Network assisted application bit rate control

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment (UE). The method comprises: evaluating (402) a first configuration that indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration to determine whether the first condition is met; and informing (404) a Radio Access Network, RAN, node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE.

Description

[0001] Network assisted application bit rate control

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to communication networks, and in particular to relates to bit rates to be used by User Equipments (UEs) in communication networks.

[0004] 5thGeneration (5G) is the fifth generation of mobile communications, addressing a wide range of use cases from enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) to ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) to massive machine type communications (mMTC). 5G includes the New Radio (NR) access stratum interface and the 5G Core Network (5GC). The NR physical and higher layers reuse parts of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) specification, and adds components / functionality when motivated by new use cases.

[0005] Low-latency high-rate applications such as extended Reality (XR) and cloud gaming are important in the 5G era. XR may refer to all real-and-virtual combined environments and humanmachine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. XR is used as an umbrella term for different types of realities including Virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR), Mixed reality (MR), and the areas interpolated among them. The levels of virtuality range from partial sensory inputs, to fully immersive VR.

[0006] 5G NR is designed to support applications demanding high rate and low latency in line with the requirements posed by the support of XR and cloud gaming applications in NR networks. 3GPP Release 17 contained a study item on XR Evaluations for NR (3GPP “Study on XR (Extended Reality) evaluations for NR” (FS_NR_XR_eval), Release 17). The main objectives are to identify the traffic model for each application of interest, the evaluation methodology and the key performance indicators of interest for relevant deployment scenarios, and to carry out performance evaluations accordingly in order to investigate possible standardisation enhancements. - Low-latency applications like XR and cloud gaming typically require bounded latency, rather than necessarily ultra-low latency. The end-to-end latency budget may be in the range of 20-80 milliseconds (ms), which needs to be distributed over several components, including application processing latency, transport latency, and radio link latency, etc. For these applications, short transmission time intervals (TTIs) or mini-slots targeting ultra-low latency may not be effective.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows an example of frame latency measured over radio access network (RAN), excluding application & core network latencies. It can be seen that there exist frame latency spikes in RAN. In this case the latency spike occurs due to instantaneous shortage of radio resources or inefficient radio resource allocation in response to varying frame size. Other or related sources for the latency spikes may include queuing delay, time-varying radio environments, time-varying frame sizes, among others. Tools that can help to remove latency spikes are beneficial to enable better 5G support for this type of traffic.

[0008] In addition to bounded latency requirements, applications like XR and cloud gaming also require high data rate transmission. This can be seen from the large frame sizes originated by this type of traffic. The typical frame sizes may range from tens of kilobytes (Kbytes or KBs) to hundreds of kilobytes. The frame arrival rates may be 60 or 120 frames per second (fps). As a particular example, a frame size of 100 kilobytes and a frame arrival rate of 120 fps can lead to a rate requirement of 95.8 Megabits per second (Mbps).

[0009] A large video frame is usually fragmented into smaller Internet Protocol (IP) packets and transmitted as several transport blocks (TBs) over several TTIs in the RAN. Fig. 2 shows an example of the cumulative distribution functions of the number of transport blocks required to deliver a video frame with sizes ranging from 20 KB to 300 KB. For example, Fig. 2 shows that for delivering the frames with a size of 200 KB each, the median number of TBs needed is 5.

[0010] The characteristics of XR traffic arrival are quite distinct from typical web-browsing and Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic as shown in Fig. 3. It is expected that the arrival time is quasi-periodic and largely predictable as VoIP. However, the size of the data is an order of magnitude larger than VoIP, as discussed above. In addition, similar to web browsing, the data size is different at every application Protocol Data Unit (PDU) arrival instance due to the dynamics of the contents and human motion.

[0011] Rate Adaptation - Rate adaptation is a well-known mechanism used to adapt the bit rate generation to the capacity of the channel. These mechanisms are broadly used over-the-top, i.e. the applications adapt their bit rates basing these adaptation decisions on their own measurements and triggers. There are also well-known mechanisms in the different internet protocols to adjust the bit rate such as, for instance, Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) bit in IP headers.

[0012] 3GPP also has introduced a mechanism to recommend to the User Equipment (UE) a maximum bit rate. The Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) “Recommended bit rate” is used to provide the UE MAC entity with information about the bit rate that the gNB recommends. The bit rate is the recommended bit rate of the physical layer.

[0013] Summary

[0014] There currently exist certain challenge(s). For example, the MAC CE “Recommended bit rate” mechanism has multiple limitations. This command recommends a bit rate at the physical layer, which affects all traffic at the UE, and the recommended bit rate cannot be associated with a Data Radio Bearer (DRB), Logical Channel Identity (LCID), Quality of Service (QoS) Flow Index (QFI), service or application. Thus, it is not possible for the network (NW) to recommend to the UE that the bit rate of a certain service / application / DRB / LCID / QFI is to be limited or increased. Further, it requires the gNB to transmit a command to the UE every time network conditions change and the bit rate of the service / application / DRB / LCID / QFI service needs to be reduced or can be increased.

[0015] Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. The network provides one or more configurations to the UE to adapt the application / service / etc. bit rate / throughput depending on one or more conditions (e.g. which can be based on threshold(s) or variables), with exemplary conditions being based on the data packet queue time, bytes in the buffer or DRB index. A configuration can relate to or specify a bit rate value and each bit rate value can be associated to one or more conditions (e.g. threshold(s) or variables). The configuration(s) can be provided over Radio Resource Control (RRC) signalling, or in a MAC CE.

[0016] The bit rate could be: at the UE level, i.e. the total number of bits the UE sends; at the DRB level, i.e. a certain DRB may restrict how much it can transmit; at a QoS flow ID level, i.e. packets marked with a specific QoS flow ID (QFI) have a throughput restriction; at an application flow level, i.e. applications having multiple flows like video, audio, control, etc. may have a restricted throughput for certain flows; at an application level, i.e. the total throughput of the application is restricted. Similarly, the queue time of the packets or the amount of bytes in the buffer can be measured per IP packet, per Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Set, within a DRB, or for packets with a certain QFI, for packets of a specific flow(s), or for packets from a specific application.

[0017] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). In particular, the techniques in this disclosure allow for more flexibility in indicating a recommended bit rate to the UE, and enable a much finer granularity in bit rates. The techniques can also or alternatively decrease the amount of signalling between the UE and the network, as the network no longer needs to transmit a command to the UE every time network conditions change and the bit rate can be reduced or increased.

[0018] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method performed by a UE. The method comprises: evaluating a first configuration that indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration, wherein evaluating comprises determining whether the first condition is met; and informing a Radio Access Network, RAN, node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method performed by a UE. The method comprises the UE receiving, from a radio access network (RAN) node, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0020] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method performed by a RAN node. The method comprises: receiving, from a UE, an indication that a first bit rate is applied by the UE.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a RAN node. The method comprises the RAN node sending, to a UE, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform the method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or any embodiments thereof.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a user equipment (UE) configured to perform the method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, or any embodiments thereof.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a user equipment (UE) comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said UE is operative to perform the method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, or any embodiments thereof.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a radio access network (RAN) node, configured to perform the method according to the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or any embodiments thereof.

[0026] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a radio access network (RAN) node comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said RAN node is operative to perform the method according to the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or any embodiments thereof.

[0027] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a graph illustrating an example of frame latency measured over RAN;

[0030] Fig. 2 shows an example of the cumulative distribution functions of the number of transport blocks required to deliver a video frame with sizes ranging from 20 KB to 300 KB;

[0031] Fig. 3 is a graph illustrating XR traffic characteristics compared to VoIP and web browsing;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments;

[0033] Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another method performed by a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a Radio Access Network (RAN) network node in accordance with some embodiments;

[0035] Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating another method performed by a Radio Access Network (RAN) network node in accordance with some embodiments;

[0036] Fig. 8 shows an example of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments;

[0037] Fig. 9 shows a UE in accordance with some embodiments; and Fig. 10 shows a RAN network node in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] Detailed Description

[0039] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0040] As noted above, in the disclosed techniques the network (e.g. a RAN node) provides one or more configurations to a UE to enable the bit rate for an application, service, DRB, LCID or QFI to be adapted or adjusted, subject to one or more conditions being met or satisfied. Thus, rather than having to adapt a bit rate at the physical layer affecting all traffic at the UE, the disclosed techniques enable the bit rate to be adjusted or adapted on a per application, service, DRB, LCID or QFI basis.

[0041] The techniques presented in this disclosure can comprise one or more of the following four steps:

[0042] 1. The UE indicates to the network its capability to adapt the bit rate depending on certain conditions (e.g. triggers and or variables) based on, e.g., queued time or accumulated bytes in the buffer.

[0043] 2. The network provides one or more configurations to the UE in which the network includes one or more options for bit rates, each connected to one or more conditions.

[0044] 3. The UE performs the configured measurements and adjusts the bit rate accordingly when an associated condition is met (e.g. an event is triggered).

[0045] 4. The UE can inform the network about the new applicable bit rate.

[0046] Step 1.

[0047] The UE may send an indication to the network of the capability to adapt traffic parameters, e.g. the bit rates, for certain applications, services, DRBs, LCIDs or QoS flows. The capability may provide information on the ranges of the bit rates that are applicable for a service / application / DRB / LCID / QFI (e.g. there can be different bit rates for different services / applications / etc.), the queuing times for data in association with bit rates (e.g. there can be different queuing times per service / application / etc. and / or per bit rate), or other relevant traffic information that can be adjusted.

[0048] This indication can be provided in a new MAC CE or RRC message or by extension of the existing UE Assistance Information (UAI).

[0049] Step 2.

[0050] The network may send the one or more configurations to the UE via RRC message or in a MAC Control Element.

[0051] The configuration in the message may contain one or more of the following: • a Configuration ID (e.g. that identifies the configuration),

[0052] • Recommended bit rate(s),

[0053] • DRB ID(s) that the configuration relates to,

[0054] • LCID ID(s) that the configuration relates to,

[0055] • QFI(s) that the configuration relates to,

[0056] • Flow ID(s) / Types that the configuration relates to,

[0057] • Application ID(s) that the configuration relates to,

[0058] • Condition(s) to be satisfied or met for the configuration to be applied (i.e. for the recommended bit rate(s) to be applied).

[0059] A condition can specify one or more applicable threshold(s), range(s), value(s) for the parameter(s) that the condition relates to, and also the parameter(s) that the condition relates to. Alternatively, the parameter(s) that condition(s) relate to may be predefined (e.g. in a standard) or previously indicated between the RAN node and the UE, and the condition in the configuration can just indicate the one or more applicable threshold(s), range(s), value(s) for the parameter(s).

[0060] A condition can relate to any one or more of the following parameters (and the configuration may identify the specific parameter(s) that the condition relates to):

[0061] • Buffer size (i.e. a size of a buffer in the UE)

[0062] • Buffer status (i.e. a status of a buffer in the UE, e.g. the amount of data in the buffer),

[0063] • Transmitted data,

[0064] • Queued data,

[0065] • Amount of data to transmit,

[0066] • Amount of data to transmit in a time period,

[0067] • Amount of data in a buffer of the UE,

[0068] • Delay Critical data size (i.e. an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical),

[0069] • Amount of data with / for a specific QFI ,

[0070] • Amount of data with / for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE),

[0071] • Queue length(s) (number of bytes),

[0072] • Queueing time(s),

[0073] • Average window (i.e. a length of time over which other parameters are to be evaluated).

[0074] The “Recommended bit rate” could be any of a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, or a minimum bit rate. Any of these types of bit rate could be measured over a period of time, e.g. an averaging window.

[0075] Delay Critical data size is the size of the buffered data (i.e. data in the UE’s buffer) that is marked as ‘critical data’, i.e. the data for which the remaining Packet Delay Budget (PDB) or PDU Set Delay Budget (PSDB) is lower than a certain configured threshold. Delay-critical Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) Service Data Unit (SDU) is defined in 3GPP TS 38.323 v18.3.0, where if pdu-SetDiscard is not configured, a PDCP SDU for which the remaining time till discardTimer expiry is less than the remainingTimeThreshold. If pdu-SetDiscard is configured, a PDCP SDU belonging to a PDU Set of which at least one PDCP SDU has the remaining time till discardTimer expiry less than the remainingTimeThreshold.

[0076] Queue data or Queue length is the size of the buffered data in, e.g., a DRB, or associated to, e.g., a service or QFI.

[0077] Queueing time is the amount of time that individual packets or PDU Sets are queued in the buffer. This could be an averaged queueing time over multiple individual packets / PDU Sets over an averaging window.

[0078] The RAN node could send multiple configurations to the UE, each with a respective configuration ID, and each of them containing one or more of the elements listed above. Three examples are provided in the tables below in which a message provides multiple configurations (a configuration set), each with a respective configuration ID, a respective bit rate and respective condition(s) for applying that bit rate:

[0079] Example A

[0080] Example B

[0081] Example C:

[0082] In some embodiments, instead of the RAN node signalling all the information for each configuration to the UE whenever a new configuration is needed, the network can signal a configuration for the UE to use by only signalling the configuration table index (i.e. configuration ID) to indicate which table / configuration that a UE is to use for the bit rate adaptation. In this case, all configurations / tables are commonly known between a UE and network in advance, e.g., the RAN node can send the configurations / tables to the UE in one or more RRC messages during an initial connection setup. This can reduce RRC message overhead to individually indicate all information of each configuration or table whenever a new configuration is needed.

[0083] Step 3:

[0084] When the UE receives the configuration or configuration set, the information is stored, and the UE starts performing the corresponding measurements. When a condition is met, then the UE will inform the corresponding application(s) / service(s) / DRB(s) / LCID(s) / QFI(s) to change the bit rate accordingly.

[0085] In Example A above, the UE will measure the queue length in one default buffer of the UE, or in multiple buffers of the UE, or in all the buffers of the UE. If, over a measurement period of 100 ms (the average window duration specified in the configuration), the queue length is larger than 1000 bytes but less than or equal to 10000 bytes, then the UE will apply the configuration with configuration ID 1 and inform (in this example) all applications that they need to adapt the bitrate down to 5 Mbps. This will imply that the UE indicates to all applications to reduce the bit rate and, possibly, a recommended bit rate for the said application(s). When the queue length over a period of 100 ms is below 1000 bytes, the UE will apply the configuration with configuration ID 0 and be allowed to increase the bit rate up to 10 Mbps. As before, the UE will indicate to the applications the possibility to increase the bit rate, including, optionally, a recommended bit rate.

[0086] Similarly, in Example B, a LCID was provided for each configuration. In this case, the UE will only measure the buffer length in LCID 1 and apply the recommended bit rate to applications corresponding to the LCID 1. If there are multiple applications whose data is mapped to LCID 1, this implies that either all applications mapped to the LCID 1 will have the same recommended bit rate individually or each application in the LCID 1 may further reduce the recommended bit rate by the number of applications mapped to the LCID 1 . This option can be also configured by a network (e.g. the RAN node). The UE will also notify, when needed, to those applications or services whose traffic is mapped to the said LCID(s).

[0087] In the same way, in Example C, the UE will measure the queue length of the packets marked with QFI 8 over all UE buffers, i.e. the total of packets with QFI set to 8 are queued across all buffers. The configuration could contain, for example, an additional parameter, like DRB index. In that case, the UE would measure the queue length of the packets with a certain QFI value (e.g. 8) in the indicated DRB. As before, the UE will notify to applications or services which traffic are mapped to the said QFI(s).

[0088] Step 4: In this optional step, the UE could indicate to the network, for example via a MAC CE or an RRC message e.g. UE Assistance Information (UAI), the configuration ID which the UE is applying. This can help the NW to schedule the correct grants to the UE, as well as to calculate the load in the cell, and other estimations used, e.g., in admission control.

[0089] Alternative solutions to those described above are also possible. For example, in an alternative Step 2 the NW provides the configuration(s) to the U E via RRC, but the configuration(s) do not include conditions, and / or the UE does not evaluate condition(s) to determine whether to apply the configuration(s). The RRC message may contain one or more configuration IDs, each ID associated to a bit rate-applied LCID and application-related information, besides measurement triggers, so that a network can decide the maximum bit rate and corresponding LCID, DRB, and / or QFI. That is, while in the first solution presented above, in step 2 the NW provides one or more configurations to the UE that include respective conditions and the UE applies the bit rate when the condition(s) are satisfied, in this alternative solution the NW provides one or more configurations to the UE that do not have associated conditions, and when the NW wants to change the bit rate, the NW signals to the UE which configuration (and thus bit rate) to use (e.g. the NW signals the relevant configuration ID). This configuration ID can be signalled via MAC CE. In this approach, a configuration indicates the bit rate and applicability of that bit rate (e.g. which LCID(s), DRB(s), QFI(s), etc. it applies to). In this alternative solution, the configuration can be structured as follows, and an Example configuration set is shown in Example D:

[0090] Configuration ID o Recommended bit rate(s) o DRB ID(s) o LCID ID(s) o QFI(s) o Flow I D(s) / Types o Application ID(s) o Critical data size o Queue length(s) (number of bytes) o Queueing time(s) o Average window

[0091] Example D In Step 3 of this alternative solution, the network will send a MAC CE to the UE when the NW wants to change the bit rate and, optionally the applicability of the bit rate. When the UE receives the MAC CE, it will attempt to adapt the bit rate as indicated by the network and will inform or request, when applicable, the corresponding application(s) or services adjust their bitrate. Additionally the UE may acknowledge the request by triggering an indication as outlined in step 4 for the first solution.

[0092] When the network wants to set a restriction, the NW sends a MAC CE with one or more configuration IDs associated to the provided RRC configuration. For example, with reference to Example D, a MAC CE could contain three configuration IDs, 0 1 and 2, and their scope, i.e. the level in which it needs to be applicable (physical layer, DRB level, QFI, application, etc). The UE would then try to limit the total bit rate up to 10 Mbps and data in DRB5 to 5 Mbps. The UE would send the recommended bit rate to the corresponding applications which traffic is mapped to DRB5 as well as to other applications which traffic is mapped to other DRBs.

[0093] Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to various embodiments performed by a UE. The UE may perform the method in response to executing suitably formulated computer readable code. The computer readable code may be embodied or stored on a computer readable medium, such as a memory chip, optical disc, or other storage medium. The computer readable medium may be part of a computer program product. The method may be performed by a UE or wireless device (e.g. the UE 812 or UE 900 as described later with reference to Figs. 8 and 9 respectively).

[0094] The method begins at step 402 with the UE evaluating a first configuration that indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration. Step 402 comprises determining whether the first condition is met.

[0095] In step 404, the UE informs a RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE. The UE can inform the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE via a MAC CE or a RRC message. The UE can inform the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE in UE Assistance Information. The UE can inform the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE by indicating a configuration ID for the first configuration. Step 404 may comprise the UE sending an indication to the RAN node that the UE has applied the first configuration.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method by the UE may further comprise receiving the first configuration from the RAN node. The first configuration can be received in a MAC CE message or a RRC message.

[0097] The first condition can relate to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

[0098] The first configuration may further identify that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a DRB of the UE; a LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and an application of the UE.

[0099] The first bit rate may comprise or be a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

[0100] The method may further comprise the UE applying the first configuration if the first condition is met.

[0101] The method may further comprise the UE sending an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration to a RAN node.

[0102] The method may further comprise the UE sending, to a RAN node, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may be comprised in a MAC CE message; a RRC message; and / or a UAI message. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may identify one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

[0103] The method may further comprise the UE receiving, from a RAN node, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration. The UE may further receive an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate from a RAN node. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may be comprised in a MAC CE message or a RRC message. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may comprise an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration. The UE may evaluate the second configuration indicated by the indication. The UE may apply the first configuration if the first condition is met; and / or apply the second configuration if the second condition is met.

[0104] Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another method according to various embodiments performed by a UE. The UE may perform the method in response to executing suitably formulated computer readable code. The computer readable code may be embodied or stored on a computer readable medium, such as a memory chip, optical disc, or other storage medium. The computer readable medium may be part of a computer program product. The method may be performed by a UE or wireless device (e.g. the UE 812 or UE 900 as described later with reference to Figs. 8 and 9 respectively).

[0105] The method begins at step 502 with the UE receiving a first configuration from a RAN node. The first configuration indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0106] The first configuration can be received in a MAC CE message or a RRC message.

[0107] The first condition can relate to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

[0108] The first configuration may further identify that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a DRB of the UE; a LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and an application of the UE.

[0109] The first bit rate may comprise or be a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

[0110] The method may further comprise the UE evaluating the first configuration, wherein evaluating the first configuration comprises determining whether the first condition is met.

[0111] The method may further comprise the UE applying the first configuration if the first condition is met.

[0112] The method may further comprise the UE sending an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration to a RAN node.

[0113] The method may further comprise the UE sending, to a RAN node, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may be comprised in a MAC CE message; a RRC message; and / or a UAI message. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may identify one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

[0114] The method may further comprise the UE receiving, from a RAN node, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration. The UE may further receive an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate from a RAN node. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may be comprised in a MAC CE message or a RRC message. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may comprise an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration. The UE may evaluate the first and / or second configuration indicated by the indication. The UE may apply the first configuration if the first condition is met; and / or apply the second configuration if the second condition is met. The UE may send an indication to the RAN node of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0115] Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to various embodiments performed by a RAN node. The RAN node may perform the method in response to executing suitably formulated computer readable code. The computer readable code may be embodied or stored on a computer readable medium, such as a memory chip, optical disc, or other storage medium. The computer readable medium may be part of a computer program product. The method may be performed by a RAN network node, such as the RAN network node 810 or RAN network node 1000 as described later with reference to Fig. 8 and 10 respectively.

[0116] The method begins at step 602 with the RAN node receiving an indication from a UE that a first bit rate is applied by the UE. The RAN node can receive the indication from the UE via a MAC CE or a RRC message. The RAN node can receive the indication from the UE in UE Assistance Information. The RAN node can receive the indication from the UE by the UE indicating a configuration ID for a first configuration applied by the UE.

[0117] The method may further comprise the RAN node sending a first configuration to the UE. The first configuration indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0118] The first configuration can be transmitted in a MAC CE message or a RRC message.

[0119] The first condition can relate to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

[0120] The first configuration may further identify that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a DRB of the UE; a LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and an application of the UE.

[0121] The first bit rate may comprise or be a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

[0122] The method may further comprise the RAN node receiving an indication from the UE of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

[0123] The method may further comprise the RAN node receiving, from the UE, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may be comprised in a MAC CE message; a RRC message; and / or a UAI message. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may identify one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

[0124] The method may further comprise the RAN node sending a second configuration to the UE indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration. The RAN node may further send an indication to the UE of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may be comprised in a MAC CE message or a RRC message. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may comprise an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration. The RAN node may receive an indication from the UE of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration. Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to various embodiments performed by a RAN node. The RAN node may perform the method in response to executing suitably formulated computer readable code. The computer readable code may be embodied or stored on a computer readable medium, such as a memory chip, optical disc, or other storage medium. The computer readable medium may be part of a computer program product. The method may be performed by a RAN network node, such as the RAN network node 810 or RAN network node 1000 as described later with reference to Fig. 8 and 10 respectively.

[0125] The method begins at step 702 with the RAN node sending a first configuration to a UE. The first configuration indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0126] The first configuration can be transmitted in a MAC CE message or a RRC message.

[0127] The first condition can relate to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

[0128] The first configuration may further identify that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a DRB of the UE; a LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and an application of the UE.

[0129] The first bit rate may comprise or be a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

[0130] The method may further comprise the RAN node receiving an indication from the UE of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

[0131] The method may further comprise the RAN node receiving, from the UE, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may be comprised in a MAC CE message; a RRC message; and / or a UAI message. The indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate may identify one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

[0132] The method may further comprise the RAN node sending a second configuration to the UE indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration. The RAN node may further send an indication to the UE of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may be comprised in a MAC CE message or a RRC message. The indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate may comprise an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration. The RAN node may receive an indication from the UE of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration. Fig. 8 shows an example of a communication system 800 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0133] In the example, the communication system 800 includes a telecommunication network 802 that includes an access network 804, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 806, which includes one or more core network nodes 808. The access network 804 includes one or more access network nodes, such as access network nodes 810a and 810b (one or more of which are also referred to as RAN network nodes or RAN nodes 810 herein), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points (AP). 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 802 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network 802 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 802, including one or more network nodes 810 and / or core network nodes 808.

[0134] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (0-Rll), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O-CU-CP) or an O- Cll user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) (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 (SMO) Framework via an O-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies.

[0135] The network nodes 810 facilitate direct or indirect connection of wireless devices (also referred to interchangeably herein as user equipment (UE)), such as by connecting UEs 812a, 812b, 812c, and 812d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 812) to the core network 806 over one or more wireless connections. The access network nodes 810 may be, for example, access points (APs) (e.g. radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g. radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and New Radio (NR) NodeBs (gNBs)).

[0136] 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 800 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 800 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0137] The wireless devices / UEs 812 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 810 and other communication devices. Similarly, the access network nodes 810 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 812 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 802 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 802.

[0138] In the depicted example, the core network 806 connects the access network nodes 810 to one or more host computing systems, such as host 816. 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 806 includes one more core network nodes (e.g. core network node 808) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the wireless devices / UEs, access network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 808. 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).

[0139] The host 816 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 804 and / or the telecommunication network 802. The host 816 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.

[0140] As a whole, the communication system 800 of Figure 8 enables connectivity between the wireless devices / UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2ndGeneration (2G), 3rdGeneration (3G), 4thGeneration (4G), 5thGeneration (5G) standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g. 6thGeneration (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.

[0141] In some examples, the telecommunication network 802 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 802 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 802. For example, the telecommunications network 802 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.

[0142] In some examples, the UEs 812 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 804 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 804. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-Radio Access Technology (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-UTRA (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN- DC).

[0143] In the example, the hub 814 communicates with the access network 804 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 812c and / or 812d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 810b). In some examples, the hub 814 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 814 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 806 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 814 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 810, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 814. As another example, the hub 814 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 814 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR device, display, loudspeaker, or other media delivery device, the hub 814 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 814 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 814 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy Internet of Things (loT) devices.

[0144] The hub 814 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 810b. The hub 814 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 814 and UEs (e.g., UE 812c and / or 812d), and between the hub 814 and the core network 806. In other examples, the hub 814 is connected to the core network 806 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 814 may be configured to connect to a machine-to-machine (M2M) service provider over the access network 804 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 810 while still connected via the hub 814 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 814 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 810b. In other embodiments, the hub 814 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 810b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0145] Fig. 9 shows a wireless device or UE 900 in accordance with some embodiments. The UE 900 presents additional details of some embodiments of the UE 812 of Fig. 8. As used herein, a wireless device / UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of a wireless device / 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), laptopmounted 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. A wireless device / UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to- everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0146] The UE 900 includes processing circuitry 902 that is operatively coupled via a bus 904 to an input / output interface 906, a power source 908, a memory 910, a communication interface 912, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Fig. 9. 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.

[0147] The processing circuitry 902 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 910. The processing circuitry 902 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 902 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs). The processing circuitry 902 may be configured to cause the UE 902 to perform the methods as described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0148] In the example, the input / output interface 906 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 900. 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. In some embodiments, the power source 908 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 908 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 908 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 900 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 908. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 908 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 900 to which power is supplied.

[0149] The memory 910 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 910 includes one or more application programs 914, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 916. The memory 910 may store, for use by the UE 900, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0150] The memory 910 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 Universal SIM (USIM) and / or Integrated SIM (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 910 may allow the UE 900 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 910, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0151] The processing circuitry 902 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 912. The communication interface 912 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 922. The communication interface 912 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 918 and / or a receiver 920 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 918 and receiver 920 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 922) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 912 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) or other Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 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 912, 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 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 900 shown in Figure 9.

[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] Fig. 10 shows a RAN node 1000 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0159] As used herein, access network node or RAN network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other RAN network nodes or equipment, or core network nodes, in a telecommunication network. Examples of access 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)), Open-RAN (O-RAN) nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O- RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0160] Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O-RAN access node) and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0161] 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).

[0162] The RAN network node 1000 includes a processing circuitry 1002, a memory 1004, a communication interface 1006, and a power source 1008. The RAN network node 1000 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 RAN network node 1000 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 RAN network node 1000 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1004 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1010 may be shared by different RATs). The RAN network node 1000 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 1000, 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 RAN network node 1000.

[0163] The processing circuitry 1002 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1000 components, such as the memory 1004, to provide RAN network node 1000 functionality. For example, the processing circuitry 1002 may be configured to cause the RAN network node to perform the methods as described with reference to Fig. 5

[0164] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1002 includes a system on a chip (SOO). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1002 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1012 and baseband processing circuitry 1014. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1012 and the baseband processing circuitry 1014 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 1012 and baseband processing circuitry 1014 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0165] The memory 1004 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 1002. The memory 1004 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 1002 and utilized by the RAN node 1000. The memory 1004 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1002 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1006. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1002 and memory 1004 is integrated.

[0166] The communication interface 1006 is used in wired or wireless communication of signalling and / or data between network nodes, the access network, the core network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1006 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 1016 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1006 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1018 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1010. Radio front-end circuitry 1018 comprises filters 1020 and amplifiers 1022. The radio front-end circuitry 1018 may be connected to an antenna 1010 and processing circuitry 1002. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1010 and processing circuitry 1002. The radio front-end circuitry 1018 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 1018 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1020 and / or amplifiers 1022. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1010. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1010 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1018. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1002. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0167] In certain alternative embodiments, the RAN node 1000 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1018, instead, the processing circuitry 1002 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1010. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1012 is part of the communication interface 1006. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1006 includes one or more ports or terminals 1016, the radio frontend circuitry 1018, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1012, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1006 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1014, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0168] The antenna 1010 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1010 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 1018 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1010 is separate from the network node 1000 and connectable to the network node 1000 through an interface or port.

[0169] The antenna 1010, communication interface 1006, and / or the processing circuitry 1002 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 1010, the communication interface 1006, and / or the processing circuitry 1002 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.

[0170] The power source 1008 provides power to the various components of network node 1000 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1008 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1000 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1000 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 1008. As a further example, the power source 1008 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0171] Embodiments of the network node 1000 may include additional components beyond those shown in Fig. 10 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 1000 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1000 and to allow output of information from the network node 1000. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1000. In some embodiments providing a core network node, such as core network node 108 of Fig. 8, some components, such as the radio front-end circuitry 1018 and the RF transceiver circuitry 1012 may be omitted.

[0172] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0173] 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.

[0174] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures that, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can be thus within the scope of the disclosure. Various exemplary embodiments can be used together with one another, as well as interchangeably therewith, as should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0175] The following numbered statements set out various aspects and embodiments of the techniques described herein.

[0176] Group A Embodiments

[0177] 1. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: receiving, from a radio access network, RAN, node, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0178] 2. The method of embodiment 1 , wherein the first configuration is received in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

[0179] 3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first condition relates to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

[0180] 4. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first configuration further identifies that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a Data Radio Bearer, DRB, of the UE; a Logical Channel, LCH, of the UE; a Quality of Service, QoS, flow, of the UE; and an application of the UE.

[0181] 5. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first bit rate comprises a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

[0182] 6. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising: evaluating the first configuration, wherein evaluating the first configuration comprises determining whether the first condition is met.

[0183] 7. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising: applying the first configuration if the first condition is met.

[0184] 8. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising: sending, to a RAN node, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

[0185] 9. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising: sending, to a RAN node, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration.

[0186] 10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message; a radio resource control, RRC, message; and / or a UE assistance information, UAI, message.

[0187] 11. The method of embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate identifies of one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

[0188] 12. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 11 , further comprising: receiving, from a RAN node, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration.

[0189] 13. The method of embodiment 12, further comprising: receiving, from a RAN node, an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate.

[0190] 14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message. 15. The method of embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate comprises an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0191] 16. The method of any of embodiments 13 to 15, further comprising: evaluating the first and / or second configuration indicated by the indication.

[0192] 17. The method of any of embodiments 12 to 16, further comprising: applying the first configuration if the first condition is met; and / or applying the second configuration if the second condition is met.

[0193] 18. The method of any of embodiments 12 to 17, further comprising: sending, to the RAN node, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0194] Group B Embodiments

[0195] 19. A method performed by a radio access network, RAN, node, the method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment, UE, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

[0196] 20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein the first configuration is transmitted in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

[0197] 21. The method of embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the first condition relates to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE. 22. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 21, wherein the first configuration further identifies that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a Data Radio Bearer, DRB, of the UE; a Logical Channel, LCH, of the UE; a Quality of Service, QoS, flow, of the UE; and an application of the UE.

[0198] 23. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 22, wherein the first bit rate comprises a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

[0199] 24. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 23, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

[0200] 25. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 24, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration.

[0201] 26. The method of embodiment 25, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message; a radio resource control, RRC, message; and / or a UE assistance information, UAI, message.

[0202] 27. The method of embodiment 25 or 26, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate identifies of one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

[0203] 28. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 27, further comprising: sending, to the UE, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration.

[0204] 29. The method of embodiment 28, further comprising: sending, to the UE, an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate. 30. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

[0205] 31. The method of embodiment 29 or 30, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate comprises an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0206] 32. The method of any of embodiments 28-31 , further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0207] Group C Embodiments

[0208] 33. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments or the Group B embodiments.

[0209] 34. A user equipment, UE, configured to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0210] 35. A user equipment, UE, comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said UE is operative to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0211] 36. A radio access network, RAN, node, configured to perform the method of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0212] 37. A radio access network, RAN, node comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said RAN node is operative to perform the method of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0213] 38. A user equipment, UE, comprising: processing circuitry configured to cause the user equipment to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; and power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the processing circuitry.

[0214] 39. A radio access network, RAN, node, comprising: processing circuitry configured to cause the RAN node to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments; power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the processing circuitry. 40. 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.

Claims

Claims1. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: evaluating a first configuration that indicates a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration, wherein evaluating comprises determining whether the first condition is met; and informing a Radio Access Network, RAN, node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the UE informs the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE via a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, or a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message.

3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the UE informs the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE in UE Assistance Information.

4. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the UE informs the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE by indicating a configuration identity, ID, for the first configuration.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the step of informing comprises sending, to the RAN node, an indication that the UE has applied the first configuration.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, the method further comprising: receiving, from the RAN node, the first configuration indicating the first bit rate and the first condition for applying the first configuration.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first configuration is received in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

8. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the first condition relates to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical;an amount of data with or for a specific Quality of Service Flow Index, QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein the first configuration further identifies that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a Data Radio Bearer, DRB, of the UE; a Logical Channel, LCH, of the UE; a Quality of Service, QoS, flow, of the UE; and an application of the UE.

10. The method of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first bit rate comprises a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

11. The method of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: applying the first configuration if the first condition is met.

12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: sending, to a RAN node, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message; a radio resource control, RRC, message; and / or a UE assistance information, UAI, message.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate identifies of one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

15. The method of any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: receiving, from a RAN node, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:receiving, from a RAN node, an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate comprises an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

19. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: receiving, from a radio access network, RAN, node, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first configuration is received in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first condition relates to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

22. The method of any of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the first configuration further identifies that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a Data Radio Bearer, DRB, of the UE; a Logical Channel, LCH, of the UE; a Quality of Service, QoS, flow, of the UE; and an application of the UE.

23. The method of any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the first bit rate comprises a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

24. The method of any of claims 19 to 23, further comprising: evaluating the first configuration, wherein evaluating the first configuration comprises determining whether the first condition is met.

25. The method of any of claims 19 to 24, further comprising: applying the first configuration if the first condition is met.

26. The method of any of claims 19 to 25, further comprising: sending, to a RAN node, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

27. The method of any of claims 19 to 26, further comprising: sending, to a RAN node, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message; a radio resource control, RRC, message; and / or a UE assistance information, UAI, message.

29. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate identifies of one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

30. The method of any of claims 19 to 29, further comprising: receiving, from a RAN node, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: receiving, from a RAN node, an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate comprises an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

34. The method of any of claims 31 to 33, further comprising: evaluating the first and / or second configuration indicated by the indication.

35. The method of any of claims 30 to 34, further comprising: applying the first configuration if the first condition is met; and / or applying the second configuration if the second condition is met.

36. The method of any of claims 30 to 35, further comprising: sending, to the RAN node, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration.

37. A method performed by a radio access network, RAN, node, the method comprising: receiving, from a User Equipment, UE, an indication that a first bit rate is applied by the UE.

38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the RAN node receives the indication that the first bit rate is applied by the UE via a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, or a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein the indication is received from the UE in UE Assistance Information.

40. The method of any of claims 37-39, wherein the UE informs the RAN node that the first bit rate is applied by the UE by indicating a configuration identity, ID, for a first configuration applied by the UE.

41. The method of any of claims 37-40, wherein the step of receiving comprises receiving, from the UE, an indication that the UE has applied a first configuration that indicates the first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

42. The method of any of claims 37-41 , further comprising:transmitting, to the UE, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the first configuration is transmitted in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

44. The method of claim 42 or 43, wherein the first condition relates to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

45. The method of any of claims 42 to 44, wherein the first configuration further identifies that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a Data Radio Bearer, DRB, of the UE; a Logical Channel, LCH, of the UE; a Quality of Service, QoS, flow, of the UE; and an application of the UE.

46. The method of any of claims 42 to 45, wherein the first bit rate comprises a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

47. The method of any of claims 42 to 46, wherein the indication received from the UE that a first bit rate is applied by the UE comprises an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

48. The method of any of claims 37 to 47, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message; a radio resource control, RRC, message; and / or a UE assistance information, UAI, message.

50. The method of claim 48 or 49, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate identifies of one or more of: a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

51. The method of any of claims 37 to 50, further comprising: sending, to the UE, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration.

52. The method of claim 51 , further comprising: sending, to the UE, an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

54. The method of claim 52 or 53, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate comprises an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

55. The method of any of embodiments 52-54, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration.

56. A method performed by a radio access network, RAN, node, the method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment, UE, a first configuration indicating a first bit rate and a first condition for applying the first configuration.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the first configuration is transmitted in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

58. The method of claim 56 or 57, wherein the first condition relates to one or more of: a size of a buffer in the UE; a status of the buffer in the UE; transmitted data; queued data; time; an amount of data for the UE to transmit; an amount of data for the UE to transmit in a time period; an amount of data in a buffer of the UE; an amount of data indicated to be delay-critical; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI; an amount of data with or for a specific QFI in a buffer of the UE, and / or a period for which data is stored in a buffer of the UE.

59. The method of any of claims 56 to 58, wherein the first configuration further identifies that the first bit rate applies to one or more of: a Data Radio Bearer, DRB, of the UE; a Logical Channel, LCH, of the UE; a Quality of Service, QoS, flow, of the UE; and an application of the UE.

60. The method of any of claims 56 to 59, wherein the first bit rate comprises a target bit rate, a maximum bit rate, an average bit rate, a peak bit rate, and / or a minimum bit rate.

61. The method of any of claims 56 to 60, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration.

62. The method of any of claims 56 to 61 , further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of a capability of the UE to indicate to an application or service a bit rate and / or to adapt a bit rate according to a configuration.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message; a radio resource control, RRC, message; and / or a UE assistance information, UAI, message.

64. The method of claim 62 or 63, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to adapt a bit rate identifies of one or more of:a range of bit rates that are applicable to the UE; a DRB of the UE; an LCH of the UE; a QoS flow of the UE; and / or an application of the UE.

65. The method of any of claims 56 to 64, further comprising: sending, to the UE, a second configuration indicating a second bit rate and a second condition for applying the second configuration.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising: sending, to the UE, an indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate is comprised in a medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, message or a radio resource control, RRC, message.

68. The method of claim 66 or 67, wherein the indication of which of the first and / or second configurations to evaluate comprises an identifier for one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

69. The method of any of claim 65-68, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of whether the UE has applied the first configuration or the second configuration.

70. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform the method of any of claims 1-69.

71. A user equipment, UE, configured to perform the method of any of claims 1-36.

72. A user equipment, UE, comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said UE is operative to perform the method of any of claims 1-36.

73. A radio access network, RAN, node, configured to perform the method of any of claims 37- 69.

74. A radio access network, RAN, node comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said RAN node is operative to perform the method of any of claims 37-69.

Images