communication device 12 and the user plane network node 18. In some embodiments, said configuring comprises configuring the communication device 12 and / or the user plane network node 18 with an extended set 22E-S of packet filters for filtering packets 20 transmitted between the communication device 12 and the user plane network node 18 on different connections or streams that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection 10.

[0108] Embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatuses. Embodiments herein for instance include a communication device 12 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12.

[0109] Embodiments also include a communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the communication device 12.

[0110] Embodiments further include a communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the communication device 12 further comprises communication circuitry.

[0111] Embodiments further include a communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing P112032W001 circuitry whereby the communication device 12 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12.

[0112] Embodiments moreover include a user equipment (UE). The UE comprises an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals. The UE also comprises radio frontend circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the UE also comprises an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may comprise an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may also comprise a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0113] Embodiments herein also include a radio network node 14 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14.

[0114] Embodiments also include a radio network node 14 comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the radio network node 14.

[0115] Embodiments further include a radio network node 14comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14. In some embodiments, the radio network node 14 further comprises communication circuitry.

[0116] Embodiments further include a radio network node 14comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the radio network node 14 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14.

[0117] Embodiments herein also include a network node 16 (e.g., a radio network node or a core network node) configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 16.

[0118] Embodiments also include a network node 16 (e.g., a radio network node or a core network node) comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 16. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the network node 16. P112032W001

[0119] Embodiments further include a network node 16 (e.g., a radio network node or a core network node) comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 16. In some embodiments, the network node 16 further comprises communication circuitry.

[0120] Embodiments further include a network node 16 (e.g., a radio network node or a core network node) comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the network node 16 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 16.

[0121] More particularly, the apparatuses described above may perform the methods herein and any other processing by implementing any functional means, modules, units, or circuitry. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatuses comprise respective circuits or circuitry configured to perform the steps shown in the method figures. The circuits or circuitry in this regard may comprise circuits dedicated to performing certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with memory. For instance, the circuitry may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In embodiments that employ memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, carries out the techniques described herein.

[0122] Figure 11 for example illustrates a communication device 12 as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the communication device 12 includes processing circuitry 1110 and communication circuitry 1120. The communication circuitry 1120 (e.g., radio circuitry) is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. Such communication may occur via one or more antennas that are either internal or external to the communication device 12. The processing circuitry 1110 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 8, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 1130. The processing circuitry 1110 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

[0123] Figure 12 illustrates a radio network node 14 as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the radio network node 14 includes processing circuitry P112032W001

[0124] 1210 and communication circuitry 1220. The communication circuitry 1220 is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. The processing circuitry 1210 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 9, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 1230. The processing circuitry 1210 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

[0125] Figure 13 illustrates a network node 16 (e.g., a radio network node or a core network node) as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the network node 16 includes processing circuitry 1310 and communication circuitry 1320. The communication circuitry 1320 is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. The processing circuitry 1310 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 10, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 1330. The processing circuitry 1310 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs.

[0127] A computer program comprises instructions which, when executed on at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out any of the respective processing described above. A computer program in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0128] Embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0129] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform as described above.

[0130] Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0131] Figure 14 shows an example of a communication system 1400 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0132] In the example, the communication system 1400 includes a telecommunication network 1402 that includes an access network 1404, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 1406, which includes one or more core network nodes 1408. The access network 1404 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 1410a P112032W001 and 1410b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 1410), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the telecommunication network 1402 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network 1402 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the telecommunication network 1402, including one or more network nodes 1410 and / or core network nodes 1408.

[0133] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (0-Rll), an open distributed unit (0-Dll), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O- CLI-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an A1, F1, W1, E1 , E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Moreover, an ORAN access node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies. The network nodes 1410 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 1412a, 1412b, 1412c, and 1412d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 1412) to the core network 1406 over one or more wireless connections.

[0134] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 1400 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The P112032W001 communication system 1400 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0135] The UEs 1412 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 1410 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 1410 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 1412 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 1402 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 1402.

[0136] In the depicted example, the core network 1406 connects the network nodes 1410 to one or more host computing systems, such as host 1416. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 1406 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 1408) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 1408. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0137] The host 1416 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 1404 and / or the telecommunication network 1402. The host 1416 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0138] As a whole, the communication system 1400 of Figure 14 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), P112032W001 and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0139] In some examples, the telecommunication network 1402 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 1402 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 1402. For example, the telecommunications network 1402 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0140] In some examples, the UEs 1412 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 1404 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 1404. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E- UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0141] In the example, the hub 1414 communicates with the access network 1404 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 1412c and / or 1412d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 1410b). In some examples, the hub 1414 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 1414 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 1406 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 1414 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 1410, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 1414. As another example, the hub 1414 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 1414 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR device, display, loudspeaker, or other media delivery device, the hub 1414 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which P112032W001 the hub 1414 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 1414 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0142] The hub 1414 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 1410b. The hub 1414 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 1414 and UEs (e.g., UE 1412c and / or 1412d), and between the hub 1414 and the core network 1406. In other examples, the hub 1414 is connected to the core network 1406 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 1414 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 1404 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 1410 while still connected via the hub 1414 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 1414 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 1410b. In other embodiments, the hub 1414 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 1410b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0143] Figure 15 shows a UE 1500 in accordance with some embodiments. The UE 1500 presents additional details of some embodiments of the UE 1412 of Figure 1. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage / playback device, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), an Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB- loT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0144] A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle- to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may P112032W001 not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0145] The UE 1500 includes processing circuitry 1502 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1504 to an input / output interface 1506, a power source 1508, a memory 1510, a communication interface 1512, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 15. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0146] The processing circuitry 1502 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 1510. The processing circuitry 1502 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 1502 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0147] In the example, the input / output interface 1506 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 1500. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0148] In some embodiments, the power source 1508 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity P112032W001 outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 1508 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 1508 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 1500 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 1508. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 1508 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 1500 to which power is supplied.

[0149] The memory 1510 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 1510 includes one or more application programs 1514, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1516. The memory 1510 may store, for use by the UE 1500, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0150] The memory 1510 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUlCC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 1510 may allow the UE 1500 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 1510, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0151] The processing circuitry 1502 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 1512. The communication interface 1512 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1522. The communication interface 1512 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., P112032W001 another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1518 and / or a receiver 1520 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 1518 and receiver 1520 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1522) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 1512 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0153] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 1512, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0154] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0155] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion P112032W001 detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 1500 shown in Figure 15.

[0156] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another UE and / or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3GPP NB-loT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0157] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0158] Figure 16 shows a network node 1600 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)), O-RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0159] Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base P112032W001 stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O- RAN access node) and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0160] Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0161] The network node 1600 includes a processing circuitry 1602, a memory 1604, a communication interface 1606, and a power source 1608. The network node 1600 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 1600 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1600 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1604 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1610 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1600 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 1600, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z- wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 1600.

[0162] The processing circuitry 1602 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic P112032W001 operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1600 components, such as the memory 1604, to provide network node 1600 functionality.

[0163] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1602 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1602 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1612 and baseband processing circuitry 1614. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1612 and the baseband processing circuitry 1614 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1612 and baseband processing circuitry 1614 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0164] The memory 1604 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer- readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1602. The memory 1604 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1602 and utilized by the network node 1600. The memory 1604 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1602 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1606. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1602 and memory 1604 is integrated.

[0165] The communication interface 1606 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between a network node, access network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1606 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 1616 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1606 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1618 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1610. Radio front-end circuitry 1618 comprises filters 1620 and amplifiers 1622. The radio front-end circuitry 1618 may be connected to an antenna 1610 and processing circuitry 1602. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1610 and processing circuitry 1602. The radio front-end circuitry 1618 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 1618 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1620 and / or amplifiers 1622. The radio signal may P112032W001 then be transmitted via the antenna 1610. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1610 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1618. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1602. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0166] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1600 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1618, instead, the processing circuitry 1602 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1610. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1612 is part of the communication interface 1606. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1606 includes one or more ports or terminals 1616, the radio front-end circuitry 1618, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1612, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1606 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1614, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0167] The antenna 1610 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1610 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 1618 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1610 is separate from the network node 1600 and connectable to the network node 1600 through an interface or port.

[0168] The antenna 1610, communication interface 1606, and / or the processing circuitry 1602 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 1610, the communication interface 1606, and / or the processing circuitry 1602 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0169] The power source 1608 provides power to the various components of network node 1600 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1608 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1600 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1600 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 1608. As a further example, the power source 1608 may comprise a source of power in the form of a P112032W001 battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0170] Embodiments of the network node 1600 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 16 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1600 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1600 and to allow output of information from the network node 1600. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1600. In some embodiments providing a core network node, such as core network node 108 of FIG. 14, some components, such as the radio front-end circuitry 1618 and the RF transceiver circuitry 1612 may be omitted.

[0171] Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1700 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1700 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment 1700 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O-2 interface. Virtualization may facilitate distributed implementations of a network node, UE, core network node, or host.

[0172] Applications 1702 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0173] Hardware 1704 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1706 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs P112032W001

[0174] 1708a and 1708b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1708), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1706 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1708.

[0175] The VMs 1708 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1706. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1702 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1708, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0176] In the context of NFV, a VM 1708 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 1708, and that part of hardware 1704 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1708 on top of the hardware 1704 and corresponds to the application 1702.

[0177] Hardware 1704 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1704 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1704 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1710, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1702. In some embodiments, hardware 1704 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 1712 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0178] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods P112032W001 disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0179] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

[0180] Some embodiments herein may be enumerated as below.

[0181] Group A Embodiments

[0182] A1. A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting, to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), signaling (30) indicating whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E).

[0183] A2. The method of embodiment A1 , wherein the network node is a radio network node (14). P112032W001

[0184] A3. The method of embodiment A2, wherein the radio network node (14) is an NG-RAN node.

[0185] A4. The method of any of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the signaling (30) is radio resource control, RRC, signaling.

[0186] A5. The method of any of embodiments A1-A4, wherein the signaling (30) is transmitted as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session with the communication network (10).

[0187] A6. The method of any of embodiments A1-A5, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises filtering packets (20) to differentiate packets of different streams (19-1... 19-N) multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

[0188] A7. The method of any of embodiments A1-A6, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N).

[0189] A8. The method of embodiment A7, wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the nonextended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

[0190] A9. The method of any of embodiments A1-A8, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity.

[0191] A10. The method of embodiment A9, wherein the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19) as one or more other connections or streams.

[0192] A11. The method of any of embodiments A9-A10, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000.

[0193] A12. The method of any of embodiments A9-A11 , wherein the connection identity or a stream identity identifies a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream. P112032W001

[0194] A13. The method of any of embodiments A1-A12, further comprising receiving, from the network node (14), a request for the communication device (12) to indicate one or more capabilities of the communication device (12), wherein the signaling (30) is transmitted in response to the request.

[0195] A14. The method of any of embodiments A1-A13, further comprising performing extended packet filtering (22E) for transmission or reception of packets (20).

[0196] A15. The method of embodiment A14, wherein said performing comprises performing extended packet filtering (22E) for transmission or reception of packets (20) on different connections or streams (19-1 ... 19-N) that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

[0197] Group B Embodiments

[0198] B1. A method performed by a radio network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting and / or receiving signaling (30, 34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E).

[0199] B2. The method of embodiment B1 , wherein said transmitting and / or receiving comprises receiving the signaling (30) from the communication device (12).

[0200] B3. The method of embodiment B2, wherein the signaling (30) is radio resource control, RRC, signaling.

[0201] B4. The method of any of embodiments B2-B3, further comprising transmitting, to the communication device (12), a request for the communication device (12) to indicate one or more capabilities of the communication device (12), wherein the signaling (30) is received in response to the request.

[0202] B5. The method of any of embodiments B1-B4, wherein said transmitting or receiving comprises transmitting the signaling (34) to another radio network node (16) and / or to a core network node (16) in the communication network (10).

[0203] B6. The method of embodiment B5, wherein the signaling (34) is transmitted to a core P112032W001 network node (16), wherein the core network node implements a Session Management Function, SMF.

[0204] B7. The method of any of embodiments B5-B6, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in an NGAP message.

[0205] B8. The method of any of embodiments B5-B7, wherein the signaling (34) is transmitted as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10).

[0206] B9. The method of any of embodiments B5-B8, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message.

[0207] B10. The method of embodiment B9, wherein the signaling (34) is conveyed in a PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message.

[0208] B11. The method of any of embodiments B5-B10, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in response to a request for the signaling, wherein the request is included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0209] B12. The method of embodiment B11 , wherein the request is included in a PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0210] B13. The method of any of embodiments B5-B12, wherein the radio network node (14) is a first radio network node, wherein the signaling (34) is transmitted to a second radio network node (16).

[0211] B14. The method of embodiment B13, wherein either: the first network node (14) is a master node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device (12) and the second network node (16) is a secondary node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device (12); or P112032W001 the first network node (14) is a secondary node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device (12) and the second network node (16) is a master node for multi-connectivity operation of the communication device (12).

[0212] B15. The method of any of embodiments B1-B14, wherein the signaling (30, 34) is transmitted or received as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10).

[0213] B16. The method of any of embodiments B1-B15, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises filtering packets (20) to differentiate packets of different streams (19-1... 19-N) multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

[0214] B17. The method of any of embodiments B1-B16, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N).

[0215] B18. The method of embodiment B17, wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets (20) based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the nonextended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

[0216] B19. The method of any of embodiments B11-B18, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity.

[0217] B20. The method of embodiment B19, wherein the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection as one or more other connections or streams.

[0218] B21. The method of any of embodiments B19-B20, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000.

[0219] B22. The method of any of embodiments B19-B21 , wherein the connection identity or a stream identity identifies a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream. P112032W001

[0220] X1. A method performed by a core network node (16) configured for use in a communication network (16), the method comprising: receiving signaling (34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E).

[0221] X2. The method of embodiment X1 , wherein receiving the signaling (34) comprises receiving the signaling (34) from a radio network node (14).

[0222] X3. The method of embodiment X2, further comprising transmitting, to the radio network node (14), a request for an indication of whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering, wherein the signaling (34) is received in response to the request.

[0223] X4. The method of any of embodiments X1-X3, wherein the core network node (16) implements a Session Management Function, SMF.

[0224] X5. The method of any of embodiments X1-X4, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in an NGAP message.

[0225] X6. The method of any of embodiments X1-X5, wherein the signaling (34) is received as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10).

[0226] X7. The method of any of embodiments X1-X6, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message.

[0227] X8. The method of embodiment X7, wherein the signaling (34) is conveyed in a PDU Session Resource Setup Response Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message.

[0228] X9. The method of any of embodiments X7-X8, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in response to a request for the signaling, wherein the request is included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message. P112032W001

[0229] X10. The method of embodiment X9, wherein the request is included in a PDU Session Resource Setup Request Transfer Information Element, IE, in the NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or the PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0230] X11. The method of any of embodiments X1-X10, wherein the signaling (34) is received as part of a procedure to setup or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10).

[0231] X12. The method of any of embodiments X1-X11 , wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises filtering packets (20) to differentiate packets of different streams (19-1... 19-N) multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

[0232] X13. The method of any of embodiments X1-X12, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N).

[0233] X14. The method of embodiment X13, wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the nonextended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

[0234] X15. The method of any of embodiments X1-X14, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity.

[0235] X16. The method of embodiment X15, wherein the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19) as one or more other connections or streams.

[0236] X17. The method of any of embodiments X15-X16, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000.

[0237] X18. The method of any of embodiments X15-X17, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity identifies a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream.

[0238] X19. The method of any of embodiments X1-X18, further comprising configuring the P112032W001 communication device (12) and / or a user plane network node (18) to perform extended packet filtering (22E) according to the received signaling (34).

[0239] X20. The method of embodiment X19, wherein the user plane network node (18) implements a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0240] X21. The method of any of embodiments X19-X20, wherein said configuring comprises configuring the communication device (12) and / or the user plane network node (18) with an extended set (22E-S) of packet filters for filtering packets (20) transmitted between the communication device (12) and the user plane network node (18).

[0241] X22. The method of embodiment X21, wherein said configuring comprises configuring the communication device (12) and / or the user plane network node (18) with an extended set (22E-S) of packet filters for filtering packets (20) transmitted between the communication device (12) and the user plane network node (18) on different connections or streams that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

[0242] Group C Embodiments

[0243] C1. A communication device configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0244] 02. A communication device comprising processing circuitry configured to any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0245] 03. A communication device comprising: communication circuitry; and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0246] 04. A communication device comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; and power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the communication device.

[0247] 05. A communication device comprising: processing circuitry and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the communication device is configured to P112032W001 perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0248] 06. The communication device of any of embodiments 01 -05, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.

[0249] 07. A user equipment (UE) comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry; the processing circuitry being configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0250] 08. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0251] 09. A carrier containing the computer program of embodiment 07, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0252] 010. A network node configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B or Group X embodiments.

[0253] 011. A network node comprising processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B or Group X embodiments.

[0254] 012. A network node comprising: communication circuitry; and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B or P112032W001

[0255] Group X embodiments.

[0256] C13. A network node comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B or Group X embodiments; power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the network node.

[0257] C14. A network node comprising: processing circuitry and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the network node is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B or Group X embodiments.

[0258] C15. The network node of any of embodiments C10-C14, wherein the network node is a base station.

[0259] 016. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node, causes the network node to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B or Group X embodiments.

[0260] 017. The computer program of embodiment 016, wherein the network node is a base station.

[0261] 018. A carrier containing the computer program of any of embodiments 016-017, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0262] ABBREVIATIONS

[0263] At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations, preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequent listing(s).

[0264] 5GC 5G Core Network

[0265] AMF Access and Mobility Management Function

[0266] DU Distributed Unit

[0267] CU Central Unit

[0268] XR extended Reality

[0269] UE User Equipment

[0270] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project P112032W001

[0271] 5G 5th Generation

[0272] 6G 6thGeneration

[0273] ABS Almost Blank Subframe

[0274] ARQ Automatic Repeat Request AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise BCCH Broadcast Control Channel BCH Broadcast Channel CA Carrier Aggregation CC Carrier Component

[0275] CCCH SDU Common Control Channel SDU CDMA Code Division Multiplex Access CGI Cell Global Identity

[0276] CIR Channel Impulse Response CP Cyclic Prefix CPICH Common Pilot Channel CQI Channel Quality Information C-RNTI Cell RNTI

[0277] CSI Channel State Information DCCH Dedicated Control Channel

[0278] DL Downlink

[0279] DM Demodulation DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal DRX Discontinuous Reception DTX Discontinuous Transmission DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel DUT Device Under Test E-CID Enhanced Cell-ID (positioning method) Ec / No Received energy per chip divided by the power density in the band eMBMS Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services ECGI Evolved CGI eNB E-UTRAN NodeB ePDCCH Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel E-SMLC Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network FDD Frequency Division Duplex FFS For Further Study gNB Base station in NR GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request HO Handover HSPA High Speed Packet Access HRPD High Rate Packet Data LOS Line of Sight LPP LTE Positioning Protocol LTE Long-Term Evolution MAC Medium Access Control MAC Message Authentication Code MBSFN Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service Single Frequency Network

[0280] MBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank Subframe MDT Minimization of Drive Tests MIB Master Information Block MME Mobility Management Entity MSC Mobile Switching Center NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel NR New Radio P112032W001

[0281] OCNG OFDMA Channel Noise Generator OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access OSS Operations Support System OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival O&M Operation and Maintenance PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel P-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical Channel PCell Primary Cell PCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator Channel PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDP Power Delay Profile PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PGW Packet Gateway PHICH Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel PLMN Public Land Mobile Network PMI Precoding Matrix Indicator PRACH Physical Random Access Channel PRS Positioning Reference Signal PSS Primary Synchronization Signal PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel RACH Random Access Channel QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation RAN Radio Access Network RAT Radio Access Technology RLC Radio Link Control RLM Radio Link Monitoring RNC Radio Network Controller RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier RRC Radio Resource Control RRM Radio Resource Management RS Reference Signal RSCP Received Signal Code Power RSRP Reference Symbol Received Power OR

[0282] Reference Signal Received Power

[0283] RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality OR Reference Symbol Received Quality

[0284] RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference SCH Synchronization Channel SCell Secondary Cell SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol SDU Service Data Unit SFN System Frame Number SGW Serving Gateway SI System Information SIB System Information Block SNR Signal to Noise Ratio SON Self-Organizing Network SS Synchronization Signal SSS Secondary Synchronization Signal TDD Time Division Duplex TDOA Time Difference of Arrival P112032W001

[0285] TOA Time of Arrival

[0286] TSS Tertiary Synchronization Signal

[0287] TTI Transmission Time Interval

[0288] UE User Equipment UL Uplink

[0289] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0290] USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

[0291] UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival

[0292] WCDMA Wideband CDMA WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

Claims

P112032W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting (800), to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), signaling (30) indicating whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the signaling (30) is transmitted as part of a procedure to set up or modify a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session with the communication network (10).

3. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19) as one or more other connections or streams.

5. The method of any of claims 3-4, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000 and / or identifies a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises filtering packets (20) to differentiate packets of different streams (19-1 ... 19-N) multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

7. The method of any of claims 1-6, further comprising receiving, from the network node (14), a request for the communication device (12) to indicate one or more capabilities of the56P112032W001 communication device (12), wherein the signaling (30) is transmitted in response to the request.

8. The method of any of claims 1-7, further comprising performing extended packet filtering (22E) for transmission or reception of packets (20) according to the signaling (30).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said performing comprises performing extended packet filtering (22E) for transmission or reception of packets (20) on different connections or streams (19-1... 19-N) that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

10. A method performed by a radio network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting (900) and / or receiving (910) signaling (30, 34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the signaling (30, 34) is transmitted and / or received as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10).

12. The method of any of claims 10-11, wherein said transmitting and / or receiving comprises receiving the signaling (30) from the communication device (12).

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting, to the communication device (12), a request for the communication device (12) to indicate one or more capabilities of the communication device (12), wherein the signaling (30) is received in response to the request.

14. The method of any of claims 11-13, wherein said transmitting or receiving comprises transmitting the signaling (34) to another radio network node (16) and / or to a core network node (16) in the communication network (10).57P112032W00115. The method of claim 14, wherein the signaling (34) is transmitted to a core network node (16), and wherein the signaling comprises or is conveyed in an NGAP message.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the signaling (34): comprises or is conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message; and / or comprises or is conveyed in response to a request for the signaling, wherein the request is included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

17. The method of any of claims 10-16, wherein the radio network node (14) is a first radio network node, wherein the signaling (34) is transmitted to a second radio network node (16).

18. The method of any of claims 10-17, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises filtering packets (20) to differentiate packets of different streams (19-1 ... 19-N) multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

19. The method of any of claims 10-18, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the connection identity or stream identity identifies a connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19) as one or more other connections or streams.

21. The method of any of claims 19-20, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000 and / or identifies a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream.

22. A method performed by a core network node (16) configured for use in a communication network (16), the method comprising: receiving (1000) signaling (34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein non-extended packet58P112032W001 filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein receiving the signaling (34) comprises receiving the signaling (34) from a radio network node (14).

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising transmitting, to the radio network node (14), a request for an indication of whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering, wherein the signaling (34) is received in response to the request.

25. The method of any of claims 22-24, wherein the signaling (34) is received as part of or during a procedure to setup or modify resources for a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10).

26. The method of any of claims 22-25, wherein the signaling (34) comprises or is conveyed in an NGAP message.

27. The method of any of claims 22-26, wherein the signaling (34): comprises or is conveyed in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION RESPONSE message; and / or comprises or is conveyed in response to a request for the signaling, wherein the request is included in a NGAP PDU SESSION RESOURCE SETUP REQUEST message or a PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

28. The method of any of claims 22-27, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises filtering packets (20) to differentiate packets of different streams (19-1 ... 19-N) multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

29. The method of any of claims 22-28, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria includes a connection identity or a stream identity.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the connection identity or stream identity identifies a59P112032W001 connection or stream multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19) as one or more other connections or streams.

31. The method of any of claims 29-30, wherein the connection identity or a stream identity is a stream ID defined according to IETF RFC 9000 and / or identifies a QIIIC connection or a QUIC stream.

32. The method of any of claims 22-31 , further comprising configuring the communication device (12) and / or a user plane network node (18) to perform extended packet filtering (22E) according to the received signaling (34).

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said configuring comprises configuring the communication device (12) and / or the user plane network node (18) with an extended set (22E-S) of packet filters for filtering packets (20) transmitted between the communication device (12) and the user plane network node (18).

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said configuring comprises configuring the communication device (12) and / or the user plane network node (18) with an extended set (22E-S) of packet filters for filtering packets (20) transmitted between the communication device (12) and the user plane network node (18) on different connections or streams that are multiplexed onto the same transport layer connection (19).

35. A communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the communication device (12) configured to: transmit, to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), signaling (30) indicating whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

36. The communication device (12) of claim 35, configured to perform the method of any of claims 2-9.60P112032W00137. A radio network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the radio network node (14) configured to: transmit and / or receive signaling (30, 34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

38. The radio network node (14) of claim 37, configured to perform the method of any of claims 11-21.

39. A core network node (16) configured for use in a communication network (16), the core network node (16) configured to: receive signaling (34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein non-extended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

40. The core network node (16) of claim 39, configured to perform the method of any of claims 23-34.

41. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method of any of claims 1-9.

42. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a radio network node (14), causes the radio network node (14) to perform theP112032W001 method of any of claims 10-21.

43. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a core network node (16), causes the core network node (16) to perform the method of any of claims 22-34.

44. A carrier containing the computer program of any of claims 41-43, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

45. A communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the communication device (12) comprising: communication circuitry (1120); and processing circuitry (1110) configured to transmit, to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), signaling (30) indicating whether, or that, the communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein nonextended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

46. The communication device (12) of claim 45, the processing circuitry (1110) configured to perform the method of any of claims 2-9.

47. A radio network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the radio network node (14) comprising: communication circuitry (1220); and processing circuitry (1210) configured to transmit and / or receive signaling (30, 34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein nonextended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extendedP112032W001 set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

48. The radio network node (14) of claim 47, the processing circuitry (1210) configured to perform the method of any of claims 11-21.

49. A core network node (16) configured for use in a communication network (16), the core network node (16) comprising: communication circuitry (1320); and processing circuitry (1310) configured to receive signaling (34) indicating whether, or that, a communication device (12) supports extended packet filtering (22E); wherein extended packet filtering (22E) comprises packet filtering that is extended relative to non-extended packet filtering (22N), wherein nonextended packet filtering (22N) filters packets based on a non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria, wherein extended packet filtering (22E) filters packets (20) based on an extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria, wherein the extended set (22E-S) of filtering criteria is a proper superset of the non-extended set (22N-S) of filtering criteria.

50. The core network node (16) of claim 49, the processing circuitry (1310) configured to perform the method of any of claims 23-34.63

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