Apparatus, method and computer program for recommended bit rate tables

Abstract

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Apparatus, method and computer program for recommended bit rate tables.

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0004] Examples of the disclosure relate to recommended bit rate tables. Some relate to using recommended bit rate tables in rate adaption for video, audio or extended reality (XR).

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In wireless networks, a network node can recommend a recommended bit rate to a user equipment (UE) in order to assist the UE in selecting or adapting to a codec rate for video, audio or extended reality (XR) applications. A RAN (radio access network) assisted codec adaptation mechanism supports uplink / downlink bit rate increase or decrease using a recommended bit rate.

[0007] A recommended bit rate table indexes a plurality of recommended bit rates and allows recommended bit rates to be recommended to a UE by sending an index corresponding to a recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table, without sending the recommended bit rate.

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive recommended bit rate table determination information for determining a recommended bit rate table comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates.

[0010] In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate index, indexing a recommended bit rate in the determined recommended bit rate table. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: access, for RAN-assisted rate adaptation, a recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table using the recommended bit rate index.

[0011] For any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates may differ from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and may differ from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0012] Any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table may enable constrained rate adaptation within bounds dependent upon nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: send recommended bit rate table preference information, wherein recommended bit rate table determination information is based at least in part on sending the recommended bit rate table preference information.

[0013] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: send a Medium Access Control Control element, MAC CE, comprising the preference information and / or send a Radio Resource control, RRC, message comprising the preference information.

[0014] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a Medium Access Control Control element, MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate table determination information and / or receive a Radio Resource control, RRC, message comprising the recommended bit rate table determination.

[0015] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a MAC CE comprising the recommended bit rate table determination information, the recommended bit rate index, an identifier for a logical channel for which the recommended bit rate is applicable, and a field which indicates whether the recommended bit rate applies to uplink or downlink.

[0016] Receiving recommended bit rate table determination information may comprise: receiving a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple recommended bit rates. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: store the plurality of recommended bit rate tables.

[0017] Receiving recommended bit rate table determination information may comprise: receiving a recommended bit rate table comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates. Receiving recommended bit rate table determination information may comprise: receiving information for generating a recommended bit rate table comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates.

[0018] Information for generating a recommended bit rate table may comprise a scaling factor, an offset parameter, a maximum bit rate value, a minimum bit rate value, and / or a quantization function. A recommended bit rate may be a recommended bit rate of the physical layer.

[0019] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: determine a recommended bit rate table based at least in part on the recommended bit rate table determination information. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising: receiving recommended bit rate table determination information for determining a recommended bit rate table comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

[0020] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send recommended bit rate table determination information for determining a recommended bit rate table comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

[0021] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates.

[0022] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: store the plurality of recommended bit rate tables. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: access the identified recommended bit rate table based on the sent recommended bit rate table identifier.

[0023] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate index, indexing a recommended bit rate in the identified recommended bit rate table. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: access, for RAN-assisted rate adaptation, a recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table using the recommended bit rate index.

[0024] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a Medium Access Control Control element, MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier, the recommended bit rate index, an identifier for a logical channel for which the recommended bit rate is applicable, and a field which indicates whether the recommended bit rate applies to uplink or downlink.

[0025] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate table query comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a signal confirming the recommended bit rate table identifier.

[0026] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: send a MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier.

[0027] For any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table identified by the recommended bit rate table identifier, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates may differ from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and may differ from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0028] For any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table identified by the recommended bit rate table identifier, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates may differ from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and may differ from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0029] Any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table may enable constrained rate adaptation within bounds dependent upon nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates. A recommended bit rate may be a recommended bit rate of the physical layer.

[0030] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising: sending a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

[0031] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

[0032] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate index. The recommended bit rate index identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates in a recommended bit rate table, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates; and / or the recommended bit rate index identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates in a recommended bit rate table, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0033] For any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates may differ from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 5% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and may differ from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 5% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0034] For any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates may differ from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 2% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and may differ from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 2% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0035] The at least one memory may further store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: access, for RAN-assisted rate adaptation, a recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table using the recommended bit rate index.

[0036] The at least one memory may further store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: adapt a bit rate used by the apparatus based at least in part on the accessed recommended bit rate in the accessed recommended bit rate table. The recommended bit rate index may be received via lower level signaling.

[0037] The at least one memory may further store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a Medium Access Control Control element, MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate index, an identifier for a logical channel for which the recommended bit rate is applicable, and a field which indicates whether the recommended bit rate applies to uplink or downlink.

[0038] Any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table may enable constrained rate adaptation within bounds dependent upon nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates.

[0039] The at least one memory may further store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: store the recommended bit rate table. A recommended bit rate may be a recommended bit rate of the physical layer. A recommended bit rate index may be greater than 6 bits in size or smaller than 6 bits in size. A recommended bit rate index may be a configurable number of bits.

[0040] The at least one memory may further store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive recommended bit rate table determination information for determining the recommended bit rate table.

[0041] Receiving recommended bit rate table determination information may comprise: receiving a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

[0042] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising: receiving a recommended bit rate index, wherein the recommended bit rate index identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates in a recommended bit rate table, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates, and / or wherein the recommended bit rate index identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates in a recommended bit rate table, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0043] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate index, wherein the recommended bit rate index identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates in a recommended bit rate table, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates, and / or wherein the recommended bit rate index identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates in a recommended bit rate table, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0044] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least a part of one or more methods described herein.

[0045] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing at least part of one or more methods described herein. The description of a function and / or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function and / or action. Functions and / or actions described herein can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.

[0046] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

[0047] While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0049] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0050] FIG. 1 shows an example of the subject matter described herein;

[0051] FIG. 2 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0052] FIG. 3 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0053] FIG. 4 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 5 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 6 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 7 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIGs 8a and 8b show another example of the subject matter described herein; FIGs 9a and 9b show another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0054] FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c show another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 11 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0055] FIG. 12 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0056] FIG. 13 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0057] FIG. 14 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0058] FIG. 15 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; and FIG. 16 shows another example of the subject matter described herein.

[0059] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network 100 comprising a plurality of network nodes including terminal nodes 1 10, access nodes 120 and one or more core nodes 129. The terminal nodes 1 10 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other. The one or more core nodes 129 communicate with the access nodes 120.

[0062] The network 100 is in this example a radio telecommunications network, in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other using transmission / reception of radio waves / signals.

[0063] The one or more core nodes 129 may, in some examples, communicate with each other. The one or more access nodes 120 may, in some examples, communicate with each other.

[0064] The network 100 may be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122 each served by an access node 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal nodes 1 10 and an access node 120 defining a cell 122 is a wireless interface 124.

[0065] The access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal nodes 110 are cellular radio transceivers. In the example illustrated the cellular network 100 is a third generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal nodes 1 10 are user equipment (LIE) and the access nodes 120 are base stations.

[0066] In examples the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN NodeBs (eNBs) 120, providing the E-UTRA user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE. The eNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by means of an X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected by means of the S1 interface 128 to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129.

[0067] In other examples the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio, NR) Radio Access network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN consists of gNodeBs (gNBs) 120, providing the user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE 1 10. The gNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by means of an Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected by means of the N2 interface 128 to the Access and Mobility management Function (AMF).

[0068] In some examples, the access nodes 120 can comprise at least one wireless edge computing server.

[0069] A user equipment (UE) can comprise a mobile equipment. Where reference is made to user equipment that reference includes and encompasses, wherever possible, a reference to mobile equipment.

[0070] The network 100 can comprise a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.

[0071] The network 100 can comprise a 6thgeneration radio access network, 6GRAN.

[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a recommended bit rate table 150. In some examples the recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152, and multiple recommended bit rate indexes 154. A recommended bit rate index 154 indexes a recommended bit rate 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150. Recommended bit rates 152 are recommended bit rates values 152. In some examples a recommended bit rate index 154 is for an entry / row in the recommended bit rate table 150. A recommended bit rate table 150 may comprise a plurality of entries specifying recommended bit rate values. In the illustrated example the recommended bit rate table 150 comprises a first column specifying recommended bit rate table 150 indices 154 and a second column specifying corresponding recommended bit rate values 152.

[0073] In the illustrated example, a recommended bit rate index 154 is six bits in size. In other examples the bit rate index 154 is smaller than, or greater than six bits in size. Similarly, a recommended bit rate table 150 may be the same size, longer or shorter than the illustrated recommended bit rate table 150. In some examples a recommended bit rate index 154 is a configurable number of bits in length.

[0074] In some examples, a recommended bit rate table 150 is used to provide a recommended bit rate 152 for an apparatus, such as a UE 1 10.

[0075] In some examples, a recommended bit rate 152 is a recommended bit rate 152 of the physical layer. A recommended bit rate 152 may be a transport bit rate. A recommended bit rate 152 may be for a specific logical channel and a specific direction. In some but not necessarily all examples, a recommended bit rate 152 is in bits per second, such as in kilobits per second.

[0076] In some examples the recommended bit rate table 150 of FIG. 2 may be a reference recommended bit rate table which is used to generate a recommended bit rate table 150.

[0077] In some examples the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150 enables constrained rate adaptation within bounds dependent upon nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates 152. The nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates 152 of a recommended bit rate may be a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, and a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any.

[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 3 illustrates methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIG. 3 also illustrates a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0079] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 3 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs.

[0080] In the example of FIG. 3, a plurality of apparatuses transmit and / or receive one or more signals and / or messages across and / or via and / or using a network. In examples, any suitable form of communication in any suitable network can be used. For example, at least a portion of the network 100 of FIG. 1 can be used.

[0081] One of the apparatuses of FIG. 3 may be a UE 110 which may be a terminal node 1 10 of FIG. 1. One of the apparatuses of FIG. 3 may be a network node 120 such as a base station 120, which may be an access node 120 of FIG. 1. In some examples the base station 120 is a gNB.

[0082] At block 202, the network node 120 sends recommended bit rate table determination information 201 to a UE 110. The recommended bit rate table determination information 201 is for determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152. The recommended bit rate table determination information 201 is configured to be used in determining the recommended bit rate table 150.

[0083] In some examples, receiving recommended bit rate table determination information 201 comprises: receiving a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0084] In some examples, receiving recommended bit rate table determination information 201 comprises: receiving a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152.

[0085] In some examples, receiving recommended bit rate table determination information 201 comprises: receiving information for generating a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152. The information for generating a recommended bit rate table 150 may be information configured to be used for partially or entirely generating a recommended bit rate table 150. In some examples the information comprises parameters configured to be used in generating a recommended bit rate table 150. The information for generating a recommended bit rate table may comprise a scaling factor, an offset parameter, a maximum bit rate value, a minimum bit rate value, and / or a quantization function.

[0086] In some but not necessarily all example, the recommended bit rate table determination information 201 is received via lower level signaling or RRC. Lower level signaling is layer 1 or layer 2 signaling. In some examples the network node 120 sends a Medium Access Control Control element, MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate table determination information 201 .

[0087] At block 204, the LIE 1 10 receives recommended bit rate table determination information 201 .

[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 4 illustrates methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIG. 4 also illustrates a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0089] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 4 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. FIG. 4 comprises the blocks of FIG. 3 as well as some additional blocks. For brevity only the new blocks will be described. It will be appreciated that for some methods, blocks can be omitted. For example, a method could include blocks 202, 204 and 206 and not the other blocks.

[0090] At block 216, the LIE 110 sends recommended bit rate table preference information 205 to the network node 120, wherein receiving the recommended bit rate table determination information 201 is based at least in part on sending the recommended bit rate table preference information 205.

[0091] In some examples, the LIE 1 10 sends a MAC CE, comprising the preference information 205 and / or send a Radio Resource control, RRC, message comprising the preference information 205. In some but not necessarily all examples, recommended bit rate table preference information 205 comprises a preference of receiving a recommended bit rate table identifier, receiving a recommended bit rate table 150, or receiving information for generating a recommended bit rate table 150. In some but not necessarily all examples, recommended bit rate table preference information 205 comprises parameters.

[0092] At block 218, the network node 120 receives the recommended bit rate table 150 preference information 205. In some examples, sending recommended bit rate table determination information 201 is based at least in part on sending the recommended bit rate table preference information 205.

[0093] At block 206, the UE 110 determines a recommended bit rate table 150 based at least in part on the recommended bit rate table determination information 201 .

[0094] In some but not necessarily all examples, determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprises: receiving a recommended bit rate table 150, accessing / selecting a recommended bit rate table 150 and / or generating a recommended bit rate table 150.

[0095] In some examples, determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprises: accessing / selecting a recommended bit rate table 150 based at least on part on the received recommended bit rate table identifier.

[0096] In some examples, determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprises generating a recommended bit rate table 150 based at least in part on the received information for generating a recommended bit rate table 150.

[0097] At block 208, the network node 120 sends a recommended bit rate index 154 to the UE 110. The recommended bit rate index 154 indexes a recommended bit rate in the determined recommended bit rate table 150.

[0098] In some examples, the network node 120 sends a recommended bit rate index 154 and recommended bit rate table determination information 201 in the same signal. For example, the network node 120 can send a recommended bit rate index 154 and a recommended bit rate table identifier in the same signal. In some examples blocks 202 and 208 may occur at the same time. In some examples blocks 204 and 210 may occur at the same time. In some examples, the network node 120 sends a MAC CE comprising the recommended bit rate index 154.

[0099] In some examples, the network node 120 sends a MAC CE comprising the recommended bit rate table determination information 201 , the recommended bit rate index 154, an identifier for a logical channel for which the recommended bit rate is applicable, and a field which indicates whether the recommended bit rate applies to uplink or downlink.

[0100] At block 210, the LIE 1 10 receives the recommended bit rate index 154.

[0101] At block 212, the UE 110 accesses, for RAN-assisted rate adaptation, a recommended bit rate 152 in the recommended bit rate table 150 using the received recommended bit rate index 154.

[0102] At block 214, the UE 110 implements a bit rate based at least in part on the accessed recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table 150. In some examples the UE 1 10 adapts a bit rate used by the UE 1 10 based at least in part on the accessed recommended bit rate in the accessed recommended bit rate table 150.

[0103] In some examples implementing a bit rate or adapting a bit rate is also based on other parameters, for example, a multiplier by which a recommended bit rate 152 in the recommended bit rate table 150 is multiplied.

[0104] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 5 illustrates methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIG. 5 also illustrates a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0105] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 5 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. The blocks of FIG. 5 may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3 and 4 and have the same or similar features.

[0106] At block 302, the UE 110 sends a recommended bit rate table identifier 301 , wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152. In some examples the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 is sent via lower level signaling. In some examples the LIE 1 10 sends a MAC CE comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 .

[0107] In some examples, at block 302, the UE 110 sends a recommended bit rate table 150 query comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 . This is received by the network node 120.

[0108] At block 304, the network node 120 receives the recommended bit rate table identifier 301.

[0109] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 6 illustrates methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIG. 6 also illustrates a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0110] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 6 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. FIG. 6 comprises the blocks of FIG. 5 as well as some additional blocks. For brevity only the new blocks will be described. The blocks of FIG. 6 may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3 and 4 and have the same or similar features.

[0111] At block 320, the UE 1 10 stores the plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150.

[0112] At block 322, the network node 120 stores the plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150. In some examples the recommended bit rate table 150s are pre-coded / hard- coded / coded at manufacture in the UE 1 10 and / or the network node 120.

[0113] At block 306, the UE 110 selects the recommended bit rate table 150. The selection may be based at least in part on parameters, such as parameters of the network or application. The parameters may be network congestion parameters.

[0114] At block 324, the network node 120 accesses the identified recommended bit rate table 150 based on the received recommended bit rate table identifier 301 .

[0115] At block 326, the network node 120 sends a signal 303 confirming the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 to the UE 110, for example sending an acknowledgement. In some examples the signal 303 comprises the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 . The signal 303 may be sent via a MAC CE.

[0116] At block 328, the LIE 110 receives the signal 303 confirming the recommended bit rate table identifier 301.

[0117] At block 308, the network node 120 sends a recommended bit rate index 154 to the LIE 1 10. The recommended bit rate index 154 indexing a recommended bit rate in the determined recommended bit rate table 150. This is similar to block 208.

[0118] In some examples, the network node 120 sends a MAC CE comprising: the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 , the recommended bit rate index 154, an identifier for a logical channel for which the recommended bit rate is applicable, and a field which indicates whether the recommended bit rate applies to uplink or downlink.

[0119] At block 310, the LIE 110 receives the recommended bit rate index 154. This is similar to block 210.

[0120] At block 312, the UE 110 accesses the identified recommended bit rate table 150 based on the sent recommended bit rate table identifier 301 and the UE 110 accesses, for RAN-assisted rate adaptation, a recommended bit rate 152 in the recommended bit rate table 150 using the received recommended bit rate index 154. This is similar to block 212.

[0121] At block 314, the UE 110 implements a bit rate based at least in part on the accessed recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table 150. This is similar to block 214.

[0122] In some examples preference information 205 may be sent by the UE 110 prior to sending the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 .

[0123] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 7 illustrates methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIG. 7 also illustrates a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities. One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 7 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. The blocks of FIG. 7 may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3, 4, 5 and 6 and have the same or similar features. The blocks of FIG. 7 may be combined with the blocks of the other figures. For example a method could combine blocks 202, 204 and 206 of FIG. 4 and blocks 408 and 410 of FIG. 7.

[0124] At block 408, the network node 120 sends a recommended bit rate index 154. This is similar to blocks 208 and 308.

[0125] At block 410, the LIE 110 receives the recommended bit rate index 154. This is similar to blocks 210 and 310.

[0126] In some examples, the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0127] In some examples the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0128] In some examples, for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1% or less than 0.5% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1% or less than 0.5% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0129] In some examples, for one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 1 %, less than 0.5%, or less than 0.2% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 1%, less than 0.5%, or less than 0.2% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

[0130] In some examples, the network node 120 sends a recommended bit rate index 154, wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150 enables constrained rate adaptation within bounds dependent upon nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates 152.

[0131] In some examples, the maximum difference between indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150 may be different in different regions of the recommended bit rate table 150. The difference may be defined in absolute or percentage terms. For example the maximum difference may be 20% in a first region and 5% in a second region of the recommended bit rate table. A region may be a plurality of neighbouring recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150.

[0132] Examples of the disclosure provide the technical effect of improved granularity of the step values of different recommended bit rate values 152. That is the differences between recommended bit rate values may be smaller. These may better fit an applications bit rate range. This can improve efficiency and / or performance of the application.

[0133] Recommended bit rate tables 150 can cover various range of data rates available for XR and video application. The recommended bit rate tables 150 and recommended bit rate values 152 can adapt to rapid development of audio / video coding techniques, which may use different recommended bit rate values 152. In some examples an application, such as an XR application, can dynamically adjusts its data rate and encoding parameters to ensure a seamless and high-quality user experience, for example, by modifying frame rates / resolution when the network is congested.

[0134] A network node 120 may estimate the congestion information per quality of service (QoS) flow and per data radio bearer (DRB) in downlink and uplink directions. A network node 120 may estimate the congestion information per-QoS flow and per-DRB in uplink without the LIE 110.

[0135] Adjusting the data rate would be useful for many use cases, especially by XR applications where adapting the data rate is an intrinsic characteristic of the application traffic (for example, based on CODECs used).

[0136] A recommended bit rate 152 can be given by a recommended bit rate table 150 that gives an index 154 to a bit rate value 152. In some examples a bit rate multiplier (for example, x1 , x40, x70, x100, x200) could be used. The combination of the bit rate index 154 and the multiplier can result in a large number of potential bit rate values.

[0137] A recommended bit rate table 150 could have the following issues:

[0138] 1. Coarse granularity of the step values that may not fit the XR application operation.

[0139] 2. A single table is not able to cover various range of data rates available for XR video data.

[0140] 3. Not all values are needed. For example, one video codec could support 8 different data rates, then 3 bits are sufficient to indicate the recommended bit rate since all other values does not bring change in the application layer.

[0141] 4. In addition, a single table with pre-defined values may be not be future-proof considering the rapid development of audio / video coding techniques.

[0142] Recommended bit rate table(s) 150 can be used for rate control in the radio interface. Recommended bit rate table(s) 150 may be generated or selected in accordance with the bit rate needs of a QoS flow. As a result, the recommended bit rate table(s) 150 can adjust the possible set of bit rate value 152 combinations to better fit the rate needs of the service. Some examples of different options for recommended bit rate table(s) 150 are given below:

[0143] • Option A) multiple recommended bit rate tables 150, which may be fixed, can be used (as illustrated in FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b): In this example a number of recommended bit rate tables 150s are stored by the UE 1 10 and the network node 120.

[0144] • Option B) Dynamic recommended bit rate table 150 (as illustrated in FIGS 10a, 10b, 10c, 1 1 and 12): The network node 120 and the UE 110 may agree on a set of attributes that will generate the values of the dynamic recommended bit rate table 150 (for example, scaling factor parameter, offset parameter, minimum bit rate value, maximum bit rate value and / or quantization function). In some examples one recommended bit rate table is generated per QoS flow. Different signaling approaches in the radio interface can be used to synchronize the dynamic bit rate table 150 at the network node 120 and the UE 1 10 so that a common recommended bit rate table 150 can be used for indicating a recommended bit rate 152.

[0145] For the case of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150 (Option A), in some examples the tables 150 are standardized such that both UE 110 and network node 120 can access to them. Two examples to agree on which recommended bit rate table 150 to use are:

[0146] • Option A.1 ) The network node 120 selects the recommended bit rate table 150 and signals to the UE 110 the specific recommended bit rate table 150 to use within the plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150.

[0147] • Option A.2) The UE 110 selects a recommended bit rate table 150 and signals its request to the network node 120. The network node 120 confirms or declines the request.

[0148] Recommended bit rate tables 150 may have different number of entries and so the length of the bit rate index 154 may be different.

[0149] FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b illustrate examples of signaling between entities. FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b illustrate methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b also illustrate a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities. One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. The blocks of FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and have the same or similar features. The blocks of FIGs 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b may be combined with the blocks of the other figures.

[0150] At block 506 the network node 1 10 selects the recommended bit rate table 150 of the plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150.

[0151] FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c illustrate examples of signaling between entities. FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c illustrate methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c also illustrate a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0152] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. The blocks of FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b and have the same or similar features. The blocks of FIGs 10a, 10b and 10c may be combined with the blocks of the other figures.

[0153] For the case of generated tables (Option B), examples include:

[0154] • Option B.1 ) at blocks 632 and 634 the network node 120 and UE 110 exchange attributes / attribute values for generating the recommended bit rate table 150. This may correspond to blocks 202 and 204. The network node 120 and UE 1 10 may agree on their attribute values. In this example, the network node 120 and UE 110 use the attributes to generate the dynamic recommended bit rate table 150 independently at blocks 606 and 607. In some examples, the formula to generate the recommended bit rate table 150 is common to both the network node 120 and UE 1 10 and so identical tables may be produced by the network node 120 and UE 1 10 if they apply the same attribute values. Some examples of attributes involved in the table negotiation may be scaling factor parameter, offset parameter, minimum bit rate value, maximum bit rate value, quantization function.

[0155] • Option B.2) at blocks 632 and 634 the network node 120 and UE 110 exchange attributes / attribute values for generating the recommended bit rate table 150. They may agree on their values, the network node 120 uses the agreed attributes to generate the recommended bit rate table 150 and forwards it to the UE 110 at blocks 602 and 604.

[0156] • Option B.3) The network node 120 has other means to decide the attribute values to generate the recommended bit rate table 150 (for example, based on preconfiguration of the type of service, core network provisioned, application awareness assistance information available at the network node 120). Then, the network node 120 uses the attributes values to generate the recommended bit rate table 150 and forwards it to the UE 1 10.

[0157] In some examples a recommended bit rate reference table 150 is accessed via a scaling equation using a scaling factor parameter. A scaling equation can be used to generate a recommended bit rate table 150 by adapting a recommended bit rate reference table. For example by scaling recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate reference table by multiplying them by a scaling factor and / or by offsetting recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate reference table by offsetting them by an offset parameter.

[0158] A RRC signaling message can be used to inform the network node 120 and UE 1 10 on the recommended bit rate reference table or plurality of recommended bit rate reference tables to be used.

[0159] In some examples, a scaling equation uses an information element included in RRC signaling (or MAC CEs) of the scaling factor parameter and / or offset parameter.

[0160] In some examples recommended bit rate reference table sets are known to both the network node 120 and UE 1 10 and may be hardcoded. In some examples there are be multiple bit rate reference table sets.

[0161] FIGs 1 1 and 12 illustrate examples of signaling between entities. FIGs 1 1 and 12 illustrate methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIGs 11 and 12 also illustrate a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0162] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIGs 11 and 12 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. The blocks of FIGs 1 1 and 12 may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b and 10c and have the same or similar features. The blocks of FIGs 11 and 12 may be combined with the blocks of the other figures.

[0163] At block 804 a protocol data unit (PDU) session is established.

[0164] At blocks 804 and 806 the LIE 1 10 and network node 120 receive or store recommended bit rate reference table sets and at least one equation for generating recommended bit rate reference tables 150. The at least one equation may be a scaling equation.

[0165] At block 808 the network node 120 analyses congestion of the network and selects recommended bit rate reference table sets and a scaling factor parameter.

[0166] At blocks 810 and 812, the network node 120 sends a message to the UE 1 10 comprising the scaling factor parameter. The message may comprise an identifier 301 for recommended bit rate reference table or table sets. The message may comprise a recommended bit rate table 150.

[0167] At block 814, the UE 110 selects a recommended bit rate reference table and adjusts the recommended bit rate reference table with a scaling factor parameter to generate a recommended bit rate table 150.

[0168] At block 816, the UE 1 10 performs data transmissions using a recommended data rate 152 from the recommended bit rate table 150.

[0169] At block 818 the network node 120 analyses congestion of the network and selects recommended bit rate reference table sets and a scaling factor parameter.

[0170] At blocks 820 and 822, the network node 120 sends a message to the UE 1 10 comprising the scaling factor parameter.

[0171] At blocks 832 and 830 a scaling factor parameter is sent by the UE 110 and received by the network node 120.

[0172] At block 834, the network node 120 selects a recommended bit rate reference table and adjusts the recommended bit rate reference table with a scaling factor parameter to generate a recommended bit rate table 150. At block 836 the UE 110 analyses congestion of the network and selects recommended bit rate reference table sets and a scaling factor parameter.

[0173] At blocks 838, the UE 1 10 sends a message to the network node 120 comprising the scaling factor parameter.

[0174] In conjunction to the new bit rate reference table sets, an example of an expression / equation to scale the bit rate reference table set(s) to the congestion status is given below. The equation may be used to generate recommended bit rate table(s) 150. This may be a low computational complexity equation.

[0175] In the generic form the expression (which corresponds to the new scaling equation) is given by: Equation 1

[0176] Continuing with example from above, the scaling factor parameter can be defined as: scaling -factor =Blt-Rate'currEquation 2 1 Bit_Rateref ”

[0177] With an alternative definition as: Equation 3 where Bit_Rate aluealAiis the adjusted table value at index i, Bit_Rate Valuerle fis the value from the reference table at the same index, Bit_Ratecurris the current bit rate in Mbps, and Bit_Raterefis the bit rate in Mbps used to generate the reference table. The index is defined as i e 0. .63 for 6-bit.

[0178] Dynamic recommended bit rate tables 150 can be generated from exchanged parameters. In some examples, recommended bit rate tables 150 are generated based on attributes including:

[0179] 1 . Minimum bit rate value referred to as MinBR.

[0180] 2. Maximum bit rate value referred to as MaxBR.

[0181] 3. Quantization function referred to as QBR.

[0182] An application may specify its desired minimum bit rate value MinBR, and desired maximum bit rate value MaxBR. Recommended bit rate tables 150 may be generated by the UE 110, the network node 120, or by both. In some examples, an application, such as an XR application, provides the bit rate range it operates in, which may be MinBR and MaxBR, (such as included information about the codecs) through the following means:

[0183] • To core network: via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling procedures (for example PDU Session related procedures), or via exposure framework (for example QoS application programming interfaces). The core network forwards the attributes / parameters to the network node 120 while the NAS procedure is being performed.

[0184] • To the network node 120: via RRC signaling.

[0185] In some examples, QBR can have linear, exponential, or other predefined function. For example, the recommended bit rate values 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150 could be a certain amount or percentage larger than the preceding recommended bit rate value 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150. In some examples, the table size can be variable. In some examples the network node 120 can generate a recommended bit rate table 150 and share it with the UE 1 10.

[0186] For multi-modal applications with multiple QoS flows having adaptive codecs, the same approach can be used for individual QoS flows to generate a corresponding dynamic recommended bit rate table 150. A recommended bit rate table 150 can be generated for a single QoS flow or for multiple QoS flows. There can be multiple flows of video streams of varying video quality and associated range of bit rates and a unique table for a flow can be useful. For example, the video stream from the frontal view camera can be high quality with higher ranges of bit rates, compared to a wide-angle camera with average to low video quality and resulting lower bit rates.

[0187] Signaling aspects for recommended bit rate tables(s) 150 in the radio interface can include configuration of recommended bit rate table(s) 150. When considering the setup or update of the recommended bit rate table(s) 150 at the UE 110 and network node 120, the following two scenarios can be considered:

[0188] • The range of possible values in the recommended bit rate table(s) 150 include bit rate values 152 for the application to apply during a specific network load condition (for example, during normal operation or congestion).

[0189] • The range of possible values in the recommended bit rate table(s) 150 bit rate values 152 for the application to apply during any network load condition. Whether a recommended bit rate table 150 is used during a specific network load condition may depend on different factors such as the requested granularity of recommended bit rate values 152, steps for a recommended bit rate table 150 (including different types of steps i.e. linear (uniform), non-linear (logarithmic, exponential), and the table size.

[0190] In some examples RRC signaling is used to set up the recommended bit rate table 150 and exchange updates between the UE 1 10 and the network node 120. In other examples MAC CE is used.

[0191] FIGs 13 and 14 illustrate examples of signaling between entities. FIGs 13 and 14 illustrate methods performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIGs 13 and 14 also illustrate a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0192] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIGs 13 and 14 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs. The blocks of FIGs 13 and 14 may be similar to blocks of FIGs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 10c, 11 and 12 and have the same or similar features. The blocks of FIGs 13 and 14 may be combined with the blocks of the other figures.

[0193] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of RRC signaling to setup the proposed recommended bit rate tables 150:

[0194] • In step 1 , at 902, UEAssistance Information message is used as an example for the UE 1 10 to provide preference information 205 regarding recommended bit rate table 150 operation. This may include: o Preference by the UE 1 10 to use fixed or dynamic / generated recommended bit rate tables 150. o Preference by the UE 110 to determine the recommended bit rate table 150 autonomously or to receive a recommended bit rate table 150 from the network node 120. o Attribute values for the formula(s) / equation(s) to generate a recommended bit rate table 150. • In step 2, at 904, RRCReconfiguration message is used by the network node 120 to provide the decided recommended bit rate table 150 operation to the UE 110. This message may include: o The recommended bit rate table identifier 301

[0195] ■ If the network node 120 wishes to update later in time the recommended bit rate table 150 that the UE 110 should apply, the update can be included in another RRC Reconfiguration message. o The network node 120 may include the agreed attribute values to determine the recommended bit rate table 150, for example to generate the recommended bit rate table 150.

[0196] • In step 3, at 906, RRCReconfigurationComplete message is used to confirm the setup of the RRC connection. This may include an acknowledgement of the recommended bit rate table 150 operation.

[0197] When the network node 120 or the UE 1 10 would like to indicate a preferred recommended bit rate 152 based on recommended bit rate table 150, they exchange the bit rate index 154 and, if applicable, a multiplier to apply.

[0198] FIG. 14 illustrates an example signaling flow for the indication of applicable recommended bit rate 152 for a refined bit rate table 150 via MAC CE signaling.

[0199] At 1002, the UE 110 sends a recommended bit rate query to the network node 120. At 1004, the network node 120 sends a recommended bit rate 152 to the UE 1 10. In the illustrated example both signals are sent via MAC CE.

[0200] Multiple signaling methods can be considered:

[0201] • RRC signaling: A combination of RRC messages can be used for the UE 110 and the network node 120 to exchange a selected recommended bit rate 152 within the recommended bit rate table 150.

[0202] • MAC CE signaling: The UE 110 and the network node 120 can exchange MAC CEs for a bit rate recommendation query (UE 110 to network node 120) and / or bit rate recommendation (network node 120 to UE 110) to indicate their preference to operate another bit rate value 152 within the recommended bit rate table 150 (this may include the index and possibly multiplier values being indicated). The MAC CE may adjust the available bits to different table sizes (for example lower or bigger number of indexes and a different length of the multiplier).

[0203] Fig 15 illustrates an example of a controller 1500 suitable for use in an apparatus 1 10, 120. Implementation of a controller 1500 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 1500 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0204] As illustrated in Fig 15 the controller 1500 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions 1506 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 1502 that may be stored on a machine readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 1502.

[0205] The processor 1502 is configured to read from and write to the memory 1504. The processor 1502 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 1502 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 1502.

[0206] The memory 1504 stores instructions, program, or code 1506 that controls the operation of the apparatus 110, 120 when loaded into the processor 1502. The computer program instructions, program or code am 1506, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 110, 120 to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying FIGs. The processor 1502 by reading the memory 1504 is configured to load and execute the instructions, program, or code 1506.

[0207] The apparatus 1 10 comprises: at least one processor 1502; and at least one memory 1504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1502, cause the apparatus at least to: receive recommended bit rate table determination information 201 for determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0208] The apparatus 120 comprises: at least one processor 1502; and at least one memory 1504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1502, cause the apparatus at least to: send recommended bit rate table determination information 201 for determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0209] The apparatus 1 10 comprises: at least one processor 1502; and at least one memory 1504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1502, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate table identifier 301 , wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0210] The apparatus 120 comprises: at least one processor 1502; and at least one memory 1504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1502, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate table identifier 301 , wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0211] The apparatus 1 10 comprises: at least one processor 1502; and at least one memory 1504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1502, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate index 154, wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 150, and / or wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0212] The apparatus 120 comprises: at least one processor 1502; and at least one memory 1504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1502, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate index 154, wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 150, and / or wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0213] As illustrated in Fig 16, the instructions, program, or code 1506 may arrive at the apparatus 1 10, 120 via any suitable delivery mechanism 1508. The delivery mechanism 1508 may be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer- readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a Compact Disc Read- Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the computer program 1506. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 1506. The apparatus 110, 120 may propagate or transmit the computer program 1506 as a computer data signal.

[0214] The term “non-transitory” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal ) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (for example, RAM vs. ROM).

[0215] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: receiving recommended bit rate table determination information 201 for determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0216] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: sending recommended bit rate table determination information 201 for determining a recommended bit rate table 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0217] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: sending a recommended bit rate table identifier 301 , wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0218] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: receiving a recommended bit rate table identifier 301 , wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier 301 identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables 150 comprising multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0219] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: receiving a recommended bit rate index 154, wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 150, and / or wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0220] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: sending a recommended bit rate index 154, wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 150, and / or wherein the recommended bit rate index 154 identifies one of multiple indexed recommended bit rates 152 in a recommended bit rate table 150, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152 of the recommended bit rate table 150, if any, by less than configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates 152.

[0221] The computer program instructions may be comprised in a computer program, a non- transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program.

[0222] Although the memory 1504 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0223] Although the processor 1502 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 1502 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

[0224] References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann / parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

[0225] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all the following:

[0226] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): i. a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / fi rmware and ii. any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory or memories that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions and

[0227] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (for example, firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0228] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the claim element, a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0229] The blocks illustrated in the accompanying Figs may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the computer program 1506. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

[0230] As used here ‘module’ refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts / components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user. The apparatus 110, 120 can, for example be a module. A controller 1500 of the apparatus 1 10, 120 can, for example be a module.

[0231] Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0232] Elements may be operationally coupled and any number or combination of intervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements)

[0233] The above-described examples find application as enabling components of: automotive systems; telecommunication systems; electronic systems including consumer electronic products; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content including audio, visual and audio visual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality; personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces also known as human machine interfaces; networks including cellular, non- cellular, and optical networks; ad-hoc networks; the internet; the internet of things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0234] The apparatus can be provided in an electronic device, for example, a mobile terminal, according to an example of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that a mobile terminal is merely illustrative of an electronic device that would benefit from examples of implementations of the present disclosure and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the same. While in certain implementation examples, the apparatus can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to: mobile communication devices, hand portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices and other types of electronic systems, can readily employ examples of the present disclosure. Furthermore, devices can readily employ examples of the present disclosure regardless of their intent to provide mobility.

[0235] The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’

[0236] In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components. As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), obtaining and the like. Also, "determine / determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0237] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

[0238] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0239] Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0240] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0241] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. The description of a feature, such as an apparatus or a component of an apparatus, configured to perform a function, or for performing a function, should additionally be considered to also disclose a method of performing that function. For example, description of an apparatus configured to perform one or more actions, or for performing one or more actions, should additionally be considered to disclose a method of performing those one or more actions with or without the apparatus.

[0242] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0243] The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

[0244] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0245] In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

[0246] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0247] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l / we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple indexed recommended bit rates.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: store the plurality of recommended bit rate tables.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: access the identified recommended bit rate table based on the sent recommended bit rate table identifier.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate index, indexing a recommended bit rate in the identified recommended bit rate table.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: access, for RAN-assisted rate adaptation, a recommended bit rate in the recommended bit rate table using the recommended bit rate index.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to:receive a Medium Access Control Control element, MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier, the recommended bit rate index, an identifier for a logical channel for which the recommended bit rate is applicable, and a field which indicates whether the recommended bit rate applies to uplink or downlink.

7. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate table query comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier.

8. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive a signal confirming the recommended bit rate table identifier.

9. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: send a MAC CE, comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier.

10. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table identified by the recommended bit rate table identifier, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than a configurable fraction of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.1 1 . The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein for any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table identified by the recommended bit rate table identifier, the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates differs from a next larger one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates and differs from a next smaller one of the multiplerecommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table, if any, by less than 10% of the subject one of the multiple recommended bit rates.

12. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein any one of the multiple recommended bit rates of the recommended bit rate table enables constrained rate adaptation within bounds dependent upon nearest neighbouring recommended bit rates.

13. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein a recommended bit rate is a recommended bit rate of the physical layer.

14. A method comprising: sending a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising storing the plurality of recommended bit rate tables.

16. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate table identifier, wherein the recommended bit rate table identifier identifies one of a plurality of recommended bit rate tables comprising multiple recommended bit rates.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one memory further stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: store the plurality of recommended bit rate tables.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one memory further stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:access the identified recommended bit rate table based on the recommended bit rate table identifier.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the at least one memory further stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send a recommended bit rate index, indexing a recommended bit rate in the identified recommended bit rate table.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the at least one memory further stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a recommended bit rate table query comprising the recommended bit rate table identifier.

Images