User equipment context

Abstract

User equipments, network nodes, methods and computer programs are described comprising: receiving (at a UE of a mobile communication system), a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules / components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; determining whether a change in one or more parameters of said UE capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry; and sending a UE capability module update to said network node providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

Description

[0001] User Equipment Context

[0002] Field

[0003] Example embodiments may relate to user equipments (UEs), network nodes, methods or computer programs for providing and / or using user equipment (UE) context information.

[0004] Background

[0005] With the advancement of communications technology, many UEs are available with diverse UE capabilities and catering for many different services. Different UE types seek to satisfy divergent performance metrics such as high-speed data connectivity, enhanced energy efficiency or ultra-low latency. In the 6G era, with the further development of applications with dissimilar characteristics, such as augmented / virtual reality (AR / VR), digital / massive twinning, immersive smart cities, holographic communications, remote surgery, Internet of things (loT) application, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications and the like, it is expected that even more customized devices for such use cases will be introduced to the market. Factors such as identification, interoperability, and coherent management of these various types of UEs are ongoing challenges.

[0006] Summary

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0008] In a first aspect, this specification describes a user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, the UE comprising: means (e.g. a radio receiver) for receiving a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; means (e.g. a control module) for determining whether a change in one or more parameters of said UE capability components is beyond the respective threshold (e.g. above an upper threshold and / or below and lower threshold) included in said UE capability enquiry; and means (e.g. an output) for sending a UE capability module update to said network node providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0009] The UE capability modules may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry may include identifiers of UE capability modules deemed relevant. Alternatively, or in addition, the UE capability components may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry may include identifiers of UE capability components deemed relevant.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the UE capability module update comprises at least one of: binary indications (e.g. a bitmap) of whether or not changes in respective UE capability component parameters are beyond the respective thresholds; new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; and new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold. In some example embodiments, each UE capability module relates to a UE functionality or elements that can be grouped together based on functionality. For example, said functionalities may include one or more of: MIMO parameters, carrier aggregation configuration parameters, radio link control parameters, Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, parameters, security parameters, mobility parameters, and application parameters.

[0011] In a second aspect, this specification describes a first network node (e.g. a source node) of a mobile communication system, the node comprising: means (e.g. an output) for providing a UE capability enquiry to a user equipment, UE, of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; and means (e.g. an input) for receiving a UE capability module update from said UE providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold (e.g. above and upper threshold and / or below a lower threshold).

[0012] The UE capability modules may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry may include identifiers of UE capability modules deemed relevant. Alternatively, or in addition, the UE capability components may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry may include identifiers of UE capability components deemed relevant.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the UE capability module update comprises at least one of: binary indications (e.g. a bitmap) of whether or not changes in respective UE capability component parameters are beyond the respective thresholds; new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; and new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0014] The node may further comprise means (e.g. a control module) for splitting a complete UE capability into said UE capability modules, wherein each UE capability module relates to a functional module or elements that can be grouped together based on functionality or in some other way. For example, each UE capability module or component may contain a set of parameters which can be grouped together based on functionality.

[0015] In a third aspect, this specification describes a user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, the UE comprising: means (e.g. a radio input) for receiving a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by a second network node of the mobile communication system; and means (e.g. an output) for sending a UE capability module update to said first network node providing information relating to UE capability modules in accordance with the UE capability enquiry. The UE may further comprise means (e.g. an input) for receiving a handover command from the first network node to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0016] The UE capability modules may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry may include identifiers of UE capability modules deemed relevant by the second network node. Alternatively, or in addition, the UE capability components may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry may include identifiers of UE capability components deemed relevant by the second network node.

[0017] In some example embodiments, each UE capability module relates to a UE functionality or elements that can be grouped together based on functionality. For example, said functionalities may include one or more of: MIMO parameters, carrier aggregation configuration parameters, radio link control parameters, Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, parameters, security parameters, mobility parameters, and application parameters.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the UE capability enquiry includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components, the UE further comprising means for determining whether a change in one or more parameters of said capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry. As discussed above with respect to the first and second aspects, the UE capability module update may comprise at least one of: binary indications (e.g. a bitmap) of whether or not changes in respective UE capability component parameters is beyond the respective thresholds; new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; and new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes a first network node (e.g. a source node) of a mobile communication system, the first network node comprising: means (e.g. an output) for providing a module request to a second network node (e.g. target node) of the mobile communication system, wherein the module request relates to a user equipment, UE, context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components; means (e.g. an input) for receiving a module request response to the first network node, wherein module request response indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said second network node; means (e.g. an output) for providing a UE capability enquiry to a UE of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to said UE context structure and the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more of the UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by the second network node; and means (e.g. an input) for receiving a UE capability module update from said UE providing information relating to UE capability modules in accordance with the UE capability enquiry.

[0020] The first network node may further comprise means (e.g. an output) for providing a handover request to the second network node to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0021] The first network node may further comprise means (e.g. an output) for providing a handover command to the UE to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0022] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a second network node (e.g. a target node) of a mobile communication system, the second network node comprising: means (e.g. an input) for receiving a module request from a first network node (e.g. a source node) of the mobile communication system, wherein the module request relates to a user equipment, UE, context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components; and means (e.g. an output) for providing a module request response to the first network node, wherein module request response indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said second network node. The second network node may further comprise means (e.g. an input) for receiving a handover request from the first network node to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; determining whether a change in one or more parameters of said UE capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry; and sending a UE capability module update to said network node providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: providing, from a network node of a mobile communication system, a UE capability enquiry to a user equipment, UE, of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; and receiving a UE capability module update from said UE providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold. The method may further comprise splitting a complete UE capability into said UE capability modules, wherein each UE capability module relates to a functional module or elements that can be grouped together based on functionality or in some other way. For example, each UE capability module or component may contain a set of parameters which can be grouped together based on functionality.

[0025] In an eighth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by a second network node of the mobile communication system; and sending a UE capability module update to said first network node providing information relating to UE capability modules in accordance with the UE capability enquiry. The method may further comprise receiving a handover command from the first network node to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0026] In a ninth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: providing a module request from a first network node (e.g. a source node) of a mobile communication system to a second network node (e.g. target node) of the mobile communication system, wherein the module request relates to a user equipment, UE, context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components; means (e.g. an input) for receiving a module request response to the first network node, wherein module request response indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said second network node; providing a UE capability enquiry to a UE of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to said UE context structure and the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more of the UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by the second network node; and receiving a UE capability module update from said UE providing information relating to UE capability modules in accordance with the UE capability enquiry. The method may further comprise providing a handover request to the second network node to initiate a handover to the second network node. The method may further comprise providing a handover command to the UE to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0027] In a tenth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: receiving a module request at a second network node (e.g. a target node) of a mobile communication system from a first network node (e.g. a source node) of the mobile communication system, wherein the module request relates to a user equipment, UE, context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components; and providing a module request response to the first network node, wherein module request response indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said second network node. The method may further comprise receiving a handover request from the first network node to initiate a handover to the second network node.

[0028] In the various methods outlined above, the UE capability module update may comprise at least one of: binary indications (e.g. a bitmap) of whether or not changes in respective UE capability component parameters are beyond the respective thresholds; new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; and new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0029] In an eleventh aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the sixth to tenth aspects described above). In a twelfth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the sixth to tenth aspects described above).

[0030] In a thirteenth aspect, this specification describes a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the sixth to tenth aspects described above).

[0031] In a fourteenth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the sixth to tenth aspects described above).

[0032] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] Example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system;

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an example message flow sequence;

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a message flow sequence in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a data structure in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0039] FIGS. 6 to 8 show message flow sequences in accordance with example embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a system that may be used to implement one or more of the example embodiments; and

[0041] FIG. 10 shows tangible media for storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer may perform methods according to example embodiments described herein. Detailed Description

[0042] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises a user equipment, UE, 12 and a network node 14 of a mobile communication system. As shown in FIG. 1, the UE 12 provides UE context information to the network node.

[0043] In 3GPP specifications, UE context typically refers to the information that the network may maintain about a specific UE. A stored UE context enables the network to manage and optimize a radio connection for the respective UE. The information contained in UE contexts may include UE capabilities such as features supported by the UE, the operating frequency bands, and MIMO capabilities, and may, in addition, include parameters such as the UE's authentication credentials and security parameters, the QoS requirements of the UE, session management data of the UE, IP addresses assigned to the UE, services used by the UE, and location details of the device.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows an example message flow sequence, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20. The sequence 20 shows messages transferred between the UE 12 and the network node 14 of the system 10.

[0045] The sequence 20 starts with the network node 14 sending a UE capability enquiry message 22 to the UE 12. In response, the UE provides the requested UE context in message 24. The UE context can then be stored at the network node 14.

[0046] The storage of the UE context at the network node 14 (such as a gNB) or at some other entity (e.g. an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF) to which the gNB has access, and available for retrieval where necessary, helps the relevant network to allocate resources to the UE 12 based on the capabilities of the UE and the services being used (or being available for use). The UE context can also assist the network to provide better service quality, with faster data rates, lower latency, and improved reliability. Additionally, the UE context can be referenced to provide personalized services, such as targeted advertising and location-based recommendations.

[0047] The UE context may be fully known to the UE 12 but is a large dataset. Storing a complete set of UE context data for each UE in communication with a network node can consume a significant part of the storage capacity of a network node; this is often impractical. However, it may not always be necessary for the full dataset to be transmitted from the UE 12 to the network node 14 over the wireless channel.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a message flow sequence, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, in accordance with an example embodiment. The sequence 30 shows messages transferred between a UE 32 (similar to the UE 12 described above) and a network node 34 (similar to the network node 14 described above). The network node 34 may be a source node of a mobile communication system.

[0049] The message sequence 30 starts with a UE capability enquiry 36 being sent from the first network node 34 to the UE 32. The UE capability enquiry 36 relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capabilities and / or UE capability components.

[0050] On receipt of the UE capability enquiry 36, the UE 32 determines whether a change in one or more parameters of a number of capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry. For example, the step 37 may include determining whether any of those parameter changes is above a relevant upper threshold or below a relevant lower threshold.

[0051] The message sequence 30 concludes with the UE 32 sending a UE capability module update 38 to the network node 34 providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0052] Thus, the UE capability module update 38 is provided in response to a trigger being detected at the UE 32. Note that other triggers (in addition to, or instead of, the threshold arrangement described above) are possible.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a data structure, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, in accordance with an example embodiment. The data structure 40 may be used above in the UE capability enquiry 36.

[0054] The data structure 40 divides the UE context information into a number of modules, each having an identifier; modules ID1, ID2 to IDT are shown in FIG.

[0055] 4. The data structure 40 further sub-divides each module into sub-modules (generally referred to herein as UE capability components). For example, the first module (having identifier ID1) has sub-modules (or UE capability components) ID1.1, ID1.2 to ID1.P. The UE capability components each include a number of parameters.

[0056] The data structure 40 enables the UE capability module update message 38 to transfer at least the parameters of the UE capability components that have been updated (rather than sending the complete UE context, as in the message 24).

[0057] The data structure 40 may be used to split a complete UE capability into UE capability modules or UE capability components, wherein each UE capability module or component relates to a functional module (or can be grouped together based on functionality). Example UE functionalities include: MIMO parameters, carrier aggregation configuration parameters, radio link control parameters, Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, parameters, security parameters, mobility parameters, and application parameters.

[0058] Alternatively, or in addition, the different UE capability modules may provide different module versions. For example, different versions may relate to the same parameters of the same module, but with different thresholds. The version being used might, for example, be configured by a gNB (or some other network node); alternatively, or in addition, the version(s) might be configured by a standards body (e.g. 3GPP). By way of example, the module with "ID1" might relate to 3GPP release 21 MIMO parameters and the module with "ID20" might relate to MIMO parameters of 3GPP release 22. The relevant network node (e.g. a gNB) could therefore request the version with ID1 when operating under 3GPP release 21 and request the version with ID20 when operating under 3GPP release 22.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, in accordance with an example embodiment. The flow chart 50 may be implemented at the UE 32 described above.

[0060] At step 52 of the flow chart 50, the UE (e.g. the UE 32) receives a UE capability enquiry from a first network node (e.g. the network node 34, such as a gNB) of the mobile communication system; this is the message 36 described above. The UE capability enquiry may include UE capability modules and / or UE capability components having identifiers, with the enquiry including identifiers of the UE capability modules / components deemed relevant.

[0061] At step 54 of the flow chart 50, the UE determines whether any capability parameters (e.g. as stored with the respective UE capability components) have changes to a degree that is beyond the respective threshold. If not, the flow chart 50 ends at step 58.

[0062] If it is determined in step 54 that the relevant UE capability parameters have changed by an amount that exceeds the indicated threshold (e.g. by going above an upper threshold or below a lower threshold), then the UE informs the network in step 56 of the flow chart 50.

[0063] The step 56 could take many forms. For example, the UE may send an update with the new values for at least one or more capability parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; this may be all parameters, only the parameters that are beyond the respective threshold, or somewhere in between. In some example embodiments, the UE provides binary indications of whether or not changes to respective UE capability component parameters are beyond the respective thresholds. Such binary indications can also be used to indicate that a UE capability component parameter that was previously beyond the respective thresholds (e.g. below an upper threshold limit or above a lower threshold limit) is now within the thresholds.

[0064] Other variants of the step 56 include sending: new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; and new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

[0065] As shown in the message sequence 30 described above, the network node 34 (e.g. a source node) provides the UE capability enquiry 36 to the UE 32 (the message received by the UE in step 52 of the flow chart 50) and receives the UE capability module update 38 of the UE (the message sent by the UE in step 56).

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a message flow sequence, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60, in accordance with an example embodiment. The sequence 60 shows messages transferred between a UE 62 and a network 64. The network 64 includes a next generation node B, gNB, 64a and an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, 64b (of course the network 64 will usually have more elements than those shown in FIG. 6). The sequence 60 is an example R.R.C message sequence for UE capability enquiry by the gNB 64a.

[0067] The sequence starts with the gNB 64a sending a UE Capability enquiry D-l to the UE 62, the message including details of the relevant UE Capability modules IDs. In response, at step D-2, the UE provides a UE capability response.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the division of UE context into UE capability modules is performed before the steps D-l and D-2 are implemented. In this configuration, if the division has not previously been communicated, the gNB may also send the specific module details with the request D-l and the UE 62 may respond, in step D-2, by sending just the updates to the modules that the network has requested. The network 64 may then make the required changes only to the specific modules (e.g. the respective UE capability modules).

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the gNB 64a performs the division of the UE context into UE capability modules after the step D-2. In this case, a further step D-3 may be provided in which the gNB 64a analyzes and splits the complete UE capability into UE capability modules (e.g. MIMO, carrier aggregation configuration, RLC, PDCP, security context, mobility context, application context, etc.) after reception of the UE capability response D-2 from the UE 62.

[0070] At step D-4, the gNB 64a sends a UE capability module update message to the UE 62. This message (which may be the message 36 of the sequence 30 described above) informs the UE 62 about capabilities that the network 64 is interested in and provides or updates thresholds for indicating any changes for specific parameters. The network may also include UE capability module IDs that the UE can use later to indicate for the network that it still supports the previously defined module set if required.

[0071] At step D-5, if the UE determines that there is a need to provide the network with updated UE capabilities (e.g. if a relevant trigger, such as a threshold being exceeded, has occurred), these updates will be included along with an acknowledgment message.

[0072] The UE 62 continues to monitor the thresholds defined in the UE capability module update message and, if a threshold is subsequently exceeded, the UE sends a further UE capability module update message (see example step D-6). In the event that network 64 decides to reconfigure the groups and modules to be updated, then a further UE capability module update request is sent in step D-7 (similar to request sent in step D-4) and a UE capability module update response in sent in step D-8 (similar to step D-5 described above).

[0073] Note that the threshold-based UE capability update procedure may be used with at least some existing non-modular UE capability structures.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows a message flow sequence, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, in accordance with an example embodiment. The sequence 70 shows messages between a UE 71, a first network node 72 and a second network node 73. The first network node 72 may be a source node of a mobile communication system and the second network node 73 may be a target node of the mobile communication system.

[0075] The message sequence 70 starts with the first network node 72 providing module request 74 to the second network node. The module request 74 relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components.

[0076] The second network node 73 provides a module request response 75 (in response to the request 74) to the first network node 72. The module request response 75 indicates one or more UE capability modules / components deemed relevant by said second network node. As discussed elsewhere, the UE capability module / components may relate to a UE functionality (e.g. one or more of: MIMO parameters, carrier aggregation configuration parameters, radio link control parameters, Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, parameters, security parameters, mobility parameters, and application parameters).

[0077] The first network node 72 provides a UE capability enquiry 76 to the UE 72. The UE capability enquiry relates to the UE context structure referred to above. For example, UE capability modules / components may have identifiers and the UE capability enquiry 76 may include identifiers of UE capability modules / components deemed relevant. The enquiry 76 may identify some or all of the modules for which the second network node requested updates in the module request response 75; this may help with creating a more optimal configuration for the UE 71 after handover to the second network node 73.

[0078] The UE 71 provides a UE capability module update 78 (in response to the enquiry 76) to the first network node 72. The UE capability module update 78 provides information relating to UE capability modules in accordance with the UE capability enquiry 76. The update 78 may be sent in response to detection of a trigger event 77 at the UE. The trigger may, for example, be related to whether a change in one or more capability component parameters is beyond a respective threshold (e.g. as defined in the UE capability enquiry 76), as discussed in detail above. Thus, the messages 76 and 78 may be similar to the messages 36 and 38 described above.

[0079] Finally, a handover 79 may take place from the first network node 72 to the second network node 73 (e.g. so that the second network node takes over as the source node for the UE 71). The handover 79 may include a handover command being provided from the first network node to initiate a handover to the second network node, as discussed further below.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows a message flow sequence, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, in accordance with an example embodiment. The sequence 80 provides more details of an example implementation of the sequence 70 described above.

[0081] The sequence 80 shows messages between a UE 82, a first network node gNB 84 (an example of the first network node 72 described above), and a second gNB 86 (an example of the second network node 73 described above). A core network 88 is also shown. The first gNB 84 includes a user plane (U-plane) 84a and a control plane (C-plane) 84b. Similarly, the second gNB 86 includes a U- plane 86a and a C-plane 86b. The first gNB 82 may be a source node and the second gNB 86 may be a target node.

[0082] In step 1, the first gNB 84 and the second gNB 86 agree on inter-gNB level modules which needs to be updated. As part of this process, a module request is sent from the C-plane 84b of the first gNB to the C-plane 86b of the second gNB.

[0083] In step 2, the C-plane 86b of the second gNB 86 provides a module request response to the C-plane 84b of the first gNB 84. The module request response provides a trigger for UE capability module updates (such as threshold levels, as discussed above). In this way, the second gNB 86 can define the UE parameters that are of interest to the second gNB (optionally with relevant thresholds).

[0084] In step 3, the C-plane 84b of the first gNB 84 sends an R.RC reconfiguration message to the UE 82. The R.R.C reconfiguration message includes information of UE capability modules, together with measurement configurations. The R.R.C reconfiguration message thereby informs the UE 82 of the capabilities the UE needs to update together with the measurement result.

[0085] The UE 84 acknowledges the R.R.C configuration for measurements and UE capability updates by sending an R.R.C reconfiguration complete response to the second gNB 84 (step 4).

[0086] At step 5, a measurement and UE capability update trigger occurs at the UE 82. As discussed in detail above, the trigger may be a parameter change exceeding a defined threshold (e.g. above an upper threshold level or below a lower threshold level).

[0087] At step 6, the UE 82 sends a measurement result. The first gNB 84 receives the measurement result (e.g. a UE capability module update) at the C-plane 84b of the first gNB 84. The first gNB 84 may deliver the updated UE capability modules to the second gNB 86 (e.g. in a handover request from the first gNB to the second gNB).

[0088] At step 7, a handover request is sent to from the C-plane of the first gNB 84 to the C-plane of the second gNB 86, along with the updated UE capability modules. The handover request may initiate a handover to the second gNB 86. At step 8, the C-plane 86b of the second gNB 86 acknowledges the handover request and uses the UE capability module information to optimize UE configuration.

[0089] At step 9, the C-plane 84b of the first gNB 84 sends a handover command to the UE 82 as part of an RRC reconfiguration message, thereby initiating a handover to the second gNB. The handover command may include rules for updating the UE capability modules related to the target cell module (the second gNB 86). Measurement configuration may be performed at the UE prior to handover.

[0090] At step 10, the handover to the second gNB 86 is carried out.

[0091] Note that in some example embodiments, the UE capability modules can be stored in a separate database (or in the AMF) and the gNBs can access the contents of the modules from the database. The gNB can then request the UE to update the current values of the UE capabilities related to a specific module.

[0092] Example Apparatus

[0093] FIG. 9 shows an apparatus according to some example embodiments, which may comprise the user terminal 100. The apparatus may be configured to perform the operations described herein, for example operations described with reference to any disclosed process. The apparatus comprises at least one processor 102 and at least one memory 104 directly or closely connected to the processor. The memory 104 may include at least one random access memory (RAM) and at least one read-only memory (ROM). Computer program code (software) 105 may be stored in the ROM. The apparatus may be connected to a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX) (see radio interface 106). The apparatus may, optionally, be connected with a user interface (UI) 108 for instructing the apparatus and / or for outputting data. The at least one processor 102, with the at least one memory 104 and the computer program code 105 are arranged to cause the apparatus to at least perform at least the method according to any preceding process, for example as disclosed in relation to the flow diagrams and message sequences of Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and related features thereof. FIG. 10 shows a non-transitory media 150 according to some embodiments. The non-transitory media 150 is a computer readable storage medium. It may be e.g. a CD, a DVD, a USB stick, a blue ray disk, etc. The non-transitory media 150 stores computer program code, causing an apparatus to perform the method of any preceding process for example as disclosed in relation to the flow diagrams and related features thereof.

[0094] Names of network elements, protocols, and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods may be different, as long as they provide a corresponding functionality. For example, embodiments may be deployed in 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G networks and further generations of 3GPP but also in non-3GPP radio networks such as WiFi.

[0095] A memory may be volatile or non-volatile. It may be e.g. a RAM, a SRAM, a flash memory, a FPGA block ram, a DCD, a CD, a USB stick, and a blue ray disk.

[0096] If not otherwise stated or otherwise made clear from the context, the statement that two entities are different means that they perform different functions. It does not necessarily mean that they are based on different hardware. That is, each of the entities described in the present description may be based on a different hardware, or some or all of the entities may be based on the same hardware. It does not necessarily mean that they are based on different software. That is, each of the entities described in the present description may be based on different software, or some or all of the entities may be based on the same software. Each of the entities described in the present description may be embodied in the cloud.

[0097] Implementations of any of the above described blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques or methods include, as non-limiting examples, implementations as hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in the cloud. It is to be understood that what is described above is what is presently considered the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, the UE comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to: receive a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; determine whether a change in one or more parameters of said UE capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry; and send a UE capability module update to said network node providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

2. A UE as claimed in claim 1, wherein said UE capability modules have identifiers, and wherein the UE capability enquiry includes identifiers of UE capability modules deemed relevant.

3. A UE as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said UE capability components have identifiers, and wherein the UE capability enquiry includes identifiers of UE capability components deemed relevant.

4. A UE as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the UE capability module update comprises binary indications of whether or not changes in respective UE capability component parameters are beyond the respectivethresholds.

5. A UE as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE capability module updated comprises new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

6. A UE as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE capability module update comprises new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

7. A UE as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE capability module update comprises new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

8. A UE as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE capability module update comprises new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

9. A UE as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each UE capability module relates to a UE functionality or elements that can be grouped together based on functionality.

10. A UE as claimed in claim 9, wherein said functionalities include one or more of: MIMO parameters, carrier aggregation configuration parameters, radio link control parameters, Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, parameters, security parameters, mobility parameters, and application parameters.

11. A first network node of a mobile communication system, the node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the node at least to: provide a UE capability enquiry to a user equipment, UE, of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; and receive a UE capability module update from said UE providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

12. A node as claimed in claim 11, wherein said UE capability modules have identifiers, and wherein the UE capability enquiry includes identifiers of UE capability modules deemed relevant.

13. A node as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said UE capability components have identifiers, and wherein the UE capability enquiry includes identifiers of UE capability components deemed relevant.

14. A node as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the UE capability module update comprises at least one of: binary indications of whether or not changes in respective UE capability component parameters are beyond the respective thresholds; new values for at least the UE capability component parameters for which said change is determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability components where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UEcapability component has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; new values for all UE capability component parameters for UE capability modules where any UE capability component parameter of the respective UE capability module has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold; and new values for all UE capability component parameters of each UE capability module of the UE context in the event that any UE capability component parameter of the UE context has a change determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

15. A node as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the instructions further cause the node at least to: split a complete UE capability into said UE capability modules, wherein each UE capability module relates to a functional module or elements that can be grouped together based on functionality or in some other way.

16. A method comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; determining whether a change in one or more parameters of said UE capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry; and sending a UE capability module update to said network node providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.2617. A method comprising: providing, from a network node of a mobile communication system, a UE capability enquiry to a user equipment, UE, of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; and receiving a UE capability module update from said UE providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.

18. A computer program product comprising program instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to: receive, at a user equipment, UE, of a mobile communication system, a UE capability enquiry from a first network node of the mobile communication system, wherein the UE capability enquiry relates to a UE context structure comprising a plurality of UE capability modules, each UE capability module having a group of one or more UE capability components, wherein the UE capability enquiry indicates one or more UE capability modules and / or UE capability components deemed relevant by said first network node and includes thresholds relating to parameters of the indicated UE capability components; determine whether a change in one or more parameters of said UE capability components is beyond the respective threshold included in said UE capability enquiry; and send a UE capability module update to said network node providing information relating to UE capability modules having one or more UE capability components having parameter changes determined to be beyond the respective threshold.27

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