Selecting a cell or carrier, and sending information to a wireless communications device

Abstract

In an example, a method in a wireless communications device for selecting a cell or carrier is provided The method comprises determining a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and selecting, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

Description

[0001] SELECTING A CELL OR CARRIER, AND SENDING INFORMATION TO A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] Example embodiments of this disclosure relate to selecting a cell or carrier, for example by a wireless communications device. Other example embodiments relate to sending information to a wireless communications device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Mobile networks have been deployed all over the world in the past decades. Starting with providing voice as the only available service, mobile networks have evolved over the years with advanced technologies to support mobile broadband and other use cases. Increasing demand to support more and more users with different use cases has pushed mobile network operators and the technology to increase capacity in mobile networks.

[0006] The increased capacity in the Radio Access Network (RAN) part is mainly achieved by additional spectrum, i.e. larger portions of radio frequencies. However, due to different restrictions, most network operators have only access to a limited part of the spectrum, that is usually distributed across different frequency bands. This is the reason why current Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) networks are deployed with multiple overlaid carriers.

[0007] There are different techniques for distributing users among the overlaid carriers and for combining carriers when devices in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode.

[0008] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined different RRC states for wireless communications devices such as User Equipments (UEs). These are RRC idle mode, RRC inactive mode, and RRC connected mode in NR. In idle mode, a UE first performs cell selection procedure to find a suitable cell. Then, the UE uses system information broadcast on the cell to perform cell reselection. The UE should always measure higher priority frequencies and camp on a cell on such a frequency if it fulfils the minimum signal level / quality (RSRP / RSRQ) requirements.

[0009] If no higher priority frequency is defined or no cell on a higher priority frequency is detected, the UE instead camps on the strongest cell among equal priority frequencies. In case the signal level / quality of the strongest cell is lower than a minimum threshold, the UE should try to search for lower priority frequencies and camp on a cell fulfilling the corresponding minimum signal level / quality.

[0010] The cell reselection procedure is valid for UE in both RRC idle and RRC inactive mode.

[0011] The priorities between different carrier frequencies in the network is defined via the Information Element (IE) cellReselectionPriorities which is broadcast in System Information Block 4 or 5 (SIB4 or SIB5) in NR or sent to the UE in a RRCRelease message. If the UE receives the dedicated cellReselectionPriorities IE, it overrides the broadcast information.

[0012] The cell reselection procedure, which is also referred to as “idle / inactive mode mobility,” can be used as a way to steer UEs to specific carriers in a multi-layer (multi-carrier) RAN deployment. By assigning the highest priority to a specific carrier, all UEs which are in the coverage of a cell on that carrier should try to camp on that. “Coverage” herein is intended to refer to those cells or carriers for which a minimum signal level quality is fulfilled at a UE.

[0013] 3GPP has defined slice-based cell reselection priority, where a UE capable of slice-based cell reselection priority and which receives Network Slice Access Stratum Group (NSAG) information for cell reselection from upper layer should read SIB16 to get the cell reselection priorities. The freqPrioityListSlicing-r17 Information Element (IE) further defines cell reselection priorities per NSAG.

[0014] During connected mode, a UE can be steered via Handover (HO). A UE can be steered due to mobility. For example, when a UE experiences poor coverage at cell edge, a HO may be executed to another carrier in better coverage. Alternatively, for example, when another cell is heard more strongly at a UE, an intra-frequency HO may be performed. A UE can also be steered due to traffic steering. Traffic steering is usually done when the UE is in good coverage, but the UE needs to be distributed for other reasons, such as load, service needs etc. However, each HO comes with a cost. Preceding the HO, measurements are needed, often requiring measurement gaps (which lowers the throughput of the UE). The HO itself adds RRC signaling in the network, and an interruption in service for the UE.

[0015] Most sessions in a mobile network are very small. For example, around 96% of sessions are smaller than 1MB in size of data transferred. Regardless of the session size, the same initial Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) access process is used, and the initial connection establishment uses the same component carrier where the initial access occurs. To handover or move a session to another component carrier takes time. It is dependent on receiving UE measurement of alternative component carriers, which takes in the order of seconds and then a RRC handover needs to be performed, which takes another >100ms with a resulting transmission gaps. For sessions of less than 1MB, the data transmission is essentially over before the handover to another more suitable component carrier can be finalized. As a result, the network load contribution from these small sessions can never be distributed unless they are performing their initial access using an appropriate component carrier.

[0016] Secondly, for larger sessions, even though there is time to redirect them (e.g. using handover) after initial access, this introduces a throughput disturbance, and an increased connection reliability risk if access is made on a component carrier that has worse coverage. This may also add to sub-optimal utilization of resources from other users on the initial component carrier.

[0017] UEs may be of different types (e.g. phones, drones, high-end, low-end, different capabilities), and may have different subscriptions which directly or indirectly refer to different performance needs or priority. In a mobile network, different carrier frequencies may have different coverage, and there may also be a difference in the amount of spectrum available per frequency. Further, each component carrier has a limited access capacity. Therefore, distributing users and thereby their initial accesses over the available component carriers increases system capacity.

[0018] Accordingly, to maximize the system capacity, UEs and their traffic need to be distributed among the available spectrum considering the different UE performance and priority aspects.

[0019] Summary

[0020] Examples of this disclosure may have certain advantages. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may allow for steering of wireless communications devices, including those in idle or inactive mode. Such steering may for example impact the first session for a wireless communications device, which is not possible with current standards. This can for example result in higher downlink and / or uplink throughput, reduce the number of RRCReconfigurations (e.g. used in handover), and achieve a more reliable and consistent device or service differentiation experience in the network. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method in a wireless communications device for selecting a cell or carrier. The method comprises determining a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and selecting, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method in a network node for sending information to a wireless communications device. The method comprises sending, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules.

[0022] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a tangible, non-transient computer- readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations comprising determining a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and selecting, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers

[0023] A still further aspect of the present disclosure provides a tangible, non-transient computer- readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations comprising sending, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides apparatus in a wireless communications device for selecting a cell or carrier. The apparatus comprises processing circuitry and a memory. The apparatus is configured to determine a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and select, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

[0025] An additional aspect of the present disclosure provides apparatus for sending information to a wireless communications device. The apparatus comprises processing circuitry and a memory. The apparatus is configured to send, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules.

[0026] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] For a better understanding of examples of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how the examples may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an example of a method in a wireless communications device for selecting a cell or carrier according to examples of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates an example of communications between a network node and a wireless communications device according to examples of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an example of a method in a network node for sending information to a wireless communications device according to examples of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic of an example of an apparatus for selecting a cell or carrier;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic of an example of an apparatus for sending information to a wireless communications device;

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium;

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates another example of a tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium; and

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a computer program.

[0036] Detailed Description

[0037] The following sets forth specific details, such as particular embodiments or examples for purposes of explanation and not limitation. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other examples may be employed apart from these specific details.

[0038] Examples of this disclosure provide methods for selecting a cell or carrier, which may for example allow for distributing wireless communications devices across cells or carriers. For example, example embodiments of this disclosure introduce camping IDs, where for each camping ID the relative cell reselection priority for each frequency is defined and may be different for different camping IDs. The criteria for a device to select a camping ID may in some examples be broadcast or signaled to a wireless communications device, for example during connection or release. In some examples, a network such as a Radio Access Network (RAN) may consist of multiple component carriers. These component carriers have different radio characteristics and resulting different coverage. Lower frequency carriers typically provide a more robust (reliable) coverage for connections. Further, they can have different site grids also resulting in different coverage or radio quality at different positions in the network. The amount of spectrum may also differ between carriers and frequency bands, where typically higher bands and higher frequency carriers have more available spectrum and typically can provide a higher throughput.

[0039] Each component carrier has a limited capacity. The amount of spectrum available to the component carrier restricts the throughput it can provide, but also each component carrier has a limited capacity when it comes to the number of connections it can support (e.g. PDCCH load, PLICCH load) and also has a limited initial access capacity via the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). The more users that camp on a component carrier, the higher the load on that carrier and the users experience worse performance. Therefore, in some examples, a network is deployed with multiple carriers and users are to be distributed over these component carriers to even out the load per component carrier, and thereby optimize the system capacity and end-user performance experience.

[0040] However, each user and service do not have the same performance demand or priority. For example, some users may have a higher priced subscription demanding a higher end-user performance experience. Different services may have different performance demands, e.g. mobile broadband (MBB) may need a high bit-rate, while speech, time critical communication (TCC) and extended reality (XR) may need a higher connection reliability and low consistent latency, etc. Accordingly, in some examples, it may be advantageous to consider these different demands when distributing devices and traffic among the component carriers.

[0041] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an example of a method 100 in a wireless communications device for selecting a cell or carrier according to examples of this disclosure. The wireless communications device may be for example a User Equipment (UE) or another type of wireless communications device.

[0042] The method 100 comprises, in step 102, determining a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers. In some examples, this may comprise receiving information identifying the first set of rules from a network node. This information may be received in dedicated signalling for the wireless communications device from the network node, e.g. RRC signalling or other transmission from the network node. In some examples, the information identifying the first set of rules may be received from the network node in a connection release message (e.g. RRCRelease or RRCConnectionRelease), and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode. The information identifying the first set of rules from a network node may be for example an identifier (e.g. an integer) that is associated with the first set of rules, where each set of rules is associated with a different identifier.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates an example of communications between a network node 202 and a wireless communications device 204 according to examples of this disclosure. The communications include a communication 206 that includes information identifying the first set of rules sent by the network node 202 and received by the wireless communications device 204.

[0044] In other examples, determining the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules in step 102 of the method 100 may comprise determining the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules based on one or more criteria. That is, for example, the wireless communications device may evaluate or apply the one or more criteria in order to select the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules. In some examples, the method 100 may comprise receiving information identifying the one or more criteria from a network node. For example, the information identifying the one or more criteria is received from the network node in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode. Alternatively, in some examples, the criteria may be received in a broadcast, e.g. in system information. Figure 2 illustrates communications including a communication 208 that includes information identifying the one or more criteria sent by the network node 202 and received by the wireless communications device 204.

[0045] The one or more criteria may comprise one or more of the following non-limiting examples:

[0046] • a subscription identifier of the wireless communications device;

[0047] • a subscription type of the wireless communications device (e.g. subscription priority, importance, price);

[0048] • a device type of the wireless communications device (e.g. phones, drones, high-end, low-end, devices with different capabilities); • a mobility level of the wireless communications device (e.g. whether or not the device is moving, speed of movement of the device);

[0049] • an availability of one or more cells and / or carriers at the wireless communication device.

[0050] The subscription identifier of the wireless device may be for example an ID of the subscription itself, or alternatively for example another identifier or group identifier, or Network Slice Access Stratum Group (NSAG) of the device or subscription.

[0051] Availability of one or more cells and / or carriers at the wireless communication device may refer for example to the availability of certain cells and / or carriers at the device. For example, if a frequency suitable as a secondary cell (SCell) is in coverage at the device, and a matching primary cell (PCell) frequency is also in coverage, the network may wish for devices to camp differently compared to if only the PCell frequency is in coverage, and not the SCell frequency. For example, in the former case, ranking rules for when both the SCell and PCell frequencies are in coverage may be such that the PCell frequency is ranked highly, whereas if the PCell frequency is in coverage but not the SCell frequency, ranking rules may rank the PCell frequency lower. As such, in some examples, criteria for determining the first set of rules may select different sets of rules depending on whether or not the SCell frequency is in coverage when the PCell frequency is in coverage.

[0052] Determining the first set of rules in step 102 of the method 100 may in some examples comprise determining an identifier for the wireless communication device based on the one or more criteria, wherein the identifier is associated with the first set of rules. The identifier may be for example a camping ID as referred to above. The identifier may be of any suitable form, such as for example an integer value, where the integer value is associated with the first set of rules, and other sets of rules of the plurality of sets of rules are each associated with a different identifier, camping ID or integer value. That is, for example, each set of rules of the plurality of sets of rules may be associated with a respective identifier

[0053] In some examples, the method 100 may comprise receiving an update of the one or more criteria from a network node. The update may for example add, delete and / or modify one or more of the criteria. Figure 2 illustrates communications including a communication 210 that includes information identifying the one or more criteria sent by the network node 202 and received by the wireless communications device 204. Step 104 of the method 100 comprises selecting, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers. That is, for example, the wireless communications device may select the highest ranking cell or carrier in the first plurality of cells and / or carriers. In some examples, the wireless communications device may use the first set of rules or apply the first set of rules to cells and / or carriers that are known to the wireless communications device, e.g. cells and / or carriers that have been discovered, detected or measured by the wireless communications device, have been found in a search by the wireless communications device, and / or fulfil signal level / quality (RSRP / RSRQ) requirements. Using or applying the rules may for example result in a ranked list of cells and / or carriers, or at least result in a highest ranked cell or carrier.

[0054] In some examples, selecting, in step 104 of the method 100, using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers comprises selecting the cell or carrier for camping on. That is, for example, the wireless communications device may select the cell or carrier that the wireless communications device intends to use next, e.g. in a Random Access (RA) procedure to transmit data.

[0055] In some examples, the method 100 may comprise receiving information identifying the plurality of sets of rules from a network node. This may for example be before the wireless communication device uses the first set of rules in step 104 of the method 100. Figure 2 illustrates communications including a communication 212 that includes information identifying the plurality of sets of rules sent by the network node 202 and received by the wireless communications device 204. The information identifying the plurality of sets of rules may in some examples be received from the network node in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode. Alternatively, in some examples, the information identifying the plurality of sets of rules may be received in a broadcast, e.g. system information.

[0056] In some examples, the method 100 may comprise receiving an update of the plurality of sets of rules from a network node. The update of the plurality of sets of rules may for example add, delete and / or modify one or more sets of rules of the plurality of sets of rules. Figure 2 illustrates communications including a communication 214 that includes an update of the plurality of sets of rules sent by the network node 202 and received by the wireless communications device 204 In some examples, selecting, in step 104 of the method 100, using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers is performed when the wireless communication device is in idle or inactive mode. For example, selecting, using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers may be performed as part of a cell selection or cell reselection procedure. In some examples, determining the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules is performed when the wireless communication device is in idle or inactive mode, e.g. received in a broadcast such as system information.

[0057] In some examples, the first set of rules and / or each of the plurality of sets of rules comprises one or more of the following non-limiting examples:

[0058] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency. For example, in one set of rules, for example those for wireless communications devices that need high reliability, lower frequency cells / carriers may be ranked higher, whereas in another set of rules, for example for those wireless communications devices that need high throughput, higher frequency cells / carriers may be ranked higher.

[0059] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency band. For example, in one set of rules, for example those for wireless communications devices that need high reliability, cells / carriers in a lower frequency band may be ranked higher, whereas in another set of rules, for example for those wireless communications devices that need high throughput, cells / carriers in a higher frequency band may be ranked higher.

[0060] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency range. For example, in one set of rules, for example those for wireless communications devices that need high reliability, cells / carriers in a lower frequency range may be ranked higher, whereas in another set of rules, for example for those wireless communications devices that need high throughput, cells / carriers in a higher frequency range may be ranked higher.

[0061] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on priority of the cells and / or carriers. For example, certain cells and / or carriers may be reserved for high or higher priority wireless communications devices, and therefore rules for those devices may rank the high(er) priority cells and / or carriers higher than rules for other devices.

[0062] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an example of a method 300 in a network node for sending information to a wireless communications device according to examples of this disclosure. The method 300 comprises, in step 302, sending, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules. For example, the information identifying a plurality of sets of rules may be sent in a communication 212 sent from the network node 202 to the wireless communications device 204 as illustrated in Figure 2. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules may be sent in a communication 208 sent from the network node 202 to the wireless communications device 204 as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0063] In some examples, the method 300 may comprise sending, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a first set of rules of the plurality of sets of rules. For example, the information identifying the first set of rules may be sent in a communication 206 sent from the network node 202 to the wireless communications device 204 as illustrated in Figure 2. The information identifying the first set of rules may in some examples be sent to the wireless communications device in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode.

[0064] In some examples, the information identifying the one or more criteria may be sent to the wireless communications device in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communications device transitions to idle or inactive mode. Alternatively, in some examples, the information identifying the one or more criteria may be sent in a broadcast, e.g. system information.

[0065] The one or more criteria comprises one or more of the following non-limiting examples:

[0066] • a subscription identifier of the wireless communications device;

[0067] • a subscription type of the wireless communications device;

[0068] • a device type of the wireless communications device;

[0069] • a mobility level of the wireless communications device;

[0070] • an availability of one or more cells and / or carriers at the wireless communication device.

[0071] The method 300 may in some examples comprise sending, to the wireless communications device, an update of the one or more criteria. For example, the update of the one or more criteria may be sent in a communication 210 sent from the network node 202 to the wireless communications device 204 as illustrated in Figure 2. The update of the one or more criteria may for example add, delete and / or modify one or more of the one or more criteria.

[0072] In some examples, the one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules comprises one or more criteria for determining an identifier (e.g. a camping ID) for the wireless communication device, wherein the identifier is associated with the first set of rules. Each set of rules of the plurality of sets of rules may in some examples be associated with a respective identifier.

[0073] In some examples, the information identifying the plurality of sets of rules is sent to the wireless communications device in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode. Alternatively, in some examples, the information identifying the plurality of sets of rules may be sent in a broadcast e.g. system information.

[0074] In some examples, the method 300 may comprise sending, to the wireless communications device, an update of the plurality of sets of rules. The update of the plurality of sets of rules may for example add, delete and / or modify one or more sets of rules of the plurality of sets of rules. For example, the update of the plurality of sets of rules may be sent in a communication 214 sent from the network node 202 to the wireless communications device 204 as illustrated in Figure 2. As for the rules as described above, the update of the plurality of sets of rules may be sent to the wireless communications device in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode. Alternatively, in some examples, the update of the plurality of sets of rules may be sent in a broadcast e.g. system information.

[0075] The first set of rules and / or each of the plurality of sets of rules may comprises one or more of the following non-limiting examples:

[0076] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency;

[0077] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency band;

[0078] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency range;

[0079] • one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on priority of the cells and / or carriers. The network node referred to above may be for example a base station, eNodeB (eNB), gNodeB (gNB), Radio Unit (RU), Distributed Unit (DU), Control Unit (CU), or similar. Alternatively, in some examples, the network node may be another node in the network, such as a core network (CN) node, and communications may be sent to the wireless communications device via one or more other nodes such as for example another core network node, another network node, a base station, eNodeB (eNB), gNodeB (gNB), Radio Unit (RU), Distributed Unit (DU), Control Unit (CU), or similar.

[0080] Table 1 below illustrates examples of camping IDs and ranking rules associated with each camping ID.

[0081] Table 1 : Camping rules

[0082] In the above table, HB is high band, MB is mid band, LB is low band, and emW is centimetre wave. For each camping ID, the ranking rules provide rules for ranking cells and / or carriers. As such, for example, a camping ID of 1 provides rules such that high band cells / carriers are ranked highest, with emW cells / carriers next highest, and all (other) cells lowest. Camping ID 4 provides rules such that low and mid band cells / carriers are ranked highest, followed by emW cells below 7GHz frequency. Camping ID 5 provides rules such that cells / carriers below 3GHz frequency are ranked highest, cells / carriers below 7GHz are ranked next highest, and cells above 15GHz are ranked lowest. In some examples of this disclosure, any cells or carriers that do not fall within the rules in the first set of rules determined by a wireless communications device may be ranked according to a general rule, e.g. lower than cells / carriers that are ranked by the rules.

[0083] Table 2 provides examples of camping IDs and the criteria that may be used to select each camping ID. Table 2: Camping ID criteria

[0084] Therefore, for example, a subscription with ID(s) X or Y, and stationary devices, may be given or may determine using the criteria the camping ID 1, and may thus rank cells / carriers according to the rules associated with camping ID 1. Subscription ID(s) Z and devices that are in the coverage of cells / carriers of both frequency A and B have camping ID 2, devices of type A have camping ID 4, and so on. A device that is given a camping ID (or uses the criteria to determine its camping ID) may thus determine the rules associated with the camping ID for ranking cells / carriers, and may thus select a cell (e.g. for camping on) according to the associated rules (i.e. the first set of rules referred to above).

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic of an example of an apparatus 400 (e.g. in a wireless communications device) for selecting a cell or carrier. The apparatus 400 comprises processing circuitry 402 (e.g. one or more processors) and a memory 404 in communication with the processing circuitry 402. In some examples, the apparatus 400 is configured (e.g. the memory 404 contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry 402 such that the apparatus 400 is operable / configured) to determine a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and select, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers. In some examples, the apparatus 400 is operable / configured to carry out the method 100 described above with reference to Figure 1.

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic of an example of an apparatus 500 (e.g. in a network node) for sending information to a wireless communications device. The apparatus 500 comprises processing circuitry 502 (e.g. one or more processors) and a memory 504 in communication with the processing circuitry 502. In some examples, the apparatus 500 is configured (e.g. the memory 504 contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry 502 such that the apparatus 500 is operable / configured) to send, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules. In some examples, the apparatus 500 is operable / configured to carry out the method 300 described above with reference to Figure 3.

[0087] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium 600. The computer-readable medium 600 comprises instructions 602 that, when executed by processing circuitry 604, cause the processing circuitry 604 to perform operations comprising determining a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and selecting, using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers. In some examples, the instructions 602 include instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 604, cause the processing circuitry 604 to perform the method 100 described above with reference to Figure 1.

[0088] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium 600. The computer-readable medium 700 comprises instructions 702 that, when executed by processing circuitry 704, cause the processing circuitry 704 to perform operations comprising sending, to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules.

[0089] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a computer program 800. The computer program 800 comprises instructions 802 that, when executed by processing circuitry 804, cause the processing circuitry 802 to carry out the method 100 described above with reference to Figure 1 , or the method 300 described above with reference to Figure 3.

[0090] It should be noted that the above-mentioned examples illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative examples without departing from the scope of the appended statements. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the statements below. Where the terms, “first”, “second” etc. are used they are to be understood merely as labels for the convenient identification of a particular feature. In particular, they are not to be interpreted as describing the first or the second feature of a plurality of such features (i.e. , the first or second of such features to occur in time or space) unless explicitly stated otherwise. Steps in the methods disclosed herein may be carried out in any order unless expressly otherwise stated. Any reference signs in the statements shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

Claims

Claims1 . A method (100) in a wireless communications device (204) for selecting a cell or carrier, the method comprising: determining (102) a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers; and selecting (104), using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining (102) the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules comprises receiving information identifying the first set of rules from a network node (202).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the information (206) identifying the first set of rules is received from the network node (202) in a connection release message, and / or when the wireless communication device (204) is in connected mode, and / or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining (102) the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules comprises determining the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules based on one or more criteria.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the one or more criteria comprises one or more of: a subscription identifier of the wireless communications device (204); a subscription type of the wireless communications device; a device type of the wireless communications device; a mobility level of the wireless communications device; an availability of one or more cells and / or carriers at the wireless communication device.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, comprising receiving information (208) identifying the one or more criteria from a network node (202).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the information identifying the one or more criteria is received from the network node (202) in a connection release message, or when the wireless communication device (204) is in connected mode, or when the wirelesscommunication device transitions to idle or inactive mode, or when the wireless communication device is in idle mode, or in a broadcast, or in system information.

8. The method of any of claims 4 to 7, comprising receiving an update (210) of the one or more criteria from a network node (202).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the update of the one or more criteria adds, deletes and / or modifies one or more of the one or more criteria.

10. The method of any of claims 4 to 9, wherein determining (102) the first set of rules comprises determining an identifier for the wireless communication device (204) based on the one or more criteria, wherein the identifier is associated with the first set of rules.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein each set of rules of the plurality of sets of rules is associated with a respective identifier.

12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11, comprising receiving information (212) identifying the plurality of sets of rules from a network node (202).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the information identifying the plurality of sets of rules is received from the network node (202) in a connection release message, or when the wireless communication device (204) is in connected mode, or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode, or when the wireless communication device is in idle mode, or in a broadcast, or in system information.

14. The method of any of claims 1 to 13, comprising receiving an update (214) of the plurality of sets of rules from a network node.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the update of the plurality of sets of rules adds, deletes and / or modifies one or more sets of rules of the plurality of sets of rules.

16. The method of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first set of cells and / or carriers comprises one or more of: a first set of cells and / or carriers available at the wireless communications device (204); a first set of cells and / or carriers discovered, detected and / or measured by the wireless communications device.

17. The method of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein selecting (104), using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers is performed when the wireless communication device (204) is in idle or inactive mode.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining (102) the first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules is performed when the wireless communication device (204) is in idle or inactive mode.

19. The method of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein selecting (102), using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers is performed as part of a cell selection or cell reselection procedure.

20. The method of any of claims 1 to 19, wherein selecting (102), using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers comprises selecting the cell or carrier for camping on.

21. The method of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein selecting (102), using the first set of rules, the cell or carrier from the first plurality of cells and / or carriers comprises selecting the highest ranking cell or carrier in the first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

22. The method of any of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the first set of rules and / or each of the plurality of sets of rules comprises one or more of: one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency; one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency band; one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency range; one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on priority of the cells and / or carriers.

23. A method (300) in a network node (202) for sending information to a wireless communications device (204), the method comprising: sending (302), to the wireless communications device, information (212) identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information (208) identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules.

24. The method of claim 23, comprising sending, to the wireless communications device (204), information (206) identifying a first set of rules of the plurality of sets of rules.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the information identifying the first set of rules is sent to the wireless communications device (204) in a connection release message, or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode, or when the wireless communication device is in idle mode, or in a broadcast, or in system information.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the information identifying the one or more criteria is sent to the wireless communications device (204) in a connection release message, or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, or when the wireless communications device transitions to idle or inactive mode, or when the wireless communication device is in idle mode, or in a broadcast, or in system information.

27. The method of claim 23 or 26, wherein the one or more criteria comprises one or more of: a subscription identifier of the wireless communications device (204); a subscription type of the wireless communications device; a device type of the wireless communications device; a mobility level of the wireless communications device; an availability of one or more cells and / or carriers at the wireless communication device.

28. The method of any of claims 23 to 27 comprising sending, to the wireless communications device (204), an update (210) of the one or more criteria.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the update of the one or more criteria adds, deletes and / or modifies one or more of the one or more criteria.

30. The method of any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules comprises one or more criteria for determining an identifier for the wireless communication device (204), wherein the identifier is associated with the first set of rules.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein each set of rules of the plurality of sets of rules is associated with a respective identifier.

32. The method of any of claims 23 to 31 , wherein the information identifying the plurality of sets of rules is sent to the wireless communications device (204) in a connection release message, or when the wireless communication device is in connected mode, or when the wireless communication device transitions to idle or inactive mode, or when the wireless communication device is in idle mode, or in a broadcast, or in system information.

33. The method of any of claims 23 to 32, comprising sending, to the wireless communications device (204), an update (214) of the plurality of sets of rules.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the update of the plurality of sets of rules adds, deletes and / or modifies one or more sets of rules of the plurality of sets of rules.

35. The method of any of claims 23 to 34, wherein the first set of cells and / or carriers comprises one or more of: a first set of cells and / or carriers available at the wireless communications device (204); a first set of cells and / or carriers discovered, detected and / or measured by the wireless communications device.

36. The method of any of claims 23 to 35, wherein the first set of rules and / or each of the plurality of sets of rules comprises one or more of: one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency; one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency band; one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on frequency range; one or more rules for ranking cells and / or carriers based on priority of the cells and / or carriers.

37. A tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium (600) comprising instructions (602) that, when executed by processing circuitry (604), cause the processing circuitry to perform operations comprising: determining (102) a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers; and selecting (104), using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

38. The computer-readable medium (600) of claim 37, comprising instructions (602) that, when executed by processing circuitry (604), cause the processing circuitry to perform the method (100) of any of claims 2 to 22.

39. A tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium (700) comprising instructions (702) that, when executed by processing circuitry (704), cause the processing circuitry to perform operations comprising: sending (302), to the wireless communications device (204), information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules.

40. The computer-readable medium (700) of claim 39, comprising instructions (702) that, when executed by processing circuitry (704), cause the processing circuitry to perform the method (300) of any of claims 24 to 36.

41. A computer program (800), comprising instructions (802) that, when executed by processing circuitry (804), cause the processing circuitry to carry out the method (100, 300) according to any of claims 1 to 36.

42. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to carry out the method (100, 300) according to any of claims 1 to 36.

43. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 42, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer-readable medium.

44. Apparatus (400) in a wireless communications device for selecting a cell or carrier, the apparatus comprising processing circuitry (402) and a memory (404), the apparatus configured to: determine (102) a first set of rules from a plurality of sets of rules, wherein the first set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers; and select (104), using the first set of rules, a cell or carrier from a first plurality of cells and / or carriers.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the apparatus (400) is configured to perform the method (100) of any of claims 2 to 22.

46. Apparatus (500) for sending information to a wireless communications device (204), the apparatus comprising processing circuitry (502) and a memory (504), the apparatus configured to: Send (302), to the wireless communications device, information identifying a plurality of sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is for ranking cells and / or carriers, and / or information identifying one or more criteria for determining a first set of rules from the plurality of sets of rules.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the apparatus (500) is configured to perform the method (300) of any of claims 24 to 36.

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